Ratings Key

 


Scare Ratings

Our ratings are strictly to act as a guide to how fear-inducing a story can be. They are relative to the age the book is targeted to (a four-skull rating on an early mid-grade won’t give a young adult reader nightmares, but it might make a fourth grader ruminate over the soul devouring faceless things in the closet until well-past Midnight). It is not intended to judge the quality of the story. Fear is subjective, so consider this an average. More sensitive readers may wish to add a skull for their own peace of mind.
 
one_skull

Not scary, mystery elements only.

 

One or two scary parts, more of a “dark fantasy” than horror.

 

three-skulls

Many spooky scenes, or having an overall scary theme
that deals with supernatural or frightening situations.

 

four-skulls

Horrifying! If you have an active imagination, take warning!

 

five-skulls

This will keep you awake at night for years to come!