The flame of Olympus (2012) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: The flame of Olympus
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Author: Kate O'Hearn

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Thirteen-year-old Emily's life is transformed when Pegasus, the mythological winged horse, crashes onto the roof of her building during a New York City blackout and takes her to Olympus where she faces monsters, a corrupt governmental agency, and the quest to keep the Olympic flame burning.

Middle Grade • 2012 • 416 pages • Lexile 710L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty)

by Kate O'Hearn

5.0

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

10+

This middle-grade fantasy earns its age rating primarily for intense action sequences and peril. While there is no sexual content or significant profanity, the story features frightening mythological monsters and a high-stakes conflict involving a secretive government agency (the CRU). It is a fast-paced adventure suitable for fans of Percy Jackson who are ready for slightly darker moments of mythological warfare.

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Is The flame of Olympus appropriate for kids?

Content severity in The flame of Olympus

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Mild 2/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in The flame of Olympus, moment by moment

p. 12 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
p. 22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
p. 35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10

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Sex and nudity in The flame of Olympus

There is no sexual content in this novel. The narrative focuses entirely on the blossoming friendship and fierce loyalty between the protagonist Emily, her classmate Joel, and the winged horse Pegasus. There are no romantic subplots, kissing, or suggestive dialogue throughout the adventure. The tone remains appropriate for a middle-grade audience, emphasizing platonic bonds and heroic teamwork rather than adolescent romance.

Violence and gore in The flame of Olympus

Moderate fantasy violence is central to the plot and can be quite intense for the genre. Characters are frequently pursued and attacked by multi-armed Nirads, and Pegasus suffers a graphic wing injury early on that requires medical attention. The secret government agency known as the CRU uses tranquilizers, nets, and surgical threats against the mythical creatures. The final third of the book involves large-scale mythological warfare with descriptions of swords, stone-like skin shattering, and energy bolts…

Language in The flame of Olympus

Language is very mild. Only a few instances of words like 'heck,' 'darn,' or 'jerk' appear, consistent with a middle-grade audience.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The flame of Olympus

No drugs or alcohol are used by the main characters in the story. In keeping with Greek mythology, there are several references to nectar and ambrosia, which are used specifically as healing substances and sources of immortality for the gods. There is a scene where Joel is offered a drink in Olympus, but it is purely fantastical and non-intoxicating. The CRU uses chemical sedatives for animal control purposes, but these are portrayed as tools of the antagonists.

Mature themes in The flame of Olympus

The story explores heavy themes including courage in the face of overwhelming odds and the weight of fulfilling a grand destiny. Emily deals with the profound grief of her mother's disappearance and the subsequent kidnapping of her father by the CRU, leading to feelings of isolation and fear. The ethics of government secrecy and the mistreatment of the 'different' are explored through the actions of the Central Research Unit. Additionally, the narrative touches on the concept of sacrifice and the responsibilities…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The flame of Olympus appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The flame of Olympus is best for ages 10+. This middle-grade fantasy earns its age rating primarily for intense action sequences and peril. While there is no sexual content or significant profanity, the story features frightening mythological monsters and a…

What age rating does The flame of Olympus have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. The flame of Olympus is published for a Middle Grade audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What reading level is The flame of Olympus?

The flame of Olympus is 416 pages and its reading level is Lexile 710L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 10+.

What is The flame of Olympus about?

Is there sex or nudity in The flame of Olympus?

How violent is The flame of Olympus?

Is the language in The flame of Olympus appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild. Only a few instances of words like 'heck,' 'darn,' or 'jerk' appear, consistent with a middle-grade audience.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The flame of Olympus?

What mature themes appear in The flame of Olympus?

Where can I read the full The flame of Olympus parent guide?

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