The Face
A Novel
by Dean Koontz
Bantam 2007
Book 4 of Demon Princes
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.9 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 4 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- good vs. evil
- redemption and grace
- fate vs. free will
- celebrity and illusion
- parent–child bonds
- grief and loss
- courage and sacrifice
- chaos vs. order
- friendship and loyalty
- the supernatural intruding on the ordinary
About this book
In Los Angeles at Christmastime, former LAPD detective Ethan Truman—now head of security for world‑famous movie star Channing "The Face" Manheim—receives a series of macabre warnings that a grand, devastating crime is imminent. As a brilliant sociopath orchestrates chaos targeting Manheim’s family, Ethan races to protect the actor’s young son, Fric, aided by inexplicable clues and the ghostly return of a murdered friend. Blending suspense, dark humor, and the supernatural, The Face explores the battle between good and evil behind Hollywood’s gleaming facade.
Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles/Hollywood, primarily around the Manheim estate and the city during the Christmas season
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Face right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Face. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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 good vs. evil, redemption and grace, fate vs. free will. Note: this is book 4 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Face?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Face takes around 17h to finish. The book has 173,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Face have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Face has an AR quiz available, worth 27 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 The Face?
The Face has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.