Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One)
Joseph Elliot
Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joseph Elliot
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
Here's a secret: Agatha was born different, and some say she doesn't belong by the sea. Jaime is terrified of the ocean he's meant to protect. When disaster hits, they must face forgotten magic and shadowy dangers together—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Good Hawk follows Agatha, a determined young girl with a unique condition, and Jaime, a hesitant Angler afraid of the sea, as they embark on a perilous journey filled with magic and dark secrets. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, this fantasy novel contains some grisly violence and intense moments but is balanced with humor and compassion. Parents should note the story explores themes of identity, courage, and resilience in a richly atmospheric setting.
Why we rated Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One) 12ME
Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One) is written at a Level 7 reading level across 368 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One) works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One) 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence.
Thematically, Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One) explores fantasy world-building, adventure, coming of age, friendship, and identity & self-discovery — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, coming of age.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781406385854
- Pages
- 368
- Publisher
- Walker Books, Limited
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction