Shadow Tyrants
by Clive Cussler, Boyd Morrison
Penguin 2018
Book 13 of Oregon Files
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 13 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- Secret societies and ancient knowledge
- Power, greed, and corruption
- Technology as a double-edged sword
- Teamwork and loyalty under pressure
- Global conspiracy and espionage
- Moral ambiguity and tough choices
- Survival against overwhelming odds
About this book
When two powerful tech moguls—rival descendants of the legendary Nine Unknown Men—ignite a covert war over ancient knowledge capable of reshaping humanity, only Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the high-tech ship Oregon stand between their escalating tactics and global catastrophe. Racing across the world, Cabrillo’s team battles cutting-edge weaponry, shadow networks, and moral gray zones to stop a plan that could end millions of lives.
Setting: Contemporary, globe-spanning locations centered on the high-tech mercenary ship Oregon, with missions unfolding across Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shadow Tyrants right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Shadow Tyrants. 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 Secret societies and ancient knowledge, Power, greed, and corruption, Technology as a double-edged sword. Note: this is book 13 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Shadow Tyrants?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Shadow Tyrants takes around 10h to finish. The book has 108,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Shadow Tyrants have an AR quiz?
Yes — Shadow Tyrants has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Shadow Tyrants?
Shadow Tyrants 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.