A Dangerous Fortune
by Ken Follett
1993
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.9 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- ambition
- greed and power
- family loyalty
- betrayal
- class and privilege
- secrets and scandal
- revenge
- corruption
About this book
Set in Victorian London, this sweeping historical thriller begins with a tragic schoolboy drowning that echoes through a powerful banking family for decades. As fortunes rise and fall, characters navigate elite clubs, grand ballrooms, and shadowy back rooms where secrets, ambition, and betrayal collide. Ken Follett blends romance, intrigue, and high-stakes finance into a fast-moving family saga. Ideal for mature high school readers who enjoy rich historical settings and twisty plots.
Setting: Victorian-era London and Europe, 1860s–1890s, from elite schools to banking houses and gentlemen’s clubs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Dangerous Fortune right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Dangerous Fortune. The reading level is AR 6.9, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include ambition, greed and power, family loyalty.
How long does it take to read A Dangerous Fortune?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, A Dangerous Fortune takes around 21h to finish. The book has 220,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Dangerous Fortune have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Dangerous Fortune has an AR quiz available, worth 34 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Dangerous Fortune?
A Dangerous Fortune has an AR reading level of 6.9, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.