The book clearly said ages 14 and up. But I ignored it and read it anyway. My sister had read this book when she was about 14 years old and I was 8. I really wanted to read it but obviously I was too young. I found it again in the library and loved it. There are of course many grotesque scenes but the plot overall is amazing. Although I'm still not fully old enough to read this book. I still do not recommend it to children under the age of 14. Trust me. You''ll get nightmares.