The dark pageant
Edward Lucie-Smith
The dark pageant
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel about Gilles de Rais
by Edward Lucie-Smith
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The crackling of distant flames fills the air, mixing with whispers of secrets long buried in cold stone walls. Imagine walking through a shadowy castle where every corner hides a story of bravery, mystery, and fear. What truths will Raoul uncover about his friend Gilles, and how will they change everything he believes?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 15th-century France, this historical fiction explores the complex relationship between Joan of Arc's champion, Gilles de Rais, and his comrade Raoul de Saumur. The story delves into themes of mystery and moral ambiguity, suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12 who can handle nuanced historical narratives with some dark elements. Parents should be aware of the book's exploration of unsettling historical events and the emotional tension surrounding them.
Why we rated The dark pageant 11ME
The dark pageant is written at a Level 6 reading level across 281 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The dark pageant works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The dark pageant as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The dark pageant explores historical, mystery, friendship, and moral complexity — 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 historical, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0856340456
- Pages
- 281
- Publisher
- Blond and Briggs
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction