Lost City
by Clive Cussler, Paul Kemprecos
Penguin 2005
Book 5 of The NUMA Files
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 5 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- immortality and life extension
- bioengineering and ethics
- corporate and family conspiracy
- underwater archaeology
- science versus greed
- loyalty and teamwork
- identity and legacy
About this book
When a 16th-century helmet turns up alongside a modern corpse, NUMA team leader Kurt Austin and archaeologist Skye Labelle uncover a ruthless dynasty whose fortune—and deadly ambitions—are tied to a centuries-old secret that may unlock human longevity. Racing from deep-ocean sites to alpine caverns and shadowy laboratories, Austin battles a merciless adversary intent on weaponizing the promise of eternal life.
Setting: Contemporary, globe-spanning locations including North Atlantic and European alpine regions; NUMA research vessels, underwater sites, and hidden mountain caverns
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lost City right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Lost City. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th 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 immortality and life extension, bioengineering and ethics, corporate and family conspiracy. Note: this is book 5 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Lost City?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Lost City takes around 13h to finish. The book has 140,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lost City have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lost City has an AR quiz available, worth 21 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 Lost City?
Lost City has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th 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.