Flicker and Mist
Mary G. Thompson
Flicker and Mist
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mary G. Thompson
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The quiet hum of the forest wraps around Myra like a secret as she slips unseen through the shadows. Her skin tingles with the power to vanish, but hiding her Flickerkin gift is more dangerous than she ever imagined. With enemies closing in and loyalties unraveling, every choice feels like a heartbeat away from danger.
Quick Assessment
This young adult fantasy follows Myra, a mixed-race girl with the ability to become invisible, a gift that marks her as an outcast in her society. The story explores themes of prejudice and identity as Myra navigates danger, romance, and shifting alliances. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, the book contains fantasy violence and social themes related to discrimination and complex moral decisions.
Why we rated Flicker and Mist 12ME
Flicker and Mist is written at a Level 7 reading level across 389 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flicker and Mist works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Flicker and Mist as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Prejudice, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Flicker and Mist explores fantasy world-building, romance, adventure, coming of age, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, romance, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780544648678
- Pages
- 389
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- Jan 03, 2017
- Type
- Fiction