Stolen Tongues (2017) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

There is no explicit sex or graphic nudity depicted within the narrative. The relationship between the protagonists, Felix and Faye, is established as a deeply romantic and physically affectionate marriage, featuring several scenes of them kissing or sleeping in the same bed to comfort one another. While sexual intimacy is implied to be a part of their normal life, any such activity remains strictly off-page or vaguely referenced. The tone remains focused on psychological horror rather than eroticism…

Violence is graphic and frequent, often leaning into disturbing 'body horror' that may be difficult for sensitive readers. Characters suffer self-inflicted wounds while under possession, including scenes involving fingernails being pulled back and heads being struck against walls until they bleed. There are descriptions of mangled animal carcasses, such as a deer found early in the book, described with clinical gore. The climax involves intense physical altercations with supernatural entities that result in broken…

Strong profanity is used frequently throughout both the dialogue and Felix's first-person narrative internal monologue. This includes dozens of instances of 'f*ck' and its derivatives, along with 'sh*t,' 'goddamn,' 'bastard,' and 'hell.' The language is used realistically to convey the extreme terror and frustration the characters feel as they are hunted. There are also brief moments of aggressive verbal venting between characters under high stress. The frequency of these expletives makes the book best suited for…

The protagonists consume alcohol, specifically wine and beer, on several occasions as a way to cope with their mounting stress and fear. No illicit drug use is portrayed in the novel, though characters do utilize prescription sedatives to manage Faye's dangerous sleepwalking episodes. There are discussions about the risks of mixing these medications with alcohol, highlighting the desperation of the characters. The usage is depicted as a reactive coping mechanism rather than recreational use. Felix also mentions…

The book centers on grief, hereditary trauma, and the fear of losing one's identity to an external, malevolent force. There are heavy themes of mental health versus supernatural influence, specifically focusing on Faye's history with sleepwalking and parasomnia. The plot incorporates elements of indigenous folklore used in a horror context, exploring how ancestral secrets can haunt future generations. The pervasive dread is punctuated by the fear of being unable to trust one's own senses or the voices of loved…