The Forsaken Monarch Content Advisory
Readers often ask if there is any material in the Chronicle of Maud books which may be unsuitable for children or other sensitive readers. They also seem curious about the degree of reading proficiency required to enjoy these books. This page attempts to answer both of those questions with regard to the second novel in the series, The Forsaken Monarch.
In terms of the level of vocabulary used in the books, exceptional students aged 10-12 and any student age 13 and up should be able to understand nearly all of the novel. The wide variety of historic and cultural references, as well as the attention span needed to make it through a novel of over 200,000 words, ensures that very young readers are unlikely to enjoy this book to the fullest.
In terms of content that may be deemed objectionable, more needs to be said. Unlike films, books involve a certain amount of imagination on the part of the reader that can affect their experience of its content. For example, if they read that someone is stabbed, they could imagine that creating no flow of blood or a substantial flow of blood. Such considerations often factor into the MPAA rating of a film, but do not come into play in a novel. Likewise, a book may mention that a person is naked without actually forcing the reader to see the naked person. This is why it is difficult to determine if the content of The Forsaken Monarch is closer to a film rated PG-13 or R.
It can be safely said that any sensual or violent content in the novel is generally not overly gratuitous, graphic, or purely sensational. Such details are included to describe important aspects of medieval life and the formative experiences of the main character. Nevertheless, some parents may still prefer for their children not to be exposed to such things at a young age, or perhaps sensitive adult readers may simply hope to avoid off-putting content.
What follows is a summary of most of the content in this book that could be deemed objectionable. Naturally, it includes many plot spoilers, so read at your own risk.
Sexual Content:
In terms of the level of vocabulary used in the books, exceptional students aged 10-12 and any student age 13 and up should be able to understand nearly all of the novel. The wide variety of historic and cultural references, as well as the attention span needed to make it through a novel of over 200,000 words, ensures that very young readers are unlikely to enjoy this book to the fullest.
In terms of content that may be deemed objectionable, more needs to be said. Unlike films, books involve a certain amount of imagination on the part of the reader that can affect their experience of its content. For example, if they read that someone is stabbed, they could imagine that creating no flow of blood or a substantial flow of blood. Such considerations often factor into the MPAA rating of a film, but do not come into play in a novel. Likewise, a book may mention that a person is naked without actually forcing the reader to see the naked person. This is why it is difficult to determine if the content of The Forsaken Monarch is closer to a film rated PG-13 or R.
It can be safely said that any sensual or violent content in the novel is generally not overly gratuitous, graphic, or purely sensational. Such details are included to describe important aspects of medieval life and the formative experiences of the main character. Nevertheless, some parents may still prefer for their children not to be exposed to such things at a young age, or perhaps sensitive adult readers may simply hope to avoid off-putting content.
What follows is a summary of most of the content in this book that could be deemed objectionable. Naturally, it includes many plot spoilers, so read at your own risk.
Sexual Content:
- The lead-up to two sexual encounters within marriage is described, including some references to what is about to take place. However, the sexual acts themselves are not described.
- One character experiences a malady of his genitals. The nature of this malady and the pain it causes are described.
- Characters are described kissing, embracing, and declaring romantic love for each other.
- There is one scene in which a man touches a woman in an inappropriate location. It is mentioned only briefly.
- References are made to characters caught in sexual indiscretions.
- A female character walks in on a male character having sex with two women. The sexual act itself is not described, but it is mentioned that they are naked.
- There are a handful of other sexually charged references throughout the book, usually involving characters insulting or making fun of one another. One in particular involves a reference to homosexual intercourse.
- The narrative includes descriptions of medieval warfare. These are not generally graphic in nature.
- There are some references to the violent mistreatment of prisoners. Again, these are not overly graphic in nature.
- One particular character in the book is both physically and verbally abusive toward women. Their wounds and the fear caused by these incidents is described. The most intense scene describes the beating of a female character in detail.
- One character throws something at another character in anger.
- An anti-Semitic incident involving the death by burning of numerous Jews is described in detail.
- One scene involves a visit to a military camp site. The illnesses of the soldiers, including their unpleasant side effects, are described. References are also made to medieval surgery, and one character comes across the bloody remains of some of these surgeries.
- The violent death of a cat is described.
- Some characters use language that reflects hateful prejudice against women, Jews, homosexuals, or others. This is a reflection of the conditions that existed at the time and is usually portrayed in a clearly negative manner as a sign of bad character.
- A handful of minor curse words are used, such as “damn” and “arse”.
- There are occasional uses of phrases such as “Good God!” or “Good Lord!” by the characters.