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.
Not scary, mystery elements only.
One or two scary parts, more of a “dark fantasy” than horror.
Many spooky scenes, or having an overall scary theme
that deals with supernatural or frightening situations.
Horrifying! If you have an active imagination, take warning!
This will keep you awake at night for years to come!