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The Fall: The Seventh Tower, Book 1

(2000, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Garth Nix)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    First book in action-packed, inventive series.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Tal gradually learns that the way he sees the world may not be the right or only way. As one of the priveleged "Chosen," he looks down on other classes of people -- but he gradually begins to see that there's much he doesn't know or understand. Strong messages about courage, resourcefulness, teamwork, and thinking your way out of problems. His eventual companion, Milla, is a strong, fiercely determined and ambitious girl who isn't intimidated by anyone.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A fair amount of fantasy violence. The main character is attacked by living shadows and nearly falls to his death; he's rescued, but his "savior" is an aspiring warrior maiden who immediately wants to kill him. Later, the two of them navigate some perilous situations while on a journey and sustain injuries during fights with threatening beasts.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Fall: The Seventh Tower, Book 1

Parents need to know that this is an action-packed story with plenty of peril and scary situations. Tal is almost always in danger, and his world is full of enemies, threatening creatures, and complicated relationships. That said, it's not really any more intense than anything kids will find in the early Harry Potter books. Tal doesn't always do or say the right thing, but his intentions are good, and he learns from his mistakes.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the Chosen treat the Underfolk. Is it fair? Does Tal's argument that that's the way things have always been justify the Castle's class system? Kids: Who do you like more, Tal or Milla? Why? What do you think you'd do in their place? What do you think will happen in future books of the series?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    zacpns@aol.com
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Pretty good book savoring it's treatment.

    The seventh tower: The fall was pretty good. It takes in the importance of being a kid and slowly but surely developing into Adult-hood. Kal are heroine is discovering himself turning into a man each and every day and is preaparing for a war that lies ahead. So you might as well pick this one up on your next trip to the bookstore.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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