Breathless
A Novel of Suspense
by Dean Koontz
Bantam 2010
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- wonder vs. fear
- human–animal bond
- government secrecy and surveillance
- ethics of science and creation
- fate and interconnected lives
- redemption and healing
- identity and twinship
- nature vs. technology
About this book
Solitary woodworker Grady Adams and his Irish wolfhound, Merlin, encounter two inexplicable, otherworldly creatures in the Rocky Mountains. As local veterinarian Camillia Rivers investigates, the discovery draws in secretive government interests, estranged twins with a dark past, and a chain of events that tests the boundaries between science and wonder, fear and hope, and what it means to be human.
Setting: Contemporary Rocky Mountains (rural Colorado): forests, small towns, isolated homesteads and farms
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breathless right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Breathless. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 wonder vs. fear, human–animal bond, government secrecy and surveillance.
How long does it take to read Breathless?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Breathless takes around 10h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Breathless have an AR quiz?
Yes — Breathless has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Breathless?
Breathless has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.