What reading level is The Grey King?

The Grey King by Susan Cooper is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Upper Grades readers (Ages 13+).

What age is The Grey King appropriate for?

The Grey King is recommended for Ages 13+. HootRating: 9ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is The Grey King?

The Grey King is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The Grey King have any content warnings?

The Grey King has a HootRating of 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The Grey King?

The Grey King by Susan Cooper is 192 pages.

The Grey King

Susan Cooper

The Grey King

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Dark Is Rising #4

by Susan Cooper

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 13+ Matched

Newbery Medal

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

The wind howls as Bran races through the ancient forest, heart pounding. Shadows twist and flicker, and the Grey King’s power looms closer with every step. Suddenly, a mysterious figure blocks the path—who are they, and what will happen next?

Themes

Adventure Fantasy World-BuildingMyths & LegendsComing of Age

Quick Assessment

The Grey King by Susan Cooper is a fantasy adventure suitable for teens aged 13 to 18, blending elements of mythology and magic with thrilling action. The story follows Bran as he confronts dark forces linked to ancient legends, offering an engaging narrative with classic themes of heroism and destiny. Parents should note some suspenseful and intense moments fitting for middle to older teens.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional

Emotional

Moderate ←

Physical

Moderate

Social

Clear

Thematic

Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

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Details

Book Length

192 pages

ISBN: 9781416949671
Pages: 192
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: May 8, 2007
Type: Fiction

Genres

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Action & AdventureClassicsScience Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicScience Fiction, Fantasy, MagicLegends, Myths, & FablesArthurianFantasyWalesNewbery MedalFantasy FictionLegends, Myths, FablesFantasy & MagicLarge Type BooksKing ArthurWill StantonBattlesGood and EvilHarpSpace and TimeStantonWillMagicIndustrial RelationsCongresses

People

Bran DaviesWill Stanton

Places

Cornwall (England : County)Fantasy.Wales