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- Ages
- 14–18
AI summary
Set in a bleak, isolated post-war English village, two sisters are sent to live with a cold aunt only to discover they are being hunted by an ancient, malevolent being known as Long Lankin. With the help of two local boys, they must uncover the village's dark secrets to prevent a repeat of a past tragedy.
Parent notes
The book contains heavy, dark supernatural horror and themes of child peril that may be too intense for younger or more sensitive readers. Parent concerns: Dark supernatural entity based on folklore; Graphic historical violence mentioned (a mysterious violent tragedy); Themes of child endangerment and abduction; Occult-adjacent folklore and ancient evil Romance/sexual content: No significant romantic or sexual content; the focus is entirely on horror and mystery. Language: Occasional mild British terms common in historical settings for this age group; generally low profanity. Violence: Atmospheric horror and 'chilling' scenes involving an evil entity. References to a past 'violent tragedy' involving children and the threat of harm to the young sister. Substances: No significant substance use mentioned. Worldview themes: Folklore and Mythology, Evil exists and must be confronted, Fear and isolation
Why parents choose this book
What makes Long Lankin worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 14–18 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: readers ages 14–18 looking for a solid story.
- Personality fit: kids ages 14–18 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Lindsey Barraclough, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy Long Lankin if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 14–18
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 14–18 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: clean language throughout.
Reading commitment
Why we recommend it
We recommend Long Lankin for the 14–18 age band with a small heads-up on content — worth previewing or discussing. Lindsey Barraclough's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
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