Dickens & Rumi

book

Apex

Mercedes Lackey · 2017

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Apex by Mercedes Lackey. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Death of a character; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The book contains sustained action sequences, scenes of violence involving monsters, and themes of societal corruption and survival that are best suited for teenage readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Fictional corporate brands are part of the dystopic setting.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face significant risk, and deaths of supporting characters occur.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of monster attacks and injuries, but generally not gratuitous.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild swearing and intensity-appropriate language for the genre.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Minor representation of diverse identities consistent with contemporary YA.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Some spiritual or belief-related ideas may appear within the fantasy setting, but religion is not a prominent focus.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Developing adolescent romantic interests are present but secondary to the plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Tense moments involving stalking monsters and dangerous survival situations.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Very limited reference to substances, not glamorized.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Features frequent combat between humans and supernatural creatures using weapons and psychic abilities.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing terrifying creatures, political danger, grief, and overwhelming odds with loyalty and principled bravery is central to the protagonists' journey.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Creative world-building and inventive combat solutions.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a varied cast of characters with differing backgrounds and traits.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores concepts of propaganda and critical thinking within the plot.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasis on loyalty and protecting one's found family.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of personal integrity, questioning authority, and teamwork.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show resilience, responsibility, and moral growth under pressure.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Apex would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Apex, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereApex
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating