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Skulduggery Pleasant #6.5
Краят на света
Skulduggery and Valkyrie are back, in an exclusive World Book Day novelette, set after the momentous events of Death Bringer…
Hey, punks! Skulduggery and Valkyrie are about to make your day…
15-year-old Ryan is running away from home, looking for escape and adventure. But unfortunately, sometimes people DO get what they wish for. Ryan hasn’t gone far before he is set upon by a bunch of scary, nihilistic punk-sorcerers who need him to set off a doomsday device that will destroy the planet and everyone on it. Fun!
Riding to the rescue, however, is a certain skeleton detective and his teenage partner/combat accessory. Now Skulduggery and Valkyrie only have a few hours to figure out what's going on, while saving Ryan and – incidentally – the whole world.
And all that time, the punk-sorcerors are closing in…
Hey, punks! Skulduggery and Valkyrie are about to make your day…
15-year-old Ryan is running away from home, looking for escape and adventure. But unfortunately, sometimes people DO get what they wish for. Ryan hasn’t gone far before he is set upon by a bunch of scary, nihilistic punk-sorcerers who need him to set off a doomsday device that will destroy the planet and everyone on it. Fun!
Riding to the rescue, however, is a certain skeleton detective and his teenage partner/combat accessory. Now Skulduggery and Valkyrie only have a few hours to figure out what's going on, while saving Ryan and – incidentally – the whole world.
And all that time, the punk-sorcerors are closing in…
125 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
43 people are currently reading
5050 people want to read
About the author
Derek Landy
256 books5,299 followersDerek Landy is an Irish writer and screenwriter. In addition to the bestselling children's/YA series of Skulduggery Pleasant books, a supernatural mystery series starring Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton detective, and Valkyrie Cain, a young female magician, he has written two screenplays that have been made into films: the IFTA award winning "Dead Bodies" and the IFTA nominated "Boy Eats Girl". Landy himself was nominated for an IFTA for Best Script.
He doesn’t like to brag about all the awards he’s won, such as the Irish Book of the Decade, or the Red House in the UK, or all the other awards that he humbly displays on his mantelpiece. He is also far too modest to mention things like the first book being a Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year, but would like to extend an invitation to Oprah to pop around one day for tea, in thanks for selecting his book for the Oprah’s Book Club Kids Reading List.
Derek plays too many video games, reads too many comics, and watches too many movies. He lives in Ireland with too many cats. Occasionally he talks to real people, but only when he absolutely has to.
He doesn’t like to brag about all the awards he’s won, such as the Irish Book of the Decade, or the Red House in the UK, or all the other awards that he humbly displays on his mantelpiece. He is also far too modest to mention things like the first book being a Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year, but would like to extend an invitation to Oprah to pop around one day for tea, in thanks for selecting his book for the Oprah’s Book Club Kids Reading List.
Derek plays too many video games, reads too many comics, and watches too many movies. He lives in Ireland with too many cats. Occasionally he talks to real people, but only when he absolutely has to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 7, 2020
Ryan, you're not real. You don't exist... You're Deacon Maybury," Skulduggery said. "You're a hiding place who thinks it's a boy.
A nice filler story in between books 6 and 7 of the series and i rather enjoyed this little extra story.
This novella is set after the events of book six of the main series and it sees Ryan who's never seen magic or a talking human skeleton in his life suddenly get thrown into this crazy world. I rather enjoyed the quickness of this story it gets straight to the point and has a clear beginning, middle and ending which i rather enjoyed however i would have loved this story being slightly longer.
The banter between Skulduggery, Valkyrie and Ryan is so good in this one and every single bit of banter in all of the scenes were done so well it had me in laughing fits while reading the book. I also think it's something that Derek can do really well is have a serious scene in a book but make it more light hearted to break that tension that i really love about this series.
Valkyrie made a face. "Bloody vampires."
Ryan sat forward. "That was a vampire? That guy who looked like an accountant?
The ending of this story was so sad! i really wish things didn't have to end for Ryan like that and i felt extremely heartbroken for not only Ryan but also for Valkyrie who grew to like this boy.
Derek Landy is keeping this series alive and fresh and it's a series that i cannot get enough of i love it so much!
A nice filler story in between books 6 and 7 of the series and i rather enjoyed this little extra story.
This novella is set after the events of book six of the main series and it sees Ryan who's never seen magic or a talking human skeleton in his life suddenly get thrown into this crazy world. I rather enjoyed the quickness of this story it gets straight to the point and has a clear beginning, middle and ending which i rather enjoyed however i would have loved this story being slightly longer.
The banter between Skulduggery, Valkyrie and Ryan is so good in this one and every single bit of banter in all of the scenes were done so well it had me in laughing fits while reading the book. I also think it's something that Derek can do really well is have a serious scene in a book but make it more light hearted to break that tension that i really love about this series.
Valkyrie made a face. "Bloody vampires."
Ryan sat forward. "That was a vampire? That guy who looked like an accountant?
The ending of this story was so sad! i really wish things didn't have to end for Ryan like that and i felt extremely heartbroken for not only Ryan but also for Valkyrie who grew to like this boy.
Derek Landy is keeping this series alive and fresh and it's a series that i cannot get enough of i love it so much!
August 2, 2022
Why does Derek Landy gotta make a novella so immersive and sad why
May 6, 2013
Unlike the other books, This Skulduggery Pleasant short story book had a little bit of a sad ending. A boy called Ryan has nowhere to go since he ran away from home and has ended up at a local library. While trying to distract himself, he skims through the shelves of books until he notices a weird object in between two books. As he picks it up, it sizzles in his hand before it turns into ashes and leaves a mark on the palm of his hand. He is there confronted by a unusual bunch of people that secretly threaten to kill everyone in the library if he doesn't come with them but who comes to the rescue? Our beautiful and cool heroine, Valkyrie Cain!! Entering the story whistling the Harry Potter theme song, Valkyrie Cain defeats the unusual bunch with Skulduggery as they escape with Ryan. Ryan is the key to the end of the world and if he gets into the wrong hands, it'll be the end of the world! Packed with suspense and shocking truths, this book is surely going to make your eyes bulge! (Maybe I'm exaggerating but who cares?!)
April 30, 2019
Това тънко книжле, разпространяващо се като безплатно приложение на вестник "Труд" през 2013, беше първият ми сблъсък с шантавите герои на Дерек Ланди. Поместената вътре новела, написана специално за Световния ден на книгата през 2012, се явява № 6,5 в серийната хронология. Вероятно поради тази причина тогава не се ориентирах много-много какво се случва - запомнил съм само едни безконечни патаклами - но сега, чинно изчел предните шест заглавия, реших да си я припомня и я намерих за доста прилична. Дуетът Валкирия/Скълдъгъри, действащ тук като трио с наглед обикновения момък Райън, трябва да открие и дезактивира една апокалиптична машина. Следва задъхано повествование от около стотина страници джобен формат, а именно в краткостта на книжлето се крие чарът му, защото от един даден момент натам започнах да имам лек проблем с логореята на автора. Отпадналите сцени от първите книги, включени след "спасяването на света" пък бяха свеж бонус, който закова окончателната ми оценка на Много добър 4.
February 2, 2013
The world is ending! And all because a bunch of crazy lunatics have decided the world would be better off blown into a million little pieces. The problem? These lunatics need a key to activate the bomb that'll blow the world up.
Actually, that isn't the problem. The real problem is that key is actually a young boy, Ryan. And before today he has never seen magic or talking skeletons. So it is suffice to say that getting him to stay calm, whilst dragging him through highly dangerous situations - and running away from the lunatics - will not be easy. But then again, Skulduggery likes to do things the hard way, after all!
Together Valkyrie, Skulduggery and a slightly wimpy Ryan must defeat the lunatics and save the day. And when Skulduggery is the only one on the case you know that it really is the end of the world.
So buckle you seatbelts, don't dirty the Bentley and enjoy the apocalypse!
Fave line:
- "Valkyrie made a face. "Bloody vampires."
Ryan sat forward. "That was a vampire? That guy who looked like an accountant?"
"We don't talk about vampires," Skulduggery warned.
"But it was daytime. How could he have been out during the-"
"We don't talk about vampires!" Valkyrie said sharply.
Ryan shrunk back. "Sorry," he said.
"Don't worry about it," Skulduggery told him. "Valkyrie used to date a vampire that's all."
"We didn't date ," Valkyrie said immediately.
Skulduggery held a hand up. "I'm not judging."
Valkyrie scowled."
:D
Actually, that isn't the problem. The real problem is that key is actually a young boy, Ryan. And before today he has never seen magic or talking skeletons. So it is suffice to say that getting him to stay calm, whilst dragging him through highly dangerous situations - and running away from the lunatics - will not be easy. But then again, Skulduggery likes to do things the hard way, after all!
Together Valkyrie, Skulduggery and a slightly wimpy Ryan must defeat the lunatics and save the day. And when Skulduggery is the only one on the case you know that it really is the end of the world.
So buckle you seatbelts, don't dirty the Bentley and enjoy the apocalypse!
Fave line:
- "Valkyrie made a face. "Bloody vampires."
Ryan sat forward. "That was a vampire? That guy who looked like an accountant?"
"We don't talk about vampires," Skulduggery warned.
"But it was daytime. How could he have been out during the-"
"We don't talk about vampires!" Valkyrie said sharply.
Ryan shrunk back. "Sorry," he said.
"Don't worry about it," Skulduggery told him. "Valkyrie used to date a vampire that's all."
"We didn't date ," Valkyrie said immediately.
Skulduggery held a hand up. "I'm not judging."
Valkyrie scowled."
:D
April 24, 2012
This 100-page novella was written for World Book Day in the U.K. and Ireland. It takes place between books 6 and 7 of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, although it provides a great starting point for new readers and it's not necessary to have read the entire series beforehand. In just 111 pages, Derek Landy takes his readers on another epic journey with detectives Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain - unravelling mysteries, rescuing innocent bystanders and saving the world from complete annihilation all in an afternoon's work.
The End of the World is told through the eyes of mortal fifteen-year-old Ryan, a troubled, lonely teen who stumbles across the skeleton dectective's path when he inadvertedly discovers the key to the Doomsday Machine (a device capable of destroying the entire planet) in his local library. From that moment on, Ryan finds himself thrown into a world of magic and mayhem as the two dectectives race to save the world - and Ryan's life too.
I absolutely loved Ryan's character, particularly his reaction to the magical world he's introduced to and his perspective of Skulduggery and Valkyrie. Derek Landy's usual fast-paced wit had me laughing out loud, but by the time I reached the final page I was in tears. There's a fantastic twist at the end of the story, so cleverly laid out and so heartbreakingly sad, and that's what makes this short novella my absolute favourite story from Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant universe.
The End of the World is told through the eyes of mortal fifteen-year-old Ryan, a troubled, lonely teen who stumbles across the skeleton dectective's path when he inadvertedly discovers the key to the Doomsday Machine (a device capable of destroying the entire planet) in his local library. From that moment on, Ryan finds himself thrown into a world of magic and mayhem as the two dectectives race to save the world - and Ryan's life too.
I absolutely loved Ryan's character, particularly his reaction to the magical world he's introduced to and his perspective of Skulduggery and Valkyrie. Derek Landy's usual fast-paced wit had me laughing out loud, but by the time I reached the final page I was in tears. There's a fantastic twist at the end of the story, so cleverly laid out and so heartbreakingly sad, and that's what makes this short novella my absolute favourite story from Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant universe.
February 15, 2020
Kurz aber gut. Diese Geschichte funktioniert im Grunde sogar, ohne die anderen Bücher zu kennen. Walküre zeigt zur Abwechslung viel Gefühl, das mag ich ich.
April 15, 2015
Great Story Plot
April 16, 2021
Such a surprise to find this little book in a local secondhand shop! For a short story, it's fun and quick to finish. The twist is unpredictable!
May 10, 2021
I loved it, but the ending made me want to cry.
March 31, 2019
"Why?" he gasped. "Why do you want to... want to kill everyone?"
Foe looked down at him, and shrugged. "Because it's Wednesday."
In this short novella, a completely normal 15-year-old boy is dragged into the world of magic after accidentally "absorbing" the key to a doomsday device that has the power to essentially nuke the world, and then having to go on the run (with Skulduggery and Valkyrie for protection!) after a group of nihilistic villains want to use said key (and device) to destroy the world.
You get your usual sarcasm and wit, and it is admittedly hilarious to have a the POV of a "regular" teenager in this novella, but to be honest it did fall a little flat of the level of awesome that I have come to expect from this series. Still, well written and a nice quick read c:
Foe looked down at him, and shrugged. "Because it's Wednesday."
In this short novella, a completely normal 15-year-old boy is dragged into the world of magic after accidentally "absorbing" the key to a doomsday device that has the power to essentially nuke the world, and then having to go on the run (with Skulduggery and Valkyrie for protection!) after a group of nihilistic villains want to use said key (and device) to destroy the world.
You get your usual sarcasm and wit, and it is admittedly hilarious to have a the POV of a "regular" teenager in this novella, but to be honest it did fall a little flat of the level of awesome that I have come to expect from this series. Still, well written and a nice quick read c:
October 12, 2024
Another short and sweet novella. I wasn't sure if I'd read it before, as I can't seem to be able to find a list of all short stories included in Armageddon Outta Here (and it's been too long for me to recall). Even now, I'm not quite sure, though it seemed somewhat familiar. Either way, I enjoyed the characters a lot, and I always love a quick save-the-world type of case. Already looking forward to the next few short stories and novellas.
December 23, 2018
Очарователно бижу е тази повест, само туй ще кажа.
А "доплънката" за това как се е променяла първата книга от поредицата е разкошен поглед към битието на писателите (ама не у нас... добре де, и у нас, но много рядко).
А "доплънката" за това как се е променяла първата книга от поредицата е разкошен поглед към битието на писателите (ама не у нас... добре де, и у нас, но много рядко).
January 1, 2026
An action packed short story with lots of witty banter. Always enjoy Derek Landy's writing.
March 5, 2012
This review was originally posted here: http://foreverreadingbookreviews.blog...
I have been following the Skulduggery Pleasant series loyally since I was 11 years old, and it was first introduced to me by my best friend. This novella was especially written for World Book Day 2012, which was on 1st March. On World Book Day in the UK and Ireland, young readers get the chance to obtain various short stories for £1 to help encourage reading.
First of all, this short story has no relation to the current Skulduggery plot and does not develop it further. Nevertheless, Derek Landy wrote us a small piece of awesome for World Book Day.
This story revolves around a 15-year-old boy called Ryan, who's going through a rough patch in his life. Suddenly, he's thrown into the magical world by a hideous twist of fate and Skulduggery Pleasant, the skeleton detective and his 17-year-old sidekick, Valkyrie Cain, come to the rescue. A peculiar adventure ensues! The story is filled with wit, humour, and of course, lots of butt-kicking. Derek even managed to throw in a twist (he's good at doing that) which I didn't see coming. There's also some romance in there, and it makes the ending sad but sweet.
This was a fantastic novella which I throughly enjoyed, and I laughed throughout the entire thing. This is why Derek Landy is one of my most favourite authors, and this book will be a welcome addition to my Skulduggery collection!
I have been following the Skulduggery Pleasant series loyally since I was 11 years old, and it was first introduced to me by my best friend. This novella was especially written for World Book Day 2012, which was on 1st March. On World Book Day in the UK and Ireland, young readers get the chance to obtain various short stories for £1 to help encourage reading.
First of all, this short story has no relation to the current Skulduggery plot and does not develop it further. Nevertheless, Derek Landy wrote us a small piece of awesome for World Book Day.
This story revolves around a 15-year-old boy called Ryan, who's going through a rough patch in his life. Suddenly, he's thrown into the magical world by a hideous twist of fate and Skulduggery Pleasant, the skeleton detective and his 17-year-old sidekick, Valkyrie Cain, come to the rescue. A peculiar adventure ensues! The story is filled with wit, humour, and of course, lots of butt-kicking. Derek even managed to throw in a twist (he's good at doing that) which I didn't see coming. There's also some romance in there, and it makes the ending sad but sweet.
This was a fantastic novella which I throughly enjoyed, and I laughed throughout the entire thing. This is why Derek Landy is one of my most favourite authors, and this book will be a welcome addition to my Skulduggery collection!
April 24, 2012
*May contain mild spoilers*
It was awesome returning to this world, which of course makes the wait for the next release in late august *flails arms* more bearable.
It was so much fun, especially Valkyrie's sensitivity towards vampires now (We don't talk about vampires!) oh it was so, oh so very amusing. Especially so when Ryan first encountered Skulduggery's brilliant wit. Not everyone can withstand the wonderment of his wit and intelligence you know.
So here we are, on another adventure, one of the many that if failed, *cue dramatic music* would ened the world.
By now this is pretty normal for the duo, and they are pretty non-plussed about it, but then Ryan here comes in the mix. He is the key to the Doomsday Machine (how creatively named!) and of course as a civillian, is pretty freaked out by it. But there's a bunch of nihilists (hat off to skul-man) that want to set off this device. And their after him. Naturally anyone would get rather skittish. But with Skulduggery and Valkyrie by his side, he's pretty much insured.
What docked off that little star is that the plot felt a bit incomplete. It should have been developed more!(so we can also have more pages >:) ) Especially the villainy scenes, more twists, the sort....Even though they have that one little twist near the end.
AUGUST SHOULD COMES FASTER while I fangirl in a corner. (that rhymed!)
It was awesome returning to this world, which of course makes the wait for the next release in late august *flails arms* more bearable.
It was so much fun, especially Valkyrie's sensitivity towards vampires now (We don't talk about vampires!) oh it was so, oh so very amusing. Especially so when Ryan first encountered Skulduggery's brilliant wit. Not everyone can withstand the wonderment of his wit and intelligence you know.
So here we are, on another adventure, one of the many that if failed, *cue dramatic music* would ened the world.
By now this is pretty normal for the duo, and they are pretty non-plussed about it, but then Ryan here comes in the mix. He is the key to the Doomsday Machine (how creatively named!) and of course as a civillian, is pretty freaked out by it. But there's a bunch of nihilists (hat off to skul-man) that want to set off this device. And their after him. Naturally anyone would get rather skittish. But with Skulduggery and Valkyrie by his side, he's pretty much insured.
What docked off that little star is that the plot felt a bit incomplete. It should have been developed more!(so we can also have more pages >:) ) Especially the villainy scenes, more twists, the sort....Even though they have that one little twist near the end.
AUGUST SHOULD COMES FASTER while I fangirl in a corner. (that rhymed!)
February 27, 2022
Continuing on with my reread of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, which I'm doing in chronological order, I've got the World Book Day 2012 short story!
These World Book Day novellas, whether from the Skulduggery Universe or elsewhere, are intended to encourage people to pick up the related books and read more. This means that this can totally be read separately from the rest of the series and is designed to stand alone.
Don't get me wrong though, this is from Landy, so there are enough references to the main series, and a few to other franchises, that series readers will enjoy the novella too.
I adore the character that the bring in for this novella. It's a really unique subplot that actually develops the world further as well as being super interesting! It tugs at the heartstrings a little too!
For my CAWPILE rating I gave this book 8 across the board for Character, Atmosphere, Writing, Plot, Intrigue, Logic, and Enjoyment. Which of course gives a score of 8. Which is a solid 4 star read.
I definitely recommend picking this up if either you're already reading the series or if you're interested in it. At a little over 100 pages it'll give you a good feel for what the series is like, and it adds to the world too. A great little book!
These World Book Day novellas, whether from the Skulduggery Universe or elsewhere, are intended to encourage people to pick up the related books and read more. This means that this can totally be read separately from the rest of the series and is designed to stand alone.
Don't get me wrong though, this is from Landy, so there are enough references to the main series, and a few to other franchises, that series readers will enjoy the novella too.
I adore the character that the bring in for this novella. It's a really unique subplot that actually develops the world further as well as being super interesting! It tugs at the heartstrings a little too!
For my CAWPILE rating I gave this book 8 across the board for Character, Atmosphere, Writing, Plot, Intrigue, Logic, and Enjoyment. Which of course gives a score of 8. Which is a solid 4 star read.
I definitely recommend picking this up if either you're already reading the series or if you're interested in it. At a little over 100 pages it'll give you a good feel for what the series is like, and it adds to the world too. A great little book!
March 4, 2012
Enjoyed this short story & cannot wait for the 7th book! I hate waiting. Also, just to say I am a HUGE fan of Valduggery! The age thing isn't a problem seeing as she seems to age 2 years every book. It's probably not going to happen but that doesn't mean I can't keep hoping it will someday like all the other Valduggery fans out there! I mean is it just me or are there a fair few hints about it in the book? Anyway..... ;-)
May 24, 2012
As a Skul-fan, i was not at all disappointed with this book. It's short, it's fun, it's snappy with only ten chapters in total.
And for those who are the real Skul-fans, with practicing Elementals or Adept, you would be pleased to read the last few pages. It's Derek's first draft of certain parts from the first novel. (Which, to be fairness, is intriguing and could spin off a whole new different outcome if he chose to follow this darker path)
And for those who are the real Skul-fans, with practicing Elementals or Adept, you would be pleased to read the last few pages. It's Derek's first draft of certain parts from the first novel. (Which, to be fairness, is intriguing and could spin off a whole new different outcome if he chose to follow this darker path)
December 6, 2021
Just a short novella but a good reminder of what makes this series special. The fights are fast, the magic contained, the jokes still as silly, but it's the quiet moments which make it special. The human moments were the effects of the diabolical plan are given a personal feeling. This story deals with the lose of an innocent who never existed and at the end we feel the lose and the careless actions of those with power.
September 25, 2014
Such a fun and awesome read. It feels so great to dive back into this world. I didn't realise how much I've missed it.
I was expecting this to be a quick, small read about what Skulduggery and Valkyrie were doing but DAYUM Derek Landy managed to turn it into a fact-paced novella with a plot twist.
But then again, nothing unusual.
I was expecting this to be a quick, small read about what Skulduggery and Valkyrie were doing but DAYUM Derek Landy managed to turn it into a fact-paced novella with a plot twist.
But then again, nothing unusual.
February 29, 2012
A brief but fun bonus-installment for the Skulduggery series. Not a series to choose for deeper inspiration, but the action and tongue-in-cheek dialogue will certainly entertain. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
November 22, 2015
El fin del mundo es un relato que juega con nuestras mentes, Derek además ha incluido borradores de los primeros libros donde se muestra que los cambios suelen ser buenos, y más si se pasa de ser una saga donde predomina la impotencia y la maldad a una saga divertida y llena de misterio.
December 28, 2015
Classic Skullduggery humor. Laugh out loud read...briefly dying....!
October 22, 2016
Симпатично разказче, но вече взе да се поизтърква фабулата.....
November 17, 2016
Валкирия отново влюбена, но книгата е смукана от пръстите си за пари.
Не ги четете тези половинки, те са някакъв ерзац. Най-доброто в тази книги е разсъждението на автора за кориците.
Не ги четете тези половинки, те са някакъв ерзац. Най-доброто в тази книги е разсъждението на автора за кориците.
May 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this short read, I just wish it had been a bit longer.
August 4, 2021
This was fun. I was about to accuse Skulduggery of irresponsibly adopting another kid but uhhhh... That's spoiler territory
March 5, 2015
4 stars, i did love it. but it was so short. :(
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