Shadow Prey
Lucas Davenport 2
by John Sandford
Simon and Schuster 2019
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Violence and its consequences
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Genre
Themes
- Justice vs. vengeance
- Cultural identity and exploitation
- Power and corruption
- Obsession and control
- Law enforcement ethics
- Violence and its consequences
- Conspiracy and political ambition
- Prejudice and community tensions
About this book
Second in John Sandford’s Lucas Davenport series. A string of murders in Minneapolis, Manhattan, and Oklahoma City share the same signature: the victims’ throats are cut with an Indian ceremonial knife. Davenport follows the trail into Minnesota’s Native American community and toward a elusive figure called Shadow Love, whose escalating violence threatens to spin beyond the control of those who set him in motion.
Setting: Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Manhattan, and Oklahoma City; contemporary to late 20th-century United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shadow Prey right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Shadow Prey. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 Justice vs. vengeance, Cultural identity and exploitation, Power and corruption.
How long does it take to read Shadow Prey?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Shadow Prey takes around 12h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Shadow Prey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Shadow Prey 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 Shadow Prey?
Shadow Prey has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.