Divine Evil
A Novel
by Nora Roberts
Bantam 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Trauma, memory, and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- Small-town secrets and corruption
- Ritualistic crime and occult influence
- Trauma, memory, and recovery
- Returning home and confronting the past
- Family legacy and betrayals
- Art as catharsis and identity
- Trust, partnership, and romance
- Power, manipulation, and fear
- Justice versus complicity
- Good versus evil
About this book
Renowned New York sculptor Clare Kimball retreats to her hometown of Emmitsboro, Maryland, hoping to confront the shadows of her past and the mysterious death of her father. Reunited with former bad boy turned sheriff Cameron Rafferty, Clare is drawn into a series of chilling events that suggest a sinister, long-buried evil has resurfaced. As they untangle small-town secrets, Clare and Cam face a dangerous web of ritualistic crimes, corruption, and obsession—while finding an unexpected second chance at love.
Setting: Emmitsboro, a small town in western Maryland; contemporary (early 1990s), including woods, quarries, and the sheriff’s office
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Divine Evil right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Divine Evil. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 Small-town secrets and corruption, Ritualistic crime and occult influence, Trauma, memory, and recovery.
How long does it take to read Divine Evil?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Divine Evil takes around 17h to finish. The book has 165,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Divine Evil have an AR quiz?
Yes — Divine Evil has an AR quiz available, worth 24 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 Divine Evil?
Divine Evil has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.