Nine Dragons
by Michael Connelly
2023
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- parental love and responsibility
- justice versus vengeance
- family under threat
- organized crime and triads
- moral ambiguity
- cross-cultural investigation
- duty versus personal life
- corruption and power
- resilience and determination
About this book
When an L.A. liquor-store murder pulls Harry Bosch into a case with possible triad ties, the investigation turns personal: his daughter, Maddie, is abducted in Hong Kong. Racing from Los Angeles to the neon-lit streets and back alleys of Hong Kong and Kowloon, Bosch confronts organized crime, corrupt power, and his own limits as a father and detective in a desperate bid to bring her home.
Setting: Los Angeles, California; Hong Kong (including Kowloon districts and triad underworld locales)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nine Dragons right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Nine Dragons. The reading level is AR 6.1, 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 parental love and responsibility, justice versus vengeance, family under threat.
How long does it take to read Nine Dragons?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Nine Dragons takes around 11h to finish. The book has 116,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Nine Dragons have an AR quiz?
Yes — Nine Dragons 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 Nine Dragons?
Nine Dragons has an AR reading level of 6.1, 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.