Second Kiss
Priest, Robert
Second Kiss
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Spell Crossed
by Priest, Robert
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp clang of swords echoes through the misty air, mixing with the scent of damp earth and distant rain. Young Xemion feels the cold steel in his hand, heart pounding with hope and fear as he steps toward a battle that could change everything. But the magic that keeps Saheli away is stronger than any sword—can one last kiss bring them together?
Quick Assessment
Second Kiss is a middle-grade fantasy novel about young Xemion, who embarks on a courageous journey to become a swordfighter and reunite with his beloved Saheli amid the threat of war. The story explores themes of bravery, love, and determination suitable for ages 9-12, with mild fantasy violence and emotional moments. Parents should note that the book contains magical elements and some tension related to war but no graphic content.
Why we rated Second Kiss 12LE
Second Kiss is written at a Level 7 reading level across 328 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Second Kiss works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Second Kiss as 12LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Second Kiss explores fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship, coming of age, and family — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Love at Second Sight
F. T. Lukens
Love at Second Sight
F. T. Lukens
Second Hand Magic
Ruth Chew
Second Hand Magic
Ruth Chew
Kiss-diamond
Margaret COX
Kiss-diamond
Margaret COX
Kiss
Erin Elisabeth Conley
Kiss
Erin Elisabeth Conley
The kiss
James Patterson, Jill Dembowski
The kiss
James Patterson, Jill Dembowski
First Kiss
C. L. Stone
First Kiss
C. L. Stone
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781459730205
- Pages
- 328
- Publisher
- Dundurn
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction