High King

Lloyd Alexander

Cover of High King

High King

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 5 (50th Anniversary Edition)

by Lloyd Alexander

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read
Newbery Medal

The text is written at a 7th 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.

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About This Book

The sharp crackle of frost underfoot fills the air as a bitter wind howls through the dark forests of Prydain. In the midst of icy shadows, three brave friends prepare to face an ancient evil wielding a weapon of unimaginable power. Every step brings them closer to a final battle that will decide the fate of their world—and test the courage of one young hero like never before.

Quick Assessment

This 50th Anniversary Edition of Lloyd Alexander's The High King concludes the beloved Chronicles of Prydain series, offering a richly detailed fantasy adventure suitable for readers ages 9-12. The story follows Taran and his companions as they confront forces of darkness in a high-stakes battle, exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and moral choice. While the novel contains scenes of battle and peril, it is appropriate for middle-grade readers and includes additional materials such as a pronunciation guide and bonus content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

304 pages
ISBN
9781250072740
Pages
304
Publisher
Square Fish
Published
2017
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

PrydainGood and EvilMagicFairy TalesFantasy FictionMaturationMagiciansFate and FatalismFantasyTaranSwordsNewbery MedalAdventure and AdventurersKings and RulersKingsQueensRulersEtcScience FictionAward:Newbery_award