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GLASS SWORD

Victoria Aveyard

Mare marshals an army of newbloods with regicide on its mind. (Ages 13 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel has sustained fantasy violence, deaths, torture, persecution, frightening peril, grief, and morally complex wartime choices. Romance and language are comparatively limited, but the emotional intensity suits mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Deaths and lethal threats are important to the rebellion plot, with grief and lasting emotional consequences for characters.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Injuries are described, but the focus is more on the action than clinical bloodiness.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild to moderate profanity, typical of the young adult fantasy genre.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

There are subtle mentions of LGBTQIA characters within the secondary cast.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Love triangles and complicated romantic tensions between lead characters are central to the emotional arc.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent danger, pursuit, capture, imprisonment, betrayal, and threats of death create sustained tension. The atmosphere is dark and frightening, though it is primarily dystopian action rather than horror.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Limited sexual content; romantic intimacy is present without explicit sexual activity or graphic nudity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of alcohol consumption by adult characters.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy combat, executions, imprisonment, torture, rebellion, and battlefield danger; violence is consequential rather than purely playful.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face persecution, danger, loss, and overwhelming power while taking risks for freedom and others.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

A richly imagined world of elemental abilities, political systems, rebellion strategy, and inventive uses of supernatural powers drives the story.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The cast includes people from contrasting social classes and power groups, with varied abilities and perspectives within the fantasy society.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It is primarily entertainment, though it can prompt discussion of propaganda, inequality, authoritarianism, rebellion, and ethical leadership.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is present, but often overshadowed by the harsh realities of a dystopian world.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores resistance to oppression, loyalty, leadership, power, sacrifice, justice, and the costs of using violence for political change.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces extreme dilemmas, showing both flawed decisions and moments of resilience.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in GLASS SWORD would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in GLASS SWORD, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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