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Star of danger

Marion Zimmer Bradley

Cover of Star of danger

Star of danger

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

What if two very different worlds had to join forces to face a great danger? On Darkover, a planet filled with strange magic and advanced technology, two heroes must learn to work together — but can they overcome their differences before it's too late?

Quick Assessment

Star of Danger is a middle-grade science fiction novel that introduces readers to the imaginative world of Darkover, blending elements of magic and technology. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of cooperation and facing common threats, with no content likely to be disturbing for this age group.

Why we rated Star of danger 11LE

Star of danger is written at a Level 6 reading level across 213 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Star of danger works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Star of danger as 11LE ("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, Star of danger explores science & nature, fantasy world-building, and adventure — 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 science & nature, fantasy world-building, adventure.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

213 pages
ISBN
0839825129
Pages
213
Publisher
Gregg Press
Published
1979
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Science FictionFiction in EnglishLarge Type BooksDarkoverAmerican Science Fiction