The Court of the Dead (2025) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: The Court of the Dead
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)
Author: Rick Riordan

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A few months after returning from the depths of Tartarus, demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace agree to join Nico's half-sister Hazel Levesque at Camp Jupiter on the West Coast. She needs their help in managing a situation that the boys inadvertently brought about: the demigods showed the monsters of the Underworld that they have options; they don’t have to be evil. Now some of those monsters have taken up residence at Camp Jupiter to seek refuge. Nico and Will are on site, assisting Hazel when one by one monsters start… Sign up for the full guide

YA • 2025 • 536 pages • Grade 6-9

by Rick Riordan

4.5

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

12+

This Middle Grade-to-YA transition novel follows Nico di Angelo and Will Solace as they attempt to integrate reformed monsters into Camp Jupiter. The story features mild fantasy violence involving mythological beasts, themes of grief and prejudice, and a chaste, supportive same-sex relationship between the protagonists. It is ideal for readers ages 11 and up who are fans of the Percy Jackson universe and are looking for stories… Sign up for the full guide

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Is The Court of the Dead appropriate for kids?

Content severity in The Court of the Dead

Sex Mild 2/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Mild 2/10

Substances Mild 1/10

Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in The Court of the Dead, moment by moment

p. 24 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
p. 48 💬 Language 1/10
p. 60 🍷 Substances 1/10

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Sex and nudity in The Court of the Dead

The book features a central romantic relationship between the two main protagonists, Nico di Angelo and Will Solace. Content is limited to hand-holding, supportive hugs, and several chaste kisses that focus on their emotional bond and mutual support. There is no explicit sexual content, nudity, or mature dialogue beyond the exploration of teenage feelings. Their dynamic is portrayed as healthy and grounding, particularly when Nico deals with his underworld-related trauma. Minor flirting and acknowledgments of…

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Violence and gore in The Court of the Dead

Fantasy action is frequent and consistent with the established style of the Percy Jackson universe, involving battles with swords and magical powers. Characters face off against mythological beasts, resulting in monsters being 'disintegrated' or sent to Tartarus. A pivotal scene involves a character being seemingly executed in a cruel trial, which causes significant emotional distress for the onlookers. While there is mention of physical injury and some dark descriptions of shadow magic, the gore is minimal, and…

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Language in The Court of the Dead

The language in this novel is very mild and suitable for the middle-grade to young adult transition level. Occasional uses of words like 'heck', 'darn', and 'gosh' are used for emphasis during moments of high stress. The characters utilize mythological-specific insults, such as 'Styx' or 'Hades,' used as expletives in the context of their world. No contemporary profanity, harsh slurs, or vulgar language is present throughout the 448 pages. The dialogue remains respectful even during tense arguments between the…

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Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Court of the Dead

No alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drug use. Medicinal potions or nectar/ambrosia are used for healing purposes as per series tradition.

Mature themes in The Court of the Dead

Heavy focus on prejudice and the ability to change, as monsters referred to as 'mythics' try to live peacefully alongside demigods. Themes of historical trauma are pervasive, especially regarding Nico's past and the weight of his father Hades' expectations. The story explores the difficulty of finding one's place in a community for 'outsiders' and the struggle of overcoming one's nature or the labels others place upon them. Grief is a significant motivator, particularly in how characters react to the perceived…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Court of the Dead appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Court of the Dead is best for ages 12+. This Middle Grade-to-YA transition novel follows Nico di Angelo and Will Solace as they attempt to integrate reformed monsters into Camp Jupiter. The story features mild fantasy violence involving mythological beasts…

What age rating does The Court of the Dead have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. The Court of the Dead is shelved by its publisher as YA, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 12+.

What reading level is The Court of the Dead?

The Court of the Dead is 536 pages and its reading level is Grade 6-9. Bontent recommends it for ages 12+.

What is The Court of the Dead about?

Is there sex or nudity in The Court of the Dead?

How violent is The Court of the Dead?

Is the language in The Court of the Dead appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The Court of the Dead?

No alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drug use. Medicinal potions or nectar/ambrosia are used for healing purposes as per series tradition.

What mature themes appear in The Court of the Dead?

Where can I read the full The Court of the Dead parent guide?

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