Shadow call
AdriAnne Strickland
Shadow call
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by AdriAnne Strickland
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp hum of the starship engines fills the air as Qole races through the galaxy, chasing a mysterious energy called Shadow. Her world is under threat, and the weight of a throne she never wanted presses down on her shoulders. Can she lead a rebellion and protect the ones she cares about before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
Shadow Call is a thrilling young adult sci-fi adventure set in a richly imagined galaxy. The story follows Qole, a young starship captain, as she navigates political intrigue, rebellion, and complicated relationships with an exiled prince. Suitable for teens aged 13 and up, the book contains action, mild romantic tension, and themes of leadership and loyalty.
Why we rated Shadow call 12ME
Shadow call is written at a Level 8 reading level across 422 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Shadow call works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Shadow call 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, Shadow call explores adventure, science & nature, family, romance, and fantasy world-building — 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, science & nature, family.
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399552571
- Pages
- 422
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction