Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Rise of the Evening Star
Brandon Mull
Rise of the Evening Star
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Brandon Mull
Illustrated by Brandon Dorman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crisp rustle of leaves whispers secrets in the twilight as Kendra and Seth step back into the enchanted world of Fablehaven. The air tingles with magic and danger, hinting at a powerful artifact hidden deep within the preserve. Shadows gather, and with them, the weight of a looming threat that only the bravest can face.
Quick Assessment
This fantasy adventure follows Kendra and Seth as they return to Fablehaven to help protect a magical preserve from a sinister group seeking a powerful artifact. Suitable for middle-grade to young adult readers, the story contains themes of courage, teamwork, and magical conflict. Parents should note the presence of fantasy peril and mild suspense appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Why we rated Rise of the Evening Star 9LP
Rise of the Evening Star is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 730L across 456 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rise of the Evening Star works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Rise of the Evening Star as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Rise of the Evening Star explores adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship, and family — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781590387429
- Pages
- 456
- Publisher
- Shadow Mountain
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 730L