Talisman of death
Jamie Thomson
Talisman of death
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jamie Thomson
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
There’s a secret power hidden within the Talisman, one that can change the fate of any adventurer brave enough to claim it. But only the clever and courageous can unlock its true magic—and that’s just the start of a dangerous journey.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Talisman of Death is a fantasy adventure suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12. It involves themes of magical quests and challenges within a game-like fantasy world. The story contains mild peril but is appropriate for children who enjoy immersive fantasy tales.
Why we rated Talisman of death 11LP
Talisman of death is written at a Level 6 reading level across 250 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Talisman of death works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Talisman of death as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Talisman of death explores fantasy world-building, adventure, and games — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, games.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0140318593
- Pages
- 250
- Publisher
- Puffin HC
- Published
- 1985
- Type
- Fiction