What reading level is Poisoned blade?

Poisoned blade by Kate Elliott is at a Level 6-7 reading level (Lexile 940L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Poisoned blade appropriate for?

Poisoned blade is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags: Mild peril.

What genre is Poisoned blade?

Poisoned blade is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Poisoned blade have any content warnings?

Poisoned blade has a HootRating of 11ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags include: Mild peril. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Poisoned blade?

Poisoned blade by Kate Elliott is 468 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Poisoned blade

Kate Elliott

Poisoned blade

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Kate Elliott

Reading Level 6-7 11ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

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About This Book

Jessamy isn't just playing a game—she's fighting for her family's survival and the fate of a kingdom! As she climbs the ranks in the fierce Fives competition, danger lurks at every turn, and the prince she loves might be caught in the crossfire. Can Jessamy become the warrior her world desperately needs?

Themes

SistersContestsRomance Multicultural Adventure Fantasy World-Building

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fantasy sequel follows Jessamy, a skilled competitor in a challenging athletic contest called the Fives, who must win to protect her hidden family. The story weaves themes of bravery, family loyalty, and young romance while introducing political intrigue and danger appropriate for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and complex social dynamics within a richly built fantasy setting.

Why we rated Poisoned blade 11ME

Poisoned blade is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 940L across 468 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Poisoned blade works for readers up to grade 8.5.

We rate Poisoned blade as 11ME ("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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild peril.

Thematically, Poisoned blade explores sisters, contests, romance, multicultural, and adventure — 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 sisters, contests, romance.

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.