Obsidian and Stars
Julie Eshbaugh
Obsidian and Stars
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Julie Eshbaugh
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Mya races through the tangled forest, Lees clutching her hand tightly. Shadows close in—enemies from her past are right behind them, their voices cold and angry. Just when escape seems within reach, a sudden trap snaps shut—what will Mya do now?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Mya as she navigates dangerous threats to protect her family and future after a violent conflict. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story involves themes of survival and loyalty with moments of peril and suspense. Parents should note the presence of tense scenes involving conflict and threats of forced marriage.
Why we rated Obsidian and Stars 12ME
Obsidian and Stars is written at a Level 7 reading level across 368 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Obsidian and Stars works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Obsidian and Stars as 12ME ("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 — 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, Obsidian and Stars explores survival, family, adventure, and fantasy world-building — 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 survival, family, 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
12ME — 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
Empire of Night
Kelley Armstrong
Empire of Night
Kelley Armstrong
Obsidio
Amie Kaufman
Obsidio
Amie Kaufman
Labyrinth of Stars
Iris Beaglehole
Labyrinth of Stars
Iris Beaglehole
Shadows of Starfall Grove
Rooker Publications Llc
Shadows of Starfall Grove
Rooker Publications Llc
Breagan's Star
Jodi Bracken
Breagan's Star
Jodi Bracken
Ignite the stars
Maura Milan
Ignite the stars
Maura Milan
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062399281
- Pages
- 368
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction