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SIMON SNOW TRILOGY

Rainbow Rowell

Simon Snow attends the Watford School of Magicks. (Ages 14 to 18)

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? YA fantasy with sustained magical danger, battles, deaths and grief, strong language, romantic intimacy, and some sexual content. Emotional themes and length also suit mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No promotion of commercial products.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Main characters and secondary characters face life-threatening situations and potential loss.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries resulting from magical combat.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent use of mild to moderate profanity throughout.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

The central romance between the male protagonists is a fundamental aspect of the series.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romantic relationships, attraction, jealousy, commitment, and emotional intimacy are major parts of the trilogy.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Contains moments of tension, supernatural threats, and dark magic themes.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Teen and young-adult characters have sexual intimacy, including implied or discussed sex; content is not erotically graphic but is more than incidental.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional social use of alcohol among older teens and young adults.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Repeated magical fights, attacks, threats, and peril are central; violence is fantastical but sometimes consequential and emotionally serious.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront danger, trauma, prejudice, and uncertainty; bravery is often linked with protecting others and accepting vulnerability.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive magic, playful genre conventions, alternative-worldbuilding, and imaginative problem-solving are central to the trilogy.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The cast includes prominent queer characters and varied identities, personalities, and backgrounds, with representation central to the story rather than incidental.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of social dynamics, prejudice, and systemic injustice in a fantasy context.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Care, friendship, mutual support, and compassion repeatedly help characters survive conflict, though relationships also include arguments and mistakes.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes chosen family, self-acceptance, responsibility, resisting harmful power, communication, and making humane choices under pressure.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed and complex but demonstrate personal growth and accountability.

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 are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in SIMON SNOW TRILOGY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in SIMON SNOW TRILOGY, 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+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+A Forest DividedErin Hunter · 2015Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+

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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