The goblin war
Hilari Bell
The goblin war
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Hilari Bell
The text is written at a 7th 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 sharp crackle of magic fills the air as Tobin stumbles out of the eerie Otherworld, only to be caught by fierce barbarians. Meanwhile, Makenna and her goblins race against time, their magic fading fast, hoping to strike a deal with mysterious spirits. The fate of their world hangs on the edge—can they unite before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Tobin, Makenna, and Jeriah as they face dangerous barbarians and the fading magic of the Otherworld. Themes of friendship, courage, and teamwork are woven through a story involving magic, war, and complex alliances. Suitable for ages 9-12, it features fantasy violence and intense conflict but remains appropriate for its intended audience.
Why we rated The goblin war 12ME
The goblin war is written at a Level 7 reading level across 314 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The goblin war works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The goblin war 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fantasy Violence, Mild Peril.
Thematically, The goblin war explores fantasy, adventure, friendship, magic, and war — 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, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! 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.
Content Flags
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780061651052
- Pages
- 314
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction