Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Ice Kissed
Amanda Hocking
Ice Kissed
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Kanin Chronicles (From the World of the Trylle)
by Amanda Hocking
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: Bryn Aven is half Skojare, living between two worlds she barely understands. When she steps into the sparkling halls of the crystal palace, she uncovers a mystery that could shatter her kingdom—and her heart. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows Bryn Aven as she navigates her dual heritage and a dangerous mission to protect the Skojare kingdom. Themes of identity, loyalty, and young love are woven through the story, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and secrets. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the book contains mild romantic elements and fantasy peril without graphic content.
Why we rated Ice Kissed 11LE
Ice Kissed is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 920L across 309 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ice Kissed works for readers up to grade 8.5.
We rate Ice Kissed as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Ice Kissed explores adventure, fantasy world-building, coming of age, friendship, and romance — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, fantasy world-building, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9781250049872
- Pages
- 309
- Publisher
- St. Martin's Griffin
- Published
- May 2015
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 920L