The web of fire
Steve Voake
The web of fire
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Steve Voake
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
The sharp buzz of wings fills the air, mixing with the scent of scorched earth and smoky skies. Sam and Skipper step cautiously through the cracked ground of Aurobon, where danger lurks in every shadow. With the return of Odoursin and his fierce army, their fight to protect the world has only just begun—and the stakes have never been higher.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Sam and Skipper as they return to a ravaged world to confront the villain Odoursin and his new army of robber flies. The story explores themes of environmental degradation and the battle between good and evil, suitable for ages 9-12, with some tense moments of peril but no graphic content. Parents should note the presence of fantasy violence and environmental themes.
Why we rated The web of fire 12MP
The web of fire is written at a Level 7 reading level across 318 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The web of fire works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The web of fire 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 emotional weight, 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 web of fire explores fantasy world-building, environmental, adventure, and insects — 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 fantasy world-building, environmental, adventure.
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 — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781582347370
- Pages
- 318
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction