Content levels
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
The official novelization of Jim Henson's 1982 masterpiece. In a faraway world a mighty astronomical event is about to occur, the Great Conjunction of the planet's Three Suns. At this time, the cruel Skeksis who rule this world from the Castle of the Dark Crystal are frightened to learn that an ancient prophecy may be coming true: A survivor of the Gelfling, an elfin race they thought they had destroyed, is seeking to restore the missing shard of the Dark Crystal before the moment of the Great Conjunction, thus ending the tyranny of the Skeksis. Hidden in the valley of the urRu, young Jen the Gelfling has been raised by a tribe of mystics and knows little of the world outside, but now his Master's dying words have charged him with his mission to find the lost shard before it is too late. Traveling through many strange places and encountering many extraordinary beings, Jen races against time to unravel the mystery of his quest and save his world from the forces of evil.
Is The Dark Crystal appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Parents should know this classic fantasy features dark imagery including genocide of an elfin race, scary puppet-based creatures (the Skeksis), and the death of a mentor figure. Violence is present but not graphic, appropriate for middle grade readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include genocide, death, and violence.
Who'll love this
Kids will enjoy following young Jen on his epic quest to save his world, meeting strange creatures and racing against time to fulfill an ancient prophecy.