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Cover of CALL DOWN THE HAWK

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CALL DOWN THE HAWK

Maggie Stiefvater

Ronan Lynch has the ability to pull objects from his dreams in this spin-off series of “The Raven Cycle.” (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The intricate fantasy narrative, threats, killings, grief, frightening supernatural situations, and mature emotional themes suit older teens; sexual content is minimal. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

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

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Loss of life is a significant theme with impact on character development and emotional arcs.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to injuries occurring through magical or physical means, but not depicted graphically.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild to moderate profanity consistent with contemporary YA novels.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

Features prominent gay male protagonists and LGBTQIA-inclusive relationships integral to the plot.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal or incidental cultural references to faith; no central religious themes.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Includes romantic tension and relationship development central to the characters, but not the primary focus.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Nightmares, supernatural beings, perilous dreamscapes, pursuit, possession-like dangers, and threats to loved ones create sustained tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild references or sexual tension, but no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional social use of substances by young adult characters, not glorified.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes supernatural conflicts, magical attacks, and instances of physical peril that can be intense.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters frequently display bravery in the face of supernatural threats and personal identity crises.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Central conceit relies entirely on the act of dreaming reality into existence; highly imaginative.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Diverse representation of identities, though focused primarily on the established core cast.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Themes offer insight into artistic expression and the psychology of creativity.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Care, loyalty, friendship, and protecting vulnerable people matter, though relationships can be guarded, conflicted, and morally complicated.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The novel explores loyalty, responsibility, identity, family, grief, freedom, and the consequences of using power to control others.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty, resilience, and protectiveness, while also making dangerous or morally complicated choices and learning from consequences.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in CALL DOWN THE HAWK would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in CALL DOWN THE HAWK, and what caused that change?
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