From the earth to the shadows
Amanda Hocking
From the earth to the shadows
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Valkyrie Book Two
by Amanda Hocking
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: Malin’s world is full of hidden truths that even she didn’t know. Dark revelations wait around every corner, and new friends might not be what they seem. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel concludes the Valkyrie duology, featuring Norse mythology and complex interpersonal dynamics. It explores themes of secrecy and identity as Malin navigates new alliances and threats. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains fantasy violence and some emotional intensity but remains appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated From the earth to the shadows 12ME
From the earth to the shadows is written at a Level 8 reading level across 424 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, From the earth to the shadows works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate From the earth to the shadows 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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, From the earth to the shadows explores fantasy world-building, mystery, friendship, coming of age, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Frostfire
Amanda Hocking
Frostfire
Amanda Hocking
In the shadows
Kiersten White
In the shadows
Kiersten White
Shadow moon
Marilee Brothers
Shadow moon
Marilee Brothers
Shadowland (Immortals #3)
Alyson Noël
Shadowland (Immortals #3)
Alyson Noël
Secrets and shadows
Shannon Delany
Secrets and shadows
Shannon Delany
Shadow Soul
Kaitlyn Davis
Shadow Soul
Kaitlyn Davis
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781250084804
- Pages
- 424
- Publisher
- Wednesday Books
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction