Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Before he ruled Ravka, before he was the Darkling, he was just a lonely boy with an extraordinary gift. In this prequel story to the New York Times-bestselling Grisha Trilogy, Leigh Bardugo takes us into Ravka's mysterious past, when Grisha lived as fugitives and the Darkling took his first steps on the path to power.
Is The Demon in the Wood appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This origin story features a young Grisha boy fleeing persecution with moderate violence including death and threats. No sexual content or strong language, but themes of isolation and the early corruption of power may resonate with mature tweens and teens.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death of parent, violence, and persecution (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Fans of the Grisha Trilogy will love seeing how the Darkling became the powerful, complex villain they know from the main series.