We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)
(3) Base Camp
Although Lips Touch: Three Times has illustrations, it's not exactly for beginning readers. First of all, the language can be a bit flowery and poetic at times because of the book's fairy tale nature, which means that you have to read closely to follow the storyline. Plus there are some made-up words in the mix, too, like hathra and cithra. Finally, the subject matter can get a bit intense at times—like when the Druj in "Hatchling" use human bodies for their own pleasure. It's all a bit dark and twisted, so readers should come prepared.