What reading level is First kill?

First kill by Z Brewer is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 830L). Recommended for Middle Grades Plus readers (Ages 11+).

What age is First kill appropriate for?

First kill is recommended for Ages 11+. HootRating: 10IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags: Graphic Violence, Physical Danger, Fear & Anxiety.

What genre is First kill?

First kill is fiction. Part of the Slayer Chronicles series.

Does First kill have any content warnings?

First kill has a HootRating of 10IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags include: Graphic Violence, Physical Danger, Fear & Anxiety. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is First kill?

First kill by Z Brewer is 309 pages (approximately 67,339 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

First kill

Z Brewer

First kill

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Z Brewer

Slayer Chronicles

Reading Level 5-6 10IE Ages 11+ Heads Up

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for older middle graders (ages 11+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

On the brink of ninth grade, Joss embarks on a daring journey to find the creature responsible for his sister's mysterious death. As he meets his uncle and uncovers hidden truths, Joss discovers he is meant to become part of the legendary Slayer Society. Filled with suspense and chilling encounters, this adventure is not for the faint-hearted.

Themes

Horror storiesVampiresAdventure Coming of Age

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include graphic violence, physical danger, fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 11+.

Why we rated First kill 10IE

First kill is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 830L across 309 pages (approximately 67,339 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.7 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, First kill works for readers up to grade 7.7.

Read aloud, First kill runs about 7.5 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate First kill as 10IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Graphic Violence, Physical Danger, Fear & Anxiety.

Thematically, First kill explores horror stories, vampires, adventure, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 11+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about horror stories, vampires, adventure.

Maybe not for

! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
! Children younger than 11+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.