HootRated mascot HootRated

Wings of the WIcked

Courtney Allison Moulton

Cover of Wings of the WIcked

Wings of the WIcked

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Courtney Allison Moulton

Reading Level 8 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th 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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

The sharp clang of swords echoes through the shadowy streets, mixing with the chilling whispers of unseen dangers. Ellie feels the weight of her secret power pulsing beneath her skin, as dark forces close in like a storm. In a world where friends might turn foes, can she protect what she loves without losing herself?

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Ellie, a young warrior caught between her everyday life and a supernatural battle against demonic forces. Themes of loyalty, love, and self-discovery are woven through action-packed scenes and moments of loss. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, the story includes supernatural peril and emotional challenges appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Why we rated Wings of the WIcked 12ME

Wings of the WIcked is written at a Level 8 reading level across 528 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wings of the WIcked works for readers up to grade 10.0.

We rate Wings of the WIcked 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, thematic difficulty — 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, Wings of the WIcked explores adventure, fantasy world-building, love & romance, friendship, 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.
  • Kids drawn to stories about adventure, fantasy world-building, love & romance.

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

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

528 pages
ISBN
9780062002365
Pages
528
Publisher
Katherine Tegen Books
Published
2012
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Legends, Myths, FablesLove & RomanceAction & AdventureMonstersReincarnationYouths' WritingsSoulHorror StoriesAngels