The Last King of Texas
by Rick Riordan
Bantam 2013
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.9 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- justice
- corruption
- identity
- academic politics
- loyalty
- truth and deception
- power and ambition
About this book
Private investigator and Ph.D. Tres Navarre takes a temporary teaching job at the University of Texas at San Antonio after a controversial professor is found murdered, and he’s quickly pulled into a dangerous web of campus politics and criminal intrigue. Riordan blends sharp wit, Texas atmosphere, and twisty clues for a fast-moving mystery. Best for mature high school readers who like gritty, character-driven detective stories. Fans enjoy the dry humor, smart sleuthing, and vivid San Antonio setting.
Setting: contemporary San Antonio, Texas, including the University of Texas at San Antonio
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last King of Texas right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Last King of Texas. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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, corruption, identity.
How long does it take to read The Last King of Texas?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Last King of Texas takes around 12h to finish. The book has 120,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Last King of Texas have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Last King of Texas has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 Last King of Texas?
The Last King of Texas has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.