The Taking
by Dean Ray Koontz
2004
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- apocalypse and survival
- good vs. evil
- faith and doubt
- community and sacrifice
- parental protection
- hope amid catastrophe
- cosmic or supernatural judgment
- the unknown and fear
About this book
In a remote California mountain town, Molly and Neil Sloan wake to golden rain and an eerie purple fog as communications fail and the world is lashed by impossible storms. Cut off with a handful of neighbors, they face predatory, otherworldly forces sweeping the globe. As they struggle to protect the town’s children and survive the night, the Sloans confront a terrifying revelation about what is happening to humanity—and what the "taking" truly means.
Setting: A small, isolated mountain town in California during a contemporary, world-altering storm and alien-seeming incursion
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Taking right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Taking. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 apocalypse and survival, good vs. evil, faith and doubt.
How long does it take to read The Taking?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Taking takes around 12h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Taking have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Taking 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 The Taking?
The Taking has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.