Dragon Tears
A Thriller
by Dean Koontz
Penguin 2006
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- order vs. chaos
- fate and free will
- the nature of evil
- sanity under pressure
- time and mortality
- loyalty and partnership
- moral courage
About this book
Veteran cop Harry Lyon, a steadfast believer in order and reason, is forced to shoot a man—then a ragged stranger warns him he’ll be dead by dawn. As the countdown ticks, Harry and his partner Connie Gulliver are hunted by a relentless, seemingly supernatural adversary, pushing them through a nerve‑shredding race against time that tests sanity, morality, and fate.
Setting: Contemporary Southern California (Los Angeles/Orange County), over a single day and night leading to dawn
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon Tears right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dragon Tears. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th 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 order vs. chaos, fate and free will, the nature of evil.
How long does it take to read Dragon Tears?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Dragon Tears takes around 13h to finish. The book has 131,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dragon Tears have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dragon Tears has an AR quiz available, worth 19 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 Dragon Tears?
Dragon Tears has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th 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.