Siege and Storm

Leigh Bardugo

Cover of Siege and Storm

Siege and Storm

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Book 2

by Leigh Bardugo

Reading Level 7 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

The salty breeze stings your skin as waves crash against the ship’s hull, the air thick with the scent of the sea and smoke. Alina Starkov’s power burns bright inside her, but every flicker brings shadows closer. As enemies chase her across the True Sea, the weight of magic and sacrifice presses down—can she hold onto her own light?

Quick Assessment

Siege and Storm, the second book in Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone Trilogy, follows Alina Starkov as she navigates growing magical powers and dangerous enemies in a richly imagined fantasy world. Suitable for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12), this novel includes themes of magic, identity, and sacrifice, with some intense moments of conflict and emotional complexity. Parents should be aware of fantasy violence and the protagonist’s struggle with dark magic and moral choices.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Fantasy Violence Fear & Anxiety Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery Emotional: Sacrifice
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
10
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

386 pages
ISBN
9781780621623
Pages
386
Publisher
Hachette UK
Published
2013
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

MagicOrphansFantasy FictionMonstersFantasyFirst PersonHigh FantasyImaginary Wars and BattlesParanormalRomanceRomance FictionYoung AdultYoung Adult Fantasy