Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. New York: HarperCollins.

This fantasy book is a real thriller. Skulduggery Pleasant is just what he seems on the front cover of the book, a skeleton.  He is magical, intense, a protector of the innocent and a detective on top of all that.  He meets Stephanie who renames herself Valkyrie Cain to provide another layer of protect from evil forces. Together they battle the evil, Serpine, in the tunnels under her recently passed away uncle's home.  They come out on top but not without many losses. It is clever, funny, humorous and entertaining.  You will be hooked and wanting more at the end of each chapter. Thank goodness there are 9 books in the series.

Assignment #5 - Fantasy

This high fantasy novel draws you in with the amazing characters and the theme of conquering evil and saving the world.  Skulduggery Pleasant is a skeleton who befriends his dead comrade’s niece, Stephanie aka Valkyrie Cain.  Her uncle Gordon who just died seems to be the keeper of the key but now that he is dead evil forces are trying to take it.  Skulduggery shows up at the most opportune times to save her from strangers wanting the key.  She seems to carry the genes of the Last of the Ancients which gives her magical powers to help her conquer the evil that wishes to take over the world.  They struggle with good vs. evil and the evil Serpine tries to convince her to join forces with him but she rises up and good does conquer over evil this time, but it leaves you knowing that this is not the end of the battle or the story.

Official Book website:  http://www.skulduggerypleasant.co.uk/

Teacher's Resources Guide:  http://www.skulduggerypleasant.co.uk/assets/schools/An_Introduction_Skulduggery.pdf

Another Teacher's Guide:  http://www.skulduggerypleasant.co.uk/assets/schools/An_Introduction_Skulduggery.pdf

Book Trailer: