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Cover of BLADE OF SECRETS

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BLADE OF SECRETS

Tricia Levenseller

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for BLADE OF SECRETS by Tricia Levenseller. This book is recommended for ages 13+; content notes include Violence, Death of a character, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy battles, threats, imprisonment, assassination-related danger, and emotionally intense peril suit mature middle-grade or teen readers. Romance is present but sexual content is minimal. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Deaths occur as part of the action, though central characters are generally safe.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of wounds or injuries during combat, but not graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild swearing or language consistent with a teen audience.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA representation and a same-gender romantic relationship appear to be meaningful parts of the cast, though not the book’s central focus.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No prominent religious themes.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

There is a developing romantic sub-plot, typical for YA fantasy.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Tense moments of pursuit and danger, but no horror elements.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic gestures or innuendo, no explicit content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Infrequent depictions of drinking in social settings.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy battles, duels, and combat situations occur as the characters are pursued.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing danger despite fear is central, especially as characters take responsibility for a weapon and oppose powerful threats.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Magical sword-forging, inventive problem-solving, unusual abilities, and imaginative world-building strongly encourage creative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast includes varied identities and perspectives with meaningful agency, including LGBTQIA representation; fantasy-world diversity is more prominent than demographic detail.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on blacksmithing processes.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

The importance of empathy and supporting family is clear.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Themes of taking responsibility for one's actions, bravery, and sisterhood.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show growth, loyalty, and principled behavior.

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 handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in BLADE OF SECRETS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in BLADE OF SECRETS, 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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