Shadowghast
Thomas Taylor
Shadowghast
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Thomas Taylor
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.
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About This Book
Henry races through the shadowy streets, clutching the eerie Shadowghast lantern as the magician's secrets swirl around him. Townspeople vanish without a trace, and the darkness creeps closer with every step. Can Henry unravel the truth before he, too, is swallowed by the shadows?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Henry as he confronts mysterious disappearances linked to a magician and a magical lantern. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends elements of mystery, fantasy, and suspense without graphic content. Parents should note the presence of supernatural themes and mild peril typical of adventure stories.
Why we rated Shadowghast 12MP
Shadowghast is written at a Level 7 reading level across 352 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Shadowghast works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Shadowghast as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, thematic difficulty — 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, Shadowghast explores fantasy & magic, mystery, adventure, and monsters — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy & magic, mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
3/10A 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
- 9781536208603
- Pages
- 352
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction