The forsaken crusade
Sigmund Brouwer
The forsaken crusade
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sigmund Brouwer
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
What if the fate of all England rested on the shoulders of a brave boy warrior? Thomas and his friends face off against powerful sorcerer Druids who have taken over the earldom of Magnus. Can they stop the dark magic before it spreads across the land?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in early 14th-century England, this middle-grade fantasy follows Thomas, a young warrior determined to reclaim his homeland from sorcerer Druids. The story weaves themes of knighthood, Christian values, and historical fantasy, suitable for ages 9 to 12. Parents should note mild fantasy violence and themes of good versus evil.
Why we rated The forsaken crusade 9LE
The forsaken crusade is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 127 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The forsaken crusade works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The forsaken crusade as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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 forsaken crusade explores fantasy world-building, adventure, historical, christian life, and knights and knighthood — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 0896931188
- Pages
- 127
- Publisher
- Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Fiction