The forbidden power
Max Brallier
The forbidden power
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Max Brallier
Illustrated by Valdrighi, Alessandro, illustrator
The text is written at a 4th 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
The air crackles with the sharp clang of metal on metal as Fletcher and Izzy slip beyond the castle walls. A mysterious darkness stirs deep beneath the ancient stones, whispering secrets of a power too dangerous to wake. Now, the fate of Knighton hangs in the balance—can two young knights stop what they’ve unleashed?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows Fletcher and Izzy, two students at Knights Academy, who accidentally awaken a powerful threat endangering their kingdom. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes themes of bravery and friendship within a fantasy setting featuring monsters and knights. The book contains mild peril and fantasy violence appropriate for its audience.
Why we rated The forbidden power 9LP
The forbidden power is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 186 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The forbidden power works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The forbidden power as 9LP ("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 forbidden power explores knights and knighthood, fantasy world-building, adventure, monsters, and science & nature — 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 knights and knighthood, fantasy world-building, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781338041835
- Pages
- 186
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction