The enemy
Charles Higson
The enemy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Charles Higson
The text is written at a 8th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The streets of London are crawling with creatures that were once people. A group of teenagers races through the shadows, hearts pounding as danger lurks behind every corner. Suddenly, a chilling growl echoes nearby—what’s coming for them now?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade horror novel follows a group of teens navigating a post-apocalyptic London where a disease has transformed everyone over sixteen into zombies. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains suspenseful and intense scenes typical of the horror genre but without graphic violence. Parents should be aware of themes involving fear, survival, and mild peril.
Why we rated The enemy 12ME
The enemy is written at a Level 8 reading level across 440 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The enemy works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The enemy as 12ME ("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, physical peril — 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 enemy explores adventure, survival, horror tales, 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, survival, horror tales.
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
12ME — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The fallen
Charles Higson
The fallen
Charles Higson
Zom-B Angels
Darren Shan
Zom-B Angels
Darren Shan
The Enemy I kill
Alexander Knox
The Enemy I kill
Alexander Knox
Common enemy
M.C. Sumner
Common enemy
M.C. Sumner
Sacrifice
Charles Higson
Sacrifice
Charles Higson
Enemies
Nancy Holder
Enemies
Nancy Holder
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545415507
- Pages
- 440
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction