The Dungeon
HarperCollins UK 2013
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- retribution
- power and corruption
- justice and mercy
- imprisonment and freedom
- grief and loss
- moral choices
- forgiveness
- class and authority
About this book
Set in a brutal medieval world, The Dungeon follows the far-reaching consequences of one lord’s thirst for vengeance. As a grim prison is built and a captive’s fate is sealed, questions of justice, mercy, and power collide. Readers see how anger and grief can harden into cruelty—or be challenged by compassion. A strong choice for teens who enjoy historical drama with moral complexity and vivid atmosphere.
Setting: a medieval castle and its dungeon in Europe
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dungeon right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Dungeon. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th 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 retribution, power and corruption, justice and mercy.
How long does it take to read The Dungeon?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Dungeon takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Dungeon have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Dungeon has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 The Dungeon?
The Dungeon has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th 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.