The Storm
NUMA Files #10
by Clive Cussler, Graham Brown
Penguin UK 2012
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- technothriller
- eco-terrorism
- nanotechnology
- teamwork and loyalty
- survival at sea
- global conspiracy
- environmental catastrophe
- heroism
About this book
When a NUMA research vessel in the Indian Ocean is overrun by a mysterious black swarm that kills the crew and incinerates the ship, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are dispatched to investigate. What they uncover on the smoldering wreck leads them into a globe-spanning conspiracy that weaponizes a deadly new technology and threatens catastrophic consequences on the high seas.
Setting: Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea—on and around NUMA research vessels, remote islands, and ports from the Gulf of Oman across the high seas
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Storm right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Storm. The reading level is AR 6.2, 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 technothriller, eco-terrorism, nanotechnology.
How long does it take to read The Storm?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Storm takes around 11h to finish. The book has 110,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Storm have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Storm 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 The Storm?
The Storm has an AR reading level of 6.2, 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.