The circle of lies
Crystal Velasquez
The circle of lies
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Crystal Velasquez
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
Ana crouches behind a crumbling wall, heart pounding as shadows swirl around her. The Brotherhood of Chaos is closing in, and the wildcats are scattered, their powers fading. Suddenly, a chilling howl pierces the night—what does Anubis have planned next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows four girls with magical shapeshifting abilities as they face off against dark forces threatening the world. Set against themes of friendship, courage, and battling evil, it includes mild peril but is appropriate for ages 9-12. The story touches on school challenges and separation, with a focus on teamwork and resilience.
Why we rated The circle of lies 11LP
The circle of lies is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The circle of lies works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The circle of lies 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, The circle of lies explores adventure, friendship, good and evil, shapeshifting, and girls & women — 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, friendship, good and evil.
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.
Content Flags
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
- 9781481424554
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction