Dickens & Rumi
Cover of IMMORTAL GAME

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IMMORTAL GAME

Allison Saft

Shea Fury teams up with her rival in a chess tournament to save her sister. (Ages 13 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel is marketed as older-YA fantasy and combines supernatural danger, emotionally intense relationships, peril, and mature themes; younger readers may need guidance. 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
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Threats of death and potential loss characterize the high-stakes game.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor fantasy-action injuries may be mentioned, but detailed blood or graphic wounds are not supported by the available evidence.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language is the best-supported estimate; no evidence indicates frequent strong profanity or slurs.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA representation appears present and woven into the story, though its prominence cannot be confirmed from supplied material.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Central romance plot with slow-burn tension.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Includes atmospheric tension and moments of danger.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Some romantic tension, but no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Possible incidental social drinking in an adult or noble setting appears limited, with no indication of drug use or glamorization.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features fantasy combat and high-stakes competitive sequences.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Strong theme of defying systemic oppression.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive magical systems and competitive structure.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The fantasy cast appears meaningfully varied, though details about identities, backgrounds, agency, and representation are not supplied.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Game strategy may encourage incidental critical thinking, but the book does not appear intended to teach a specific body of knowledge.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy is a driver for character choices despite a harsh world.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of agency, integrity, and self-worth.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist shows resilience and intelligence under pressure.

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 IMMORTAL GAME would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in IMMORTAL GAME, 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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