The necromancers
Robert Hugh Benson
The necromancers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Hugh Benson
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
A cold wind whispers through the ancient forest, carrying the faint scent of burning candles and mysterious herbs. Maggie’s heart races as she prays with all her might, reaching out to save Laurie from a dark fate. Can her love and courage conquer the shadows that lurk just beyond the light?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in a world where magic and dark forces collide, this middle grade novel explores themes of love, faith, and courage. The story involves supernatural encounters, including a confrontation with the devil, suitable for ages 9-12 with parental guidance due to its intense mystical elements. Readers will experience a blend of fantasy and emotional depth as the characters face spiritual challenges.
Why we rated The necromancers 12ME
The necromancers is written at a Level 7 reading level across 326 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The necromancers works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The necromancers 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: Fear & Anxiety, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, The necromancers explores magic, friendship, family, courage, and fantasy — 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 magic, friendship, family.
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
1/10A 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
- 0405079397
- Pages
- 326
- Publisher
- Arno Press
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction