Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The last bogler
Catherine Jinks
The last bogler
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Illustrated by Sarah Watts
The text is written at a 5th 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. Its HootRating code, MP, means moderate content, mostly physical.
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About This Book
What if the monsters hiding in the shadows of Victorian London were real—and you had to chase them away? Ned Roach is about to become the last apprentice to a legendary bogler hunter just as the city fights to rid itself of a dangerous bogle invasion. But can he survive the dark streets and uncover the truth before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in Victorian London, this middle-grade fantasy follows Ned Roach as he becomes an apprentice to a monster catcher during a city-wide effort to eliminate bogles. The story blends elements of horror, adventure, and magic in a way suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, with some spooky themes that may be intense for sensitive children. This conclusion to a trilogy offers exciting action and a glimpse into historical settings with supernatural twists.
Why we rated The last bogler MP (Moderate)
The last bogler is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 319 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 7 and up can manage The last bogler on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
We rate The last bogler as MP (Moderate, mostly physical) because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from 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 last bogler explores monsters, apprentices, fantasy & magic, adventure, and horror & ghost stories — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about monsters, apprentices, fantasy & magic.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
MP · Moderate · PhysicalReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780544086968
- Pages
- 319
- Publisher
- Clarion Books
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction