The Crown's Game

A passage describes a throat slitting with mild gore; otherwise blood from injuries mentioned several times but not described. Fantasy violence includes a scary zombie-like creature that rises from the grave; its horrific appearance and stench are described. The zombie forcefully kisses someone to give them a disease. A dagger plunges; blood is mentioned. A test of skill involves killing animals and is not described. Past torturing and killing animals mentioned. Mention of bodies of dead birds that were created by magic. Protagonists in peril several times from magical attacks. Main plot involves a magic duel to the death; death by magical combustion mentioned several times. A magical brand on the skin burns; the pain is described briefly.

Feelings of attraction and desire to kiss and caress mentioned a few times. The only romantic kiss includes a mention of "parted lips." A kiss from a zombie-like fantasy creature is intended to pass on typhus.

Many instances of "damn." A Russian swear word is not translated but is often used like "damn." "Merde" (French for "s--t") once or twice. "Bastard" in name-calling once.

A couple of extended passages take place in a tavern, where two 17-year-olds drink shots of vodka with beer chasers. Drunken behavior is shown, and hangovers are mentioned. Drunk street people mentioned. A character mentions that crazy ideas come from too much wine and cheap vodka. Drunk men urinate in public and have a "urine duel." Kvass (similar to a low-alcohol beer) mentioned a couple times; one adult drains a glass when he's upset.

Parents need to know that The Crown's Game, by Evelyn Skye, is a magical fantasy set in an alternative version of Russia in 1825. Readers will absorb a lot of culture and history as they go, which may foster an interest in learning more about a vast, fascinating place. They should also be encouraged to read the author's note explaining where and why she turned away from actual people and events. Although there's little negative content to be concerned about for tweens, the positive messages unfold slowly over 400 pages and several narrators, making the messages best absorbed by mature older tweens who are strongly independent readers. Most of the violence is mild and fantasy based, with a scary zombie-like creature who rises from the grave and whose gross appearance and smell is described. Blood is mentioned several times, and one throat slitting is mildly gory. Sexy stuff is very light, with feelings of attraction and one kiss where "parted lips" are mentioned.