Lord of Obsidian
Laraine Anne Barker
Lord of Obsidian
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Quest for Earthlight Trilogy
by Laraine Anne Barker
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
I have a secret to tell you: the Obsidian Orb is not just a magical object—it's a living power with a voice that speaks directly to Peter. He’s trapped inside the Essence of Obsidian, a realm unlike any book he's ever read. But that's only the beginning of his adventure against a mysterious enemy who may be even more dangerous than the Lord of Obsidian himself.
Quick Assessment
This young adult science fiction novel follows Peter, who becomes entwined with the powerful and magical Obsidian Orb. As he navigates this mysterious world, he faces a formidable enemy and discovers unexpected alliances. Suitable for ages 13-18, the book explores themes of magic, power, and good versus evil with moderate intensity.
Why we rated Lord of Obsidian 9ME
Lord of Obsidian is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 184 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lord of Obsidian works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Lord of Obsidian as 9ME ("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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Lord of Obsidian explores science & nature, fantasy world-building, adventure, coming of age, and friendship — 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 science & nature, fantasy world-building, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Lord Sha (Book of the Stars)
Erik L'Homme
Lord Sha (Book of the Stars)
Erik L'Homme
The dark Lord of Pengersick
Richard Carlyon
The dark Lord of Pengersick
Richard Carlyon
Lair of Illusion
Carissa Douglas
Lair of Illusion
Carissa Douglas
Lord Sunday
Garth Nix
Lord Sunday
Garth Nix
Lord of Shadows
Cassandra Clare
Lord of Shadows
Cassandra Clare
Lord of the forest
B. B.
Lord of the forest
B. B.
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780759905023
- Pages
- 184
- Publisher
- Hard Shell Word Factory
- Published
- October 12, 2004
- Type
- Fiction