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MY DEAREST DARKEST

Kayla Cottingham

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for MY DEAREST DARKEST by Kayla Cottingham. This book is recommended for ages 15+; content notes include Frightening scenes, LGBTQIA characters, Death of a character; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? The novel combines sustained supernatural peril, frightening imagery, death-related themes, emotional trauma, romance, and mature horror material. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Several characters die throughout the story, often in grisly supernatural circumstances.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Features body horror and descriptions of decaying or changing anatomy.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Moderate use of common profanity consistent with contemporary YA.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

Features a central sapphic relationship between the two main characters.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

The central sapphic romance is the emotional core of the novel.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Strong atmosphere of dread, supernatural threats, and disturbing psychological themes.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes mild romantic intimacy but no explicit sexual activity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional minor references to substances may occur, but use is not central to the story or presented as a major influence.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes supernatural violence, visceral confrontations, and threats to life.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show persistence and bravery in the face of impossible supernatural odds.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Imaginative world-building involving unique eldritch horror concepts.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The book features LGBTQIA representation and diverse character backgrounds.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness exists between the main characters, though distorted by dark circumstances.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of belonging, the nature of obsession, and loyalty.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed and make dangerous choices due to supernatural influence.

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 MY DEAREST DARKEST would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in MY DEAREST DARKEST, 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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