Simon Thorn and the Viper's Pit (Simon Thorn 2)
Aimee Carter
Simon Thorn and the Viper's Pit (Simon Thorn 2)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Aimee Carter
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
Simon races through the tangled jungle of the reptile kingdom, heart pounding as enemies close in from every side. His friends shout warnings, but there’s no time to slow down—his mother’s life depends on stopping the dark plans of his grandfather, Orion. Just as Simon reaches the edge of the Viper’s Pit, a terrifying roar cuts through the air—what waits in the shadows could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows twelve-year-old Simon Thorn as he navigates a hidden world of Animalgams and battles his evil grandfather to rescue his captive mother. The story includes themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage, with moderate fantasy violence appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note that the plot involves perilous situations and complex family dynamics but remains suitable for young readers who enjoy action-packed fantasy.
Why we rated Simon Thorn and the Viper's Pit (Simon Thorn 2) 12ME
Simon Thorn and the Viper's Pit (Simon Thorn 2) is written at a Level 7 reading level across 307 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simon Thorn and the Viper's Pit (Simon Thorn 2) works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Simon Thorn and the Viper's Pit (Simon Thorn 2) 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, Simon Thorn and the Viper's Pit (Simon Thorn 2) explores adventure, fantasy & magic, friendship, 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 adventure, fantasy & magic, friendship.
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
- 9781408858035
- Pages
- 307
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Published
- 2017-02-09
- Type
- Fiction