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THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US

Tricia Levenseller

Alessandra plots to kill the Shadow King and take his kingdom for herself. (Ages 13 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to mature teens because of assassination attempts, threats, morally gray choices, death-related themes, sensual romance, and moderate reading complexity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Death and assassination are central themes to the plot.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries and blood are present but not gratuitous.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Mild profanity may be present consistent with the genre.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

No prominent LGBTQIA characters or relationships noted.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romantic attraction and the developing relationship are central, with flirtation, jealousy, and kissing.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Threats, murder plots, palace danger, and suspense create tension without sustained horror imagery.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild sensuality and implied sexual content typical of YA romance.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Alcohol consumption is occasionally depicted in a court setting.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Assassination plots, threats, combat, and dangerous confrontations occur repeatedly; violence is fantasy-styled but can be serious.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront political danger, threats, and emotional vulnerability with substantial bravery and determination.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Inventive court intrigue, strategic schemes, and a distinctive fantasy premise encourage imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Standard representation within a fantasy framework.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on diplomacy and political navigation.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Care and loyalty develop among characters, though manipulation and self-interest are frequent parts of the plot.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores trust, ambition, independence, loyalty, manipulation, and whether people can change or be known honestly.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The heroine is clever and determined but manipulative and ethically compromised; other characters model loyalty and accountability unevenly.

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 relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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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+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+

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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