What reading level is Vendetta?

Vendetta by Catherine Doyle is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 780L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Vendetta appropriate for?

Vendetta is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags: Mafia Violence, Family Conflict.

What genre is Vendetta?

Vendetta is fiction — Young Adult Fiction.

Does Vendetta have any content warnings?

Vendetta has a HootRating of 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags include: Mafia Violence, Family Conflict. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Vendetta?

Vendetta by Catherine Doyle is 343 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Vendetta

Catherine Doyle

Vendetta

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Catherine Doyle

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

Nic’s eyes flash with danger as he pushes through the crowded summer festival, the Falcone name whispered everywhere like a secret code. Sophie’s heart races — what is she really getting into with these mysterious brothers? Just as she starts to uncover the truth, a sudden shout cuts through the night, and everything changes.

Themes

Romance Family AdventureCrimeComing of Age

Quick Assessment

Vendetta is a middle-grade novel blending romance and crime thriller elements, centered on Sophie and the enigmatic Falcone brothers, who belong to a mafia family. The story explores themes of family loyalty, secrets, and young love, with moderate intensity related to crime and conflict. Suitable for ages 9-12, parents should be aware of the book’s depiction of mafia violence and complex family dynamics.

Why we rated Vendetta 9ME

Vendetta is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 780L across 343 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Vendetta works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Vendetta as 9ME ("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: Mafia Violence, Family Conflict.

Thematically, Vendetta explores romance, family, adventure, crime, and coming of age — 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.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about romance, family, adventure.

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.