Dickens & Rumi
Cover of DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT

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DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT

Laini Taylor

In this sequel to “Daughter of Smoke and Bone,” Karou must decide how far she will go to avenge her people.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Mature YA themes include war, mass death, resurrection, slavery, torture-like threats, grief, graphic killing, and an attempted rape. The complex plot and emotional intensity also suit older teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Violence5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Death is a central theme; numerous secondary and significant characters die throughout the war, including some graphically.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of physical trauma, infection, and resurrection processes involving body parts and surgery-like themes.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The supplied passages include mature terms related to violence and sexual assault but no profanity or slurs. A small amount of mild language may occur elsewhere.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Angels, holy imagery, souls, a cathedral, thuribles, and religiously framed political propaganda are significant elements.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Karou and Akiva's love and separation are important, alongside courting, jealousy, and emotionally complicated relationships.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Threats, captivity, mass death, frightening chimaera and angel armies, soul manipulation, and danger to loved ones create sustained tension.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

An attempted rape is a major traumatic event. The excerpt does not indicate explicit consensual sexual activity or sexualized nudity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to substances in a fantasy context, but not a central focus.

Violence5/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy war violence, including combat, stabbings, throat slitting, and death, some of which is described in visceral detail.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face armies, grief, captivity, oppression, and personal danger to protect others and oppose tyranny.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its imaginative world-building features chimaera, seraphim, soul vessels, resurrection, portals, and inventive magical strategies.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Represents a broad range of unique species and identities within the fantasy setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons in empathy and social dynamics, but not primarily educational.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters rescue the injured, protect friends, show loyalty, and help oppressed people, though kindness competes with cruelty and war.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes resisting tyranny, protecting others, confronting oppression, loyalty, sacrifice, and seeking peace despite devastating costs.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty, courage, compassion, and resistance, but some make morally dangerous choices and use severe violence.

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 DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT, 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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