| "SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT - 2 BOOK SET"
Author: Derek Landy
Illustrator: Tom Percival
Interest Level: Middle Grades (4-8)
ATOS Reading Level: 4.9
AR Points: 10.0 for Playing with Fire
Publisher Recommended Age: 10+
Publisher: HarperCollins/HarperTrophy
Book Type: 2 Book Set includes 1 paperback and 1 hardcover book
Series Overview
This is a book series planned to include nine books. The series crosses the horror, comedy, mystery and sci-fi genres. The story follows the titular character, an undead wizard and detective, his newly-acquired assistant Stephanie, and numerous magic-wielding allies as they try to prevent an evil sorcerer from unleashing a weapon of terrible power on the world.
Books in the Series
Skulduggery Pleasant (2007) (Book #1, Paperback, 392 pages)
Meet Skulduggery Pleasant: Ace Detective, Snappy Dresser, Razor–tongued Wit, Crackerjack Sorcerer, and Walking, Talking, Fire-throwing Skeleton —as well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old. These two alone must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil. The end of the world? Over his dead body.
New York Times Book Review: "The author just may have invented a new genre: the screwball fantasy."
Playing With Fire (2008) (Book #2, Hardcover, 400 pages)
Just when you think you've saved the world! "You will kill her?" the Torment asked. Skulduggery sagged. "Yes." He hesitated, then took his gun from his jacket. "I'm sorry, Valkyrie," he said softly. "Don't talk to me," Valkyrie said. "Just do what you have to do." Valkyrie parted her tunic, and Skulduggery pointed the gun at the vest beneath. "Please forgive me," Skulduggery said, then aimed the gun at the girl and pulled the trigger.
With Serpine dead, the world is safe once more. At least, that's what Valkyrie and Skulduggery think, until the notorious Baron Vengeous makes a bloody escape from prison, and dead bodies and vampires start showing up all over Ireland. With Baron Vengeous after the deadly armour of Lord Vile, and pretty much everyone out to kill Valkyrie, the daring detective duo face their biggest challenge yet. But what if the greatest threat to Valkyrie is just a little closer to home!?
Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review): "Landy gives the term "deadpan humor" a whole new meaning; readers who prefer their heroes laconic and their action nonstop are in for a wild ride."
Book Awards:
- UK: Red House Children's Book Award 2008 Nominee (Skulduggery Pleasant)
- USA: ALA (American Library Assn), Best of the Best Books for Young Adults (Skulduggery Pleasant)
- USA: Publishers Weekly, Best Book (Skulduggery Pleasant)
About the Author:
Derek Landy (born 1973 born in Lusk, County Dublin) is an Irish author and screenwriter. He has written two screenplays that have been made into films -- the IFTA award winning Dead Bodies and the IFTA nominated Boy Eats Girl starring Samantha Mumba. Landy himself was nominated for an IFTA for Best Script.
Landy later moved onto writing Skulduggery Pleasant, published by Harper Collins which according to The Sunday Times spent 1 million euro for the publishing rights. He has just written the second book of the series Skulduggery Pleasant 2: Playing With Fire. He is also a black belt in kenpo karate. |
