The Last Word
Samantha Hastings
The Last Word
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Samantha Hastings
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what happens when your favorite story ends too soon? In the smoky, gaslit streets of Victorian London, Lucinda Leavitt won't rest until she uncovers the ending left behind by a mysterious, vanished author. But as she and David chase secrets across the country, will the truth about the story—and themselves—stay hidden?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in Victorian London, this historical young adult novel follows Lucinda, a clever young woman determined to find out how her favorite unfinished serialized novel ends. Alongside David, her father's busy business partner, she embarks on a journey filled with mystery, romance, and self-discovery. Suitable for teens 13 and up, the story contains light humor and explores themes of determination, identity, and historical settings without intense content.
Why we rated The Last Word 11LP
The Last Word is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Last Word works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Last Word as 11LP ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, The Last Word explores young adult fiction, romance, historical, mystery, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about young adult fiction, romance, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781250301888
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Swoon Reads
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction