Pillage
Obert Skye
Pillage
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Obert Skye
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
Here’s a secret: Beck Phillips thought moving in with his uncle would be just a change of address. But Kingsplot hides shadows deeper than the forest, and magic more real than he ever imagined. And that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows 15-year-old Beck Phillips as he moves to a remote village to live with his wealthy but distant uncle, uncovering family secrets and encountering magical elements. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes themes of magic, family dynamics, and mystery, with some suspenseful moments that may prompt thoughtful discussions. There is mild peril and fantasy violence, but no graphic content.
Why we rated Pillage 12ME
Pillage is written at a Level 7 reading level across 312 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Pillage works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Pillage 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, Pillage explores magic, family, mystery, 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 magic, family, mystery.
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
Pinocula
Obert Skye
Pinocula
Obert Skye
A book of spirits and thieves
Michelle Rowen
A book of spirits and thieves
Michelle Rowen
Choke
Obert Skye
Choke
Obert Skye
Clash of the Sky Galleons (Edge Chronicles)
Paul Stewart
Clash of the Sky Galleons (Edge Chronicles)
Paul Stewart
Sky raiders
Brandon Mull
Sky raiders
Brandon Mull
Hidden Beast
Christopher Pike
Hidden Beast
Christopher Pike
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781590389225
- Pages
- 312
- Publisher
- Shadow Mountain
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction