Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE CROWN'S GAME

book

THE CROWN'S GAME

Evelyn Skye

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE CROWN'S GAME by Evelyn Skye. This book is recommended for ages 13+; content notes include Death of a character, Violence, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy violence, deaths, danger, grief, and emotionally intense romantic and political themes suit mature middle-grade readers and teens more than younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death is central to the magical competition, and significant losses affect the main characters emotionally; grief and consequences matter to the story.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Characters are injured and die, but blood and bodily damage are generally not described in sustained graphic detail.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild language, consistent with standard YA fiction.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Cultural religious references tied to the historical setting.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

A central romantic tension between the two protagonists develops throughout.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Dangerous magic, suspense, threats, and the possibility of losing loved ones create a tense atmosphere, without being sustained horror.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking occurs in period-appropriate settings.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent magical duels, attacks, threats, and deadly consequences drive the contest. Violence is fantastical but consequential rather than purely playful.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Young characters confront fear, powerful authorities, lethal magic, and difficult sacrifices with substantial bravery.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive magical abilities, strategy, world-building, and problem-solving strongly support imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Diverse representation is light, focusing on the Russian setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Light historical flavor of imperial Russia.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters express compassion despite being rivals.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on sacrifice, choice, and personal integrity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show determination and complex moral choices.

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 THE CROWN'S GAME would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE CROWN'S GAME, 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

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.

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