In a dark land

Name: In a dark land
Author: Christina Soontornvat
ISBN: 9781492634218

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Christina Soontornvat

Changelings

Reading Level 4-5 LP · Mild · Physical Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material. Its HootRating code, LP, means mild content, mostly physical.

Find on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links.

About This Book

Izzy and her friends embark on an exciting quest to recover the missing King's Key, racing against a wicked witch determined to capture the Changelings living among humans. Magic and shapeshifting bring thrilling challenges as they work together to protect their world. Adventure and friendship light the way through this enchanting tale.

Themes

FantasyMagicFriendship AdventureChangelingsShapeshifting

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated In a dark land LP (Mild)

In a dark land is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 308 pages (approximately 68,962 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage In a dark land on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.

Read aloud, In a dark land runs about 7.7 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate In a dark land as LP (Mild, mostly physical) 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.

Thematically, In a dark land explores fantasy, magic, friendship, adventure, and changelings — 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.
✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy, magic, friendship.

Maybe not for

! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.

For Parents

Content Intensity

LP · Mild · Physical

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Mild ←

Social

Gentle

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.