Darkest Evening of the Year, The
by Dean Ray Koontz
Random House Digital, Inc. 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include healing from trauma, domestic abuse and control
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Genre
Themes
- animal rescue and compassion
- good vs. evil
- healing from trauma
- identity and hidden pasts
- domestic abuse and control
- faith, grace, and the uncanny
- loyalty and trust
- fate and redemption
About this book
Amy Redwing, founder of a Southern California golden-retriever rescue, risks everything to save a remarkable dog named Nickie. The bond is immediate and uncanny—so much so that Amy’s other goldens defer to Nickie as a natural leader. But the joy of the new arrival is quickly overshadowed by a cascade of ominous events tied to Amy’s hidden past and a malevolent presence that seems to be closing in. As threats escalate, Amy and her partner must confront darkness that blurs the line between the natural and the supernatural.
Setting: Contemporary Southern California (coastal and suburban areas in and around Orange County)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darkest Evening of the Year, The right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Darkest Evening of the Year, The. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 animal rescue and compassion, good vs. evil, healing from trauma.
How long does it take to read Darkest Evening of the Year, The?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Darkest Evening of the Year, The takes around 9.4h to finish. The book has 93,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Darkest Evening of the Year, The have an AR quiz?
Yes — Darkest Evening of the Year, The has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Darkest Evening of the Year, The?
Darkest Evening of the Year, The has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.