Genghis
Conn Iggulden
Genghis
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
lords of the bow
by Conn Iggulden
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is very intense with mature or graphic material.
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About This Book
Follow the fierce journey of a young warrior as he leads his people across vast deserts, using sharp wit and bravery to conquer lands and enemies alike. This gripping tale explores the rise of a powerful leader through thrilling battles and complex strategies. Expect intense scenes that reveal the harsh realities of war and leadership.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6-7 book with very intense content intensity. Content themes include graphic violence, sexual content. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Genghis 11VP
Genghis is written at a Level 6-7 reading level across 387 pages (approximately 141,492 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Genghis works for readers up to grade 8.8.
Read aloud, Genghis runs about 15.7 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Genghis as 11VP ("Vivid — Physical") because the content sits in the "Very Intense" range — very intense or graphic content — peril, violence, trauma, or mature themes treated head-on. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Graphic Violence, Sexual Content.
Thematically, Genghis explores historical, adventure, kings and rulers, and war and conflict — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, kings and rulers.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — 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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11VP — Vivid — PhysicalGraphic or sustained depictions of trauma, violence, or mature content.
Content Flags
Was our "Very Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385339520
- Pages
- 387
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 141,492
- Read-Aloud
- ~15h 43m
- Text Density
- Very Dense