Grip of the Shadow Plague
by Brandon Mull
Random House 2026
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family loyalty
- light vs. darkness
- responsibility
- temptation and consequences
- teamwork and trust
- leadership
- good vs. evil
About this book
Kendra and Seth return to Fablehaven just as a mysterious shadow plague begins twisting magical creatures into dark, dangerous versions of themselves. To save the preserve, the siblings must uncover the plague’s source and outsmart enemies who thrive in the growing darkness. The stakes are higher, the world-building expands, and the action rarely lets up—balanced by humor and inventive creatures. Great for confident middle-grade readers who love big fantasy adventures, sibling dynamics, and fast-paced quests.
Setting: a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures (Fablehaven) in the present-day United States, with visits to other secret preserves
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grip of the Shadow Plague right for my child?
Yes — Grip of the Shadow Plague is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, family loyalty, light vs. darkness.
How long does it take to read Grip of the Shadow Plague?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Grip of the Shadow Plague takes around 17h to finish. The book has 165,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Grip of the Shadow Plague have an AR quiz?
Yes — Grip of the Shadow Plague has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Grip of the Shadow Plague?
Grip of the Shadow Plague has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.