Mordred
Colin Thompson
Mordred
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Colin Thompson
The text is written at a 6th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The castle trembles as Merlin calmly claims he’s got this under control. But King Arthur faces fierce rebellions from the Dragons, his cunning cousin Mordred, and a fake king who won’t give up his throne. Will the kingdom survive the chaos, or is this the end of Arthur’s reign?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows King Arthur as he contends with multiple rebellions, including threats from his cousin Mordred and other challengers. The story blends humor with adventurous conflict, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of fantasy violence and themes of political intrigue, though handled in a lighthearted manner.
Why we rated Mordred 11MP
Mordred is written at a Level 6 reading level across 228 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mordred works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Mordred as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — 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, Mordred explores fantasy, humor, adventure, and revolution — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy, humor, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The book of Mordred
Vivian Vande Velde
The book of Mordred
Vivian Vande Velde
Merlin and the making of the king
Margaret Hodges
Merlin and the making of the king
Margaret Hodges
The dragons
Colin Thompson
The dragons
Colin Thompson
Mordred, bastard son
Douglas Clegg
Mordred, bastard son
Douglas Clegg
Merlin The Raging Fires
T. A. Barron
Merlin The Raging Fires
T. A. Barron
Merlin's destiny
Sigmund Brouwer
Merlin's destiny
Sigmund Brouwer
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781741663839
- Pages
- 228
- Publisher
- Children's
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction