Although suggested for readers aged 12-15 years-old, Skulduggery Pleasant is likely to be enjoyed by many younger readers from about 9 years up. We read it as a family and, from 11 to 47, enjoyed it immensely! From the moment Skulduggery appears the action heats up and drives the reader relentlessly through the book. While comparisons with Harry Potter seem inevitable, this book has more in common with the Artemis Fowl novels - lots of action, snappy dialog and magic.

Despite most of the action taking place in Ireland, the writing has a distinctly English flair. Conversations between the principal characters sparkle with dry wit, sarcasm and understatement. Skulduggery has more than a little James Bond in his character, including a...

Key Characters

• Stephanie Edgely, a.k.a. Valkyry Cain: Heroine
• Skulduggery Pleasant: Snappy dressing skeleton hero with a tortured past.
• China Sorrows: Who is anything but fragile and rarely sorry.
• Ghastly Bespoke: Tailor to Skulduggery.
• Sagacious and Meritorious: Magical elders
• Mr. Bliss: Who terrifies most people simply by existing.
• Nafarian Serpine: Evil incarnate.