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The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12)

Brian Jacques

Cover of The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12)

The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Brian Jacques

Reading Level 8 12MP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th 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

There’s a secret buried deep in the mountain of Salamandastron, guarded by the fierce Brocktree the Badger Lord. Dark forces gather—the Blue Hordes of Ungatt Trunn, the Earth Shaker, threaten to take over. But that’s only the beginning.

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows Brocktree the Badger Lord as he defends Salamandastron from the invading Blue Hordes led by Ungatt Trunn. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the story features themes of bravery and loyalty with mild fantasy violence typical for the genre. Parents should note the presence of battle scenes, but the content remains appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Why we rated The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12) 12MP

The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12) is written at a Level 8 reading level across 534 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12) works for readers up to grade 10.0.

We rate The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12) as 12MP ("Moderate — 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 Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12) explores adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship, and family — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12MP — Moderate — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

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
7
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

534 pages
ISBN
9780786226627
Pages
534
Publisher
Thorndike Press
Published
July 2, 2000
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

MiceFantasyScience Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicLarge Type BooksAnimalsMice Hamsters Guinea Pigs EtcFantasy FictionRedwall AbbeyYoung Adult FictionAction & AdventurePetsBoys & MenMolesOttersSquirrelsShrewsVolesBadgersWeaselsRatsFoxesFerretsStoatsDolphinsSea LionsEnglish Fantasy FictionStoriesRougemurailleRomans, Nouvelles, Etc. Pour La JeunesseAnimauxFantasy & MagicFantasy & Magical RealismTeenage)

People

Martin the WarriorGonff the MousethiefDinnyLuke the WarriorBella of BrockhallAbbess GermaineSkipper WarthornLady AmberColumbineGonflet

Places

Redwall Abbey(Imaginary Place)