Blood beast
by Darren Shan, Shan
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2008
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- transformation
- courage under fear
- family secrets
- friendship and loyalty
- good vs. evil
- destiny and choice
- survival
About this book
In this fifth Demonata book, teenager Grubbs Grady senses something changing inside him as strange events and creeping fears gather with each full moon. Demons seem closer than ever, and secrets from his family’s past won’t stay buried. Fast-paced action, sharp scares, and dark humor keep pages turning. Great for horror fans who like high stakes, cliffhangers, and a fearless hero who won’t back down.
Setting: contemporary small town in the UK/Ireland and the demon realm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blood beast right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Blood beast. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, transformation, courage under fear.
How long does it take to read Blood beast?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Blood beast takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Blood beast have an AR quiz?
Yes — Blood beast has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Blood beast?
Blood beast has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.