A Crystal of Time
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to A Crystal of Time
A Crystal of Time is the fifth installment in Soman Chainani's New York Times bestselling fantasy series, The School for Good and Evil, a twisted fairy tale saga. The narrative plunges readers into a perilous quest where main characters Sophie, Agatha, and their friends must navigate a world of political intrigue and dark magic to overthrow a false king who has seized Camelot's throne and sentenced the true king, Tedros, to death. The story follows Agatha's desperate efforts to restore Tedros and save Camelot, while Sophie is forced into a dangerous game as the usurper's queen, with her friends' lives hanging in the balance. This middle-grade/young adult book, approximately 624-688 pages long, is characterized by its blend of adventure, magic, romance, and humor, targeting readers from ages 11-14 with themes of truth versus lies and the complexities of good and evil.
Things to Consider
Violence
The book contains significant violence, including threats of execution, battles, and death. Characters face perilous situations, and the overarching plot involves a violent struggle for power with high stakes. The intensity of violence is noted to increase in later installments of the series.
The plot centers on King Rhian sentencing 'Tedros to death,' a recurring threat throughout the narrative. The book also features 'deaths in this tale' and describes Japeth as a 'psycho' who 'killed his brother'. Another scene involves Japeth using Sophie's blood to heal his injuries, highlighting a darker and dangerous form of magic intertwined with violent acts.
Romance and Sexual Content
Romantic relationships are a central element, involving kissing and deep emotional bonds between teenage characters. The book also contains a significant, albeit non-explicit, plot point involving magical non-consensual pregnancy, which elevates the severity of this concern.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and magic are fundamental to the world and plot of 'A Crystal of Time.' Characters are trained in magic, and both good and dark magic are actively practiced, influencing major plot points and character fates.
Scary & Intense Content
The book features a high degree of suspense, perilous situations, and disturbing imagery suitable for its middle-grade fantasy genre but potentially intense for younger readers. It includes explicit threats to life, battles, and the presence of grotesque magical creatures.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Recommended for ages 12-14+. While publishers often list an age range of 8-12, the content, especially in this fifth installment, is noted to be more mature than earlier books in the series. It features themes of death, intense violence, complex moral dilemmas, and some suggestive romantic elements, along with a controversial magical pregnancy plot point that may be more suitable for older middle-grade readers or younger young adults.
Good to Know
The 'School for Good and Evil' series tends to evolve in complexity and intensity with each installment, with 'A Crystal of Time' being the fifth book. Parents should be aware that the content generally becomes more mature, delving into deeper moral ambiguities and more intense situations than the initial books. The overarching series by Soman Chainani is known for its nuanced characters and relationships, including a strong emphasis on friendship. Readers unfamiliar with previous books may find the plot convoluted due to the ongoing narrative arcs.
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