Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
Reading middle grade as an adult is tricky because it's essentially you inviting yourself to a book that wasn't written for you, or at least not for the you that you've become. There was a time that I was the target audience for this book and the series, and I couldn't get enough of it. The best thing I can do is getting in the headspace of my childhood self.
Coming back to Skulduggery Pleasant was perhaps not as nostalgic as I expected (I've got the feeling that the nostalgia will hit a bit later in the series), however, I'm still a huge fan of the story and the way it's written. Everything from the atmosphere (I describe the story as a fantasy adventure with a touch of noir and dry wit) to the characters' emerging dynamic and the mystery is so tightly-crafted. The only criticism I have, if you could call it that, is that I wish Serpine's fault wasn't as clear-cut. A moment of Stephanie beginning to doubt Skulduggery's judgement like the other, or him doubting himself would have made Serpine's comeuppance more satisfying. Again, that's such a minor critique that I didn't even account for it in my rating. All in all this a great first look at the series as a whole and the fact the story is self-contained can really help the series be less intimating for a first time reader.
CWs: The story starts with the protagonist losing her favourite uncle, and there is a fair bit of action and violence. If you think the book might be too scary for your child, I would recommend reading chapter 3 to see if it's too frightening - it's one of the more intense ones and wouldn't spoil too much of the plot.
Coming back to Skulduggery Pleasant was perhaps not as nostalgic as I expected (I've got the feeling that the nostalgia will hit a bit later in the series), however, I'm still a huge fan of the story and the way it's written. Everything from the atmosphere (I describe the story as a fantasy adventure with a touch of noir and dry wit) to the characters' emerging dynamic and the mystery is so tightly-crafted. The only criticism I have, if you could call it that, is that I wish Serpine's fault wasn't as clear-cut. A moment of Stephanie beginning to doubt Skulduggery's judgement like the other, or him doubting himself would have made Serpine's comeuppance more satisfying. Again, that's such a minor critique that I didn't even account for it in my rating. All in all this a great first look at the series as a whole and the fact the story is self-contained can really help the series be less intimating for a first time reader.
CWs: The story starts with the protagonist losing her favourite uncle, and there is a fair bit of action and violence. If you think the book might be too scary for your child, I would recommend reading chapter 3 to see if it's too frightening - it's one of the more intense ones and wouldn't spoil too much of the plot.
Star parts: I always love it when a kid's book is recommended to me by a kid. The mother of the kid who 'lurves' these books said she thought it was a bit splat. So I thought I would take a wee look. Landy's writing style is funny. The majority of the characters are engaging, the story is definitely a page turner, and there's splat, but most people make it out alive... or they were already dead in the first place so it doesn't matter.
The story takes place in Dublin, but in a part that nobody pays too much attention to. Stephanie Edgely decides to join forces with Skullduggery to get to the bottom of her Uncle's mysterious death. What happens along the way is all very thrilling and imaginative like the clothes that protect her from the worst of the dangerous antics she gets up to...
Black clouds: But! You knew there was one coming right? There are pages and pages of witty reposte between Skullduggery and Stephanie. It doesn't serve to move the plot on and it seems like it was just included to show how witty Landry could be and to be perfectly honest I got bored with it. Secondly the characters I found the blossoming investigator Stephanie and Tanith Low a little similar.
Do I recommend it: But! (Oh look another one) The story was exciting. I wanted to read to the end. When the humour wasn't overdone and beaten to death it was funny. I can see why kids like it. I'm not going to say don't read it, I'm just going to say it wasn't my cup of tea. How's that?
The story takes place in Dublin, but in a part that nobody pays too much attention to. Stephanie Edgely decides to join forces with Skullduggery to get to the bottom of her Uncle's mysterious death. What happens along the way is all very thrilling and imaginative like the clothes that protect her from the worst of the dangerous antics she gets up to...
Black clouds: But! You knew there was one coming right? There are pages and pages of witty reposte between Skullduggery and Stephanie. It doesn't serve to move the plot on and it seems like it was just included to show how witty Landry could be and to be perfectly honest I got bored with it. Secondly the characters I found the blossoming investigator Stephanie and Tanith Low a little similar.
Do I recommend it: But! (Oh look another one) The story was exciting. I wanted to read to the end. When the humour wasn't overdone and beaten to death it was funny. I can see why kids like it. I'm not going to say don't read it, I'm just going to say it wasn't my cup of tea. How's that?
Very fun book for middle readers. The writing, language, snappy dialogue and themes are intelligent and appealing to all ages.
Was funnier than I expected. I like Stephanie, and enjoy how it pokes humour at everything, even while the world is ending.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
When her eccentric uncle is mysteriously killed, 12 year old Stephanie suspects foul play. Then she meets Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton detective with a sharp wit, a clever mind and some really great magical powers. As Skulduggery and Stephanie set out to solve the mystery of her uncle's death, Stephanie quickly realizes "foul play" doesn't begin to cover it. This is a smart and exciting book that will appeal to kids and parents alike. A great family read-aloud choice!
--Erin J.
--Erin J.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
This book is well-paced within itself yet I have never found an author whose work I devoured as quickly or easily as Derek Landy. You just get sucked stupid style into his story and it is so instantly digestible and pleasant (pun unintended) that you blink and it's gone. There are some sections wherein it shows its age, or the characters are just a little bit too witty and clever with overlapping dictions, but that's my Adult Eye on a Kid's Book talking. Give this to all your kids to make them like reading.