The Black Lotus
Kieran Fanning
The Black Lotus
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Shadow of the Ninja
by Kieran Fanning
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 you found a hidden sword that could change your destiny forever? Imagine stepping into a world where samurai warriors and daring adventures await at every turn. But when danger lurks in the shadows, will you have the courage to face it all?
Quick Assessment
The Black Lotus is a middle-grade adventure novel centered around a young protagonist who discovers a mystical samurai sword. Set in an exciting, action-packed world, it explores themes of bravery and self-discovery suitable for ages 9 to 12. The story contains mild fantasy violence typical of sword-fighting scenes but remains age-appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated The Black Lotus 11LP
The Black Lotus is written at a Level 6 reading level across 291 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Black Lotus works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Black Lotus 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, The Black Lotus explores adventure, fantasy world-building, coming of age, and friendship — 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 world-building, coming of age.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545940283
- Pages
- 291
- Publisher
- Chicken House
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction