Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Our Deadly Designs book cover

Our Deadly Designs

by Kalyn Josephson

Roaring Brook Press 2024

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

5th grade English Young Adult Fiction
431
Pages
17
AR Points
17h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • power and corruption
  • identity and legacy
  • rebellion and resistance
  • loyalty and betrayal
  • ambition
  • friendship and found family
  • secrets and political intrigue
  • courage

About this book

In the finale to the This Dark Descent duology, rival factions race to uncover a lost heir and decide the fate of Enderlain. Mikira throws in with rebels while Ari wrestles with dangerous, growing magic, and both are drawn deeper into court intrigue and the royal family’s dark secrets. Fast-paced action, razor‑edged politics, and high‑stakes competition keep the tension high. Perfect for teens who enjoy morally gray characters, slow‑burn romance, and vivid, horse‑race–driven fantasy.

Setting: the contested fantasy kingdom of Enderlain, from perilous racing circuits to royal courts and shadowy backstreets

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Our Deadly Designs right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Our Deadly Designs. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 power and corruption, identity and legacy, rebellion and resistance.

How long does it take to read Our Deadly Designs?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Our Deadly Designs takes around 17h to finish. The book has 170,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Our Deadly Designs have an AR quiz?

Yes — Our Deadly Designs has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Our Deadly Designs?

Our Deadly Designs has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.