Dickens & Rumi
Cover of DARKNESS RISING

book

DARKNESS RISING

Kelley Armstrong

Supernatural friends face the wilderness. (Ages 13 and up)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Teen protagonists face sustained supernatural danger, frightening discoveries, conflict, and emotionally intense situations. Romance and sexual content are limited, but the suspense and themes suit middle-to-older teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Characters may face fatal threats or experience loss as part of the conflict against the research organization.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries or supernatural effects, but generally kept within standard young adult fantasy parameters.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Mild profanity is present, fitting for teen characters in high-stress situations.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

A supporting character is LGBTQIA, but representation is minor and not central to the plot.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on teen romance and crushes, typical of the young adult genre.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The tone involves suspense, stalking, and the fear of being captured or experimented upon by powerful adults.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Includes mild teen romance and some suggestive situations without explicit content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mentions of alcohol by adults, but not a primary or glamorized theme.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes supernatural battles, fights with captors, and threats of physical harm related to the experimental setting.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Strong focus on facing fear and fighting for independence.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive use of supernatural powers and world-building.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Diverse cast of characters with various supernatural abilities acting as individuals.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides standard literary value with character-driven exploration of ethics and power.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters rely on cooperation and empathy to survive their shared situation.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes themes of identity, self-discovery, and standing up against corrupt systems.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show resilience and growth, taking responsibility for their choices against difficult odds.

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 DARKNESS RISING would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in DARKNESS RISING, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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

Report an incorrect rating