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THE THORN QUEEN

Sasha Peyton Smith

Ivy Benton, now the queen of England, schemes to dethrone her husband, save her sister and reunite with her true love, Emmett. (Ages 13 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Teen fantasy complexity, peril, and romantic/emotional intensity suggest an early-teen minimum; explicit sexual content does not appear central. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The story includes meaningful loss and recurring threats to characters’ lives; the emotional impact is more notable than graphic depiction.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Some injury descriptions appear, but graphic blood or bodily detail is not a major feature.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language appears generally mild, with occasional period-appropriate or insulting expressions.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Some LGBTQIA-related representation may be present, but it does not appear to be a central focus of the story.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious ideas or practices provide some historical background but are not a major focus.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Includes YA romantic developments and emotional connections.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Includes dark magic and suspenseful atmosphere.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Limited social drinking may appear in the historical setting; substance use is not a central theme or major risk focus.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features fantasy-based combat and magical threats that can be intense.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate significant bravery in facing magical and social obstacles.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Features imaginative magic systems and world-building.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast appears to include varied backgrounds and experiences, though representation is not the primary subject of the book.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The historical-fantasy setting may offer incidental context about early-20th-century New York, rather than intentional instruction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, loyalty, and caring relationships meaningfully influence the protagonists’ choices, alongside the story’s darker conflicts.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the complexities of power, accountability, and self-sacrifice.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show growth and agency under difficult circumstances.

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 THORN QUEEN would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE THORN QUEEN, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE THORN QUEEN
A Forest DividedErin Hunter · 2015Ages 14+Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+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.

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