The Thief
Clive Cussler, Justin Scott
The Thief
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Clive Cussler, Justin Scott
Isaac Bell
The text is written at a 6th 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
After saving a scientist from kidnappers, private investigator Isaac Bell faces a new challenge when the scientist is found dead. Racing against time, Bell must stop a dangerous enemy determined to steal a powerful invention and change the course of history. Adventure and suspense collide as secrets unravel in this thrilling story.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6-7 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include realistic violence, physical danger. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated The Thief 11MP
The Thief is written at a Level 6-7 reading level across 434 pages (approximately 84,956 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.1 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Thief works for readers up to grade 8.1.
Read aloud, The Thief runs about 9.4 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The Thief as 11MP ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Realistic Violence, Physical Danger.
Thematically, The Thief explores adventure, mystery, historical, and science & nature — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, mystery, historical.
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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780425259290
- Pages
- 434
- Publisher
- G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 84,956
- Read-Aloud
- ~9h 26m
- Text Density
- Standard