Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imagination and soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a world that is a strange reflection of his own -- populated by heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things. Taking readers on a vivid journey through the loss of innocence into adulthood and beyond, New York Times bestselling author John Connolly tells a dark and compelling tale that reminds us of the enduring power of stories in our lives.
Is The Book of Lost Things appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This dark fantasy retelling contains meaningful violence and disturbing imagery as a grieving boy escapes into a twisted fairy-tale world. Themes of parental death, grief, and psychological darkness are central; best for mature middle grade or YA readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include child harm, death of parent, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love dark, twisted fairy tales and coming-of-age stories about grief will find this journey through a strange and dangerous fantasy world compelling.