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The Copper Promise (The Copper Cat Book 1)

Jen Williams · 2014

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Copper Promise (The Copper Cat Book 1) by Jen Williams. This book is recommended for ages 16+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Death of a character; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Recommended for older teens and adults because of frequent fantasy violence, peril, frightening creatures, mature emotional themes, some sexual content, and likely coarse language, alongside substantial reading complexity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

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

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are killed in the course of the adventure; death is a persistent risk in the narrative.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of wounds and magical mutilation associated with combat and dark rituals.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Strong language is present, consistent with a mature fantasy tone.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Includes queer characters in a normalized fantasy setting.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of deities and local beliefs, though not centered on organized real-world religion.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Some minor romantic subplots and flirtation, but it is not the primary focus.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Monsters, dark magic, perilous ruins, threatening enemies, and tense battles create sustained frightening or suspenseful situations.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes mild innuendo and mature situational references, but no graphic depictions.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Alcohol consumption occurs in tavern settings common to the genre.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy combat involving swords, magic, and monsters. Some scenes are intense and visceral.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists frequently exhibit courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Rich fantasy world-building and inventive magical systems.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a varied cast in terms of temperament and background.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The novel may encourage reading, perspective-taking, and engagement with fantasy storytelling, but it is not designed to teach factual content or practical skills.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Interpersonal bonds and willingness to protect others are central to the protagonists.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes loyalty, cooperation, responsibility, perseverance, and making moral choices under pressure, while allowing morally complicated decisions.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed but show resilience and growth throughout the journey.

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 The Copper Promise (The Copper Cat Book 1) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Copper Promise (The Copper Cat Book 1), and what caused that change?
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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+The Lives of Christopher ChantDiana Wynne Jones · 1988Ages 15+The Spellcoats (Dalemark Quartet, Book 3)Diana Wynne Jones · 1979Ages 14+

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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