The Andromeda Strain

Michael Crichton

Cover of The Andromeda Strain

The Andromeda Strain

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Michael Crichton

Reading Level 6 11MP Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Alarms blare as a mysterious space probe crashes in the desert, unleashing a deadly threat no one understands. Scientists rush underground, racing against time in a secret lab where failure means destruction. But as they dig deeper, the danger grows—and the nightmare is just beginning.

Quick Assessment

This thrilling science fiction novel follows a team of elite scientists as they investigate a deadly extraterrestrial contagion that has wiped out nearly all residents of a small desert town. The story involves intense scientific problem-solving and suspense, suitable for teens aged 13 and up due to themes of life-threatening danger and government secrecy. Parents should note the presence of peril and technical language but no graphic violence or mature content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11MP — Moderate — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Moderate

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

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
10
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

295 pages
ISBN
9781101974490
Pages
295
Publisher
Vintage
Published
2017-01
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

American Science FictionFiction in EnglishAlien Life Forms in FictionBiological WeaponsScience FictionExtraterrestrial MicroorganismsMilitary SatellitesAerial SurveillanceDuty OfficersExtraterrestrial LifeContaminationMicroorganismsBiological AgentsBlood ClottingSuicideSternoMeteorsChemical ElementsCrystal StructuresDNARNAProteinsAmino AcidsPHAlkaliHuman BloodAcidocisAspirinHyperventilationAlkalosisBiocontainmentAntibioticsPathogensSynthetic RubberNuclear WeaponsNuclear ExplosionsBiofilmTechno-thrillerLarge Type BooksRomans, NouvellesPz4 C928 1969

People

Wildfire TeamJeremy StonePeter JacksonJamie RitterMark HallCharle BurtonPeter Leavitt

Places

PiedmontArizonaFlatrockNevadaLas VegasDepartment of Agriculture research station