War of the cards
Colleen Oakes
War of the cards
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Colleen Oakes
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: Dinah was once just like you, but everything she loved was taken away. Now, with a crown heavy on her head and a heart full of fire, she’s ready to face a war that could change Wonderland forever—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
War of the Cards is a dark and thrilling retelling of the Queen of Hearts' origin, suitable for teens ages 13 to 18. The story explores themes of loss, betrayal, and the moral complexities of leadership amidst a brutal war. Parents should note the mature content involving violence, emotional turmoil, and complex themes of power and revenge.
Why we rated War of the cards 12IE
War of the cards is written at a Level 7 reading level across 342 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, War of the cards works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate War of the cards as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Emotional Turmoil, Moral Complexity.
Thematically, War of the cards explores war stories, young adult fiction, adaptations, princesses, and family — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about war stories, young adult fiction, adaptations.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! 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
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780062409799
- Pages
- 342
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction