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Skulduggery Pleasant #2
Playing With Fire
Meet Skulduggery Pleasant: detective, sorcerer, warrior.
Oh yes. And dead.
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…?
404 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2008
908 people are currently reading
6800 people want to read
About the author
Derek Landy
253 books5,292 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 1,901 reviews
May 22, 2018
Super gelungener zweiter Band! Hat mir sogar noch besser gefallen als der erste.
Ich glaube allein schon wegen Skulduggery's Humor ist diese Reihe lesenswert 🤣
Auch Stephanie hat sich seit dem ersten Band gut weiterentwickelt und die Beziehung der beiden zueinander ist grandios.
Alles andere, seien es die Gegner oder auch die Verbündeten sowie die Magie sind so herrlich skurril aber trotzdem gut vorstellbar dargestellt.
Nachdem im ersten Band größtenteils alle Figuren vorgestellt wurden und die Magie erklärt wurde, gibt es hier im zweiten Band mehr Gegner und mehr Action, was mir gut gefallen hat. Auch das Ende konnte mich voll zufrieden stellen: ein guter finaler Kampf, Aufklärung vieler Fragen, aber trotzdem ein so spannender "Appetit-Macher", dass man unbedingt den nächsten Band lesen will! 👌🏻
Ich glaube allein schon wegen Skulduggery's Humor ist diese Reihe lesenswert 🤣
Auch Stephanie hat sich seit dem ersten Band gut weiterentwickelt und die Beziehung der beiden zueinander ist grandios.
Alles andere, seien es die Gegner oder auch die Verbündeten sowie die Magie sind so herrlich skurril aber trotzdem gut vorstellbar dargestellt.
Nachdem im ersten Band größtenteils alle Figuren vorgestellt wurden und die Magie erklärt wurde, gibt es hier im zweiten Band mehr Gegner und mehr Action, was mir gut gefallen hat. Auch das Ende konnte mich voll zufrieden stellen: ein guter finaler Kampf, Aufklärung vieler Fragen, aber trotzdem ein so spannender "Appetit-Macher", dass man unbedingt den nächsten Band lesen will! 👌🏻
June 24, 2023
Re-Read: Nov. 20th, 2020:
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
Just like the first time!
___________________
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SERIES SOONER?!?!?
You better get used to me saying this, because when it comes to Skulduggery Pleasant, it will likely be the first—or close to it, or something like that 😉—thing you probably will be seeing in each review I write for the books in this absolutely intoxicating, truly laugh out loud hilarious, & utterly addictive series (🎶’Cause I just can’t get enough🎶). Though I am fairly sure I haven’t written reviews for ALL of them— or FULL ones at the very least, because I discovered this series WAY late in the game & I mean… there are 15 books all in all 12 of which were out when I first started it that I read all “at once”— one to the next, to the next, to the next, aaand on and on and …you get the idea lol— I devoured one after the other, eager to move on to the next part of the story/ the next story arc, etc. because this series is JUST. THAT. GOOD! that’s just me being lazy, because I write these for pure enjoyment and because of , and there are books that I *HAVE* to review, soooo… *sigh* lol, or feeling repetitive lol. 😂
Absolutely fantastic. This is a BRILLIANT, ORIGINAL, WAY TOO OFTEN OVERLOOKED or JUST DOESN’T GET ENOUGH VISIBILITY in the first place… and if I can make any amount of people aware of this truly life changing, addictive, just freakin’ perfect series, then I am EXTREMELY happy!
I truly would put this series just about up there with HP (honestly, I’ve read the whole series several times over, and there are 15 books so far! For the people who don’t like to start a series unless all of the books are released: NO worries! Landy writes these books in “Seasons,” and there are two thus far, each bring the story to a satisfying, crazy ass conclusion, or “stopping point.” It’s brilliant, tbh. 🩶I am eagerly awaiting S3, but I am not waiting on a cliffhanger or anything like that; I mean unless you count dying to know what the next story arc will bri😂— Landy writes such unique stories for each & every one of his books that do tie in & lead to a bigger story arc, but be prepared for a magic filled ride that is SO unique, quite pleasantly unpredictable, and GAHHHH IT HAS IT ALL, & SO much more) it just gets better & better as the books go on — partially because the content becomes more & more “mature” as the FMC gets older, which makes sense, but she starts out age 12, and the content is definitely more mature & complex than the series that I compared it to above, pretty much right away. It still has the magic, but it’s SO much more creative— which is HIGH DAMN PRAISE! I GREW UP on HP, but as hard as it is for me to say, if you enjoy wit & sarcasm, but with just as much of the, no, def even MORE of, the fantastical & the magical, oh my goodness, just all of the good stuff… this series totally stacks up to be, (and delivers on that promise) even BETTER than Potter ! 😱 (but so true!). They are better but compared because the settings & storylines/ subplots/ plots are very, very much different in setting, in tone, etc thaN the HP series, & it just is much, much more exploratory, & takes more chances & risks, as well as being much more fantastical, but is sometimes, well basically always is a little darker rather than almost completely whimsical, though
I am so grateful for the fact that I hadn’t known about the series until later in life (late 20s at the time I read the first 12!) which meant that I got to experience so much in my first time reading ! I totally never knew just how badly I needed this series in my life at the particular moment in time that I read it!
God bless xthe Irish & their brand of humor! 💚
The wit, sarcasm, & humor in general of this book are all seriously top notch!
It actually reminds me SO MUCH of my dad & I and our back & forth that we always had.😂🦦
(Well, I’m an eighth or a quarter Irish or something, I believe, and even if that part of my family lives in England now that has to count for something right?😂)
Honestly READ THIS!!!! This series is just so fun, carefree, and makes my lifeeeee!
10 out of 10 recommend!
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
Just like the first time!
___________________
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SERIES SOONER?!?!?
You better get used to me saying this, because when it comes to Skulduggery Pleasant, it will likely be the first—or close to it, or something like that 😉—thing you probably will be seeing in each review I write for the books in this absolutely intoxicating, truly laugh out loud hilarious, & utterly addictive series (🎶’Cause I just can’t get enough🎶). Though I am fairly sure I haven’t written reviews for ALL of them— or FULL ones at the very least, because I discovered this series WAY late in the game & I mean… there are 15 books all in all 12 of which were out when I first started it that I read all “at once”— one to the next, to the next, to the next, aaand on and on and …you get the idea lol— I devoured one after the other, eager to move on to the next part of the story/ the next story arc, etc. because this series is JUST. THAT. GOOD! that’s just me being lazy, because I write these for pure enjoyment and because of , and there are books that I *HAVE* to review, soooo… *sigh* lol, or feeling repetitive lol. 😂
Absolutely fantastic. This is a BRILLIANT, ORIGINAL, WAY TOO OFTEN OVERLOOKED or JUST DOESN’T GET ENOUGH VISIBILITY in the first place… and if I can make any amount of people aware of this truly life changing, addictive, just freakin’ perfect series, then I am EXTREMELY happy!
I truly would put this series just about up there with HP (honestly, I’ve read the whole series several times over, and there are 15 books so far! For the people who don’t like to start a series unless all of the books are released: NO worries! Landy writes these books in “Seasons,” and there are two thus far, each bring the story to a satisfying, crazy ass conclusion, or “stopping point.” It’s brilliant, tbh. 🩶I am eagerly awaiting S3, but I am not waiting on a cliffhanger or anything like that; I mean unless you count dying to know what the next story arc will bri😂— Landy writes such unique stories for each & every one of his books that do tie in & lead to a bigger story arc, but be prepared for a magic filled ride that is SO unique, quite pleasantly unpredictable, and GAHHHH IT HAS IT ALL, & SO much more) it just gets better & better as the books go on — partially because the content becomes more & more “mature” as the FMC gets older, which makes sense, but she starts out age 12, and the content is definitely more mature & complex than the series that I compared it to above, pretty much right away. It still has the magic, but it’s SO much more creative— which is HIGH DAMN PRAISE! I GREW UP on HP, but as hard as it is for me to say, if you enjoy wit & sarcasm, but with just as much of the, no, def even MORE of, the fantastical & the magical, oh my goodness, just all of the good stuff… this series totally stacks up to be, (and delivers on that promise) even BETTER than Potter ! 😱 (but so true!). They are better but compared because the settings & storylines/ subplots/ plots are very, very much different in setting, in tone, etc thaN the HP series, & it just is much, much more exploratory, & takes more chances & risks, as well as being much more fantastical, but is sometimes, well basically always is a little darker rather than almost completely whimsical, though
I am so grateful for the fact that I hadn’t known about the series until later in life (late 20s at the time I read the first 12!) which meant that I got to experience so much in my first time reading ! I totally never knew just how badly I needed this series in my life at the particular moment in time that I read it!
God bless xthe Irish & their brand of humor! 💚
The wit, sarcasm, & humor in general of this book are all seriously top notch!
It actually reminds me SO MUCH of my dad & I and our back & forth that we always had.😂🦦
(Well, I’m an eighth or a quarter Irish or something, I believe, and even if that part of my family lives in England now that has to count for something right?😂)
Honestly READ THIS!!!! This series is just so fun, carefree, and makes my lifeeeee!
10 out of 10 recommend!
October 23, 2017
What a thrilling, funny yet dark plot! I loved every page, there never seems to be a dull moment in these books.. on to book 3!
June 6, 2016
this one shows a bit of landy's very desturbing amagination.
i love all the skulduggery pleasant books so much i can read them anytime
i love all the skulduggery pleasant books so much i can read them anytime
March 6, 2018
Every time I read these books I get this warm and fuzzy feeling, suddenly my crops are flourishing, my skin is clear, my depression and anxiety are cured ah how I love Skulduggery Pleasant
May 31, 2021
Playing with Fire
(Skulduggery Pleasant #2)
by Derek Landy
Yes, this is made for middle grade kids but like Harry Potter, grown ups know a good thing when they see it! These are clever, witty, and well thought out books that so entertaining that I just have to have! The first one was hilarious and this one less funny but still very clever! I enjoy the adventures the girl and the skeleton get into. Each have powers. Stephanie/Valkyrie can use her mirror image as a double so her parents don't know when she is gone.
Bad guys are after her for a variety of reasons. Speaking of bad guys, they are some strange duds themselves! Wow! Love the imagination!
(Skulduggery Pleasant #2)
by Derek Landy
Yes, this is made for middle grade kids but like Harry Potter, grown ups know a good thing when they see it! These are clever, witty, and well thought out books that so entertaining that I just have to have! The first one was hilarious and this one less funny but still very clever! I enjoy the adventures the girl and the skeleton get into. Each have powers. Stephanie/Valkyrie can use her mirror image as a double so her parents don't know when she is gone.
Bad guys are after her for a variety of reasons. Speaking of bad guys, they are some strange duds themselves! Wow! Love the imagination!
August 12, 2019
If books were food, Skulduggery Pleasant would be a chocolate-covered gummy bear.
Allow me to elaborate. At first, the idea of a chocolate-covered gummy bear is weird and a little gross, but once you taste it, you discover how delightful it is. Is it junk food? Maybe. But sometimes it's great to chow down on junk food.
Chocolate-covered gummy bears are not for everyone, of course, but I find them addictive.
My only real complaint is that it has a few too many murders for a kid's book.
Allow me to elaborate. At first, the idea of a chocolate-covered gummy bear is weird and a little gross, but once you taste it, you discover how delightful it is. Is it junk food? Maybe. But sometimes it's great to chow down on junk food.
Chocolate-covered gummy bears are not for everyone, of course, but I find them addictive.
My only real complaint is that it has a few too many murders for a kid's book.
February 2, 2018
Vom Grundprinzip eigentlich die gleiche Geschichte wie im ersten Teil, aber es ist einfach super unterhaltsam & eine gute Mischung aus ernsthaft und humorvoll 👍🏻
June 24, 2024
7.0/10
This plays out very similar to the first book. It has all the same pros and cons.
Still is funny and adventurous. You see more of the surrounding cast and Landy writes in a way that always keeps your attention.
I realised that i don't have a character that i feel really connected too or am very invested. Skulduggery is cool but still i can't say that i genuinely care much. And as i said in my review for the first book, Valkyrie/Stephanie is someone who i might have felt related in the past but definitely not now. The biggest let down though is the villain. Again very bland and generic.
I'm gonna continue the series as i enjoy the ride.
This plays out very similar to the first book. It has all the same pros and cons.
Still is funny and adventurous. You see more of the surrounding cast and Landy writes in a way that always keeps your attention.
I realised that i don't have a character that i feel really connected too or am very invested. Skulduggery is cool but still i can't say that i genuinely care much. And as i said in my review for the first book, Valkyrie/Stephanie is someone who i might have felt related in the past but definitely not now. The biggest let down though is the villain. Again very bland and generic.
I'm gonna continue the series as i enjoy the ride.
May 20, 2016
This is a crazy book series, but I like that about it. A lead character who is a sorcerer whose body is skeletal. A thirteen-year-old girl who stays out all night fighting evil creatures and sends her reflection to school as a stand in. Heinous, and I do mean heinous villains who don't mind exploding people, along with psychopathic assassins with Southern accents who can dig through the ground and who have a favorite straight razor. Yup. That's what this book is about.
I think that this one is a lot more dark, violent and disturbing than the first book, so I'd definitely warn a parent to read it first before letting a kid younger than twelve read this. The narrator was great. I loved his accents and how he makes these very strange characters stand out. I like his intonation for Skulduggery, rather sarcastic and one of those people who really don't panic. If he does, then you're in trouble. I enjoy his relationship with Valkyrie/Stephanie. She talks to him kind of disrespectfully, but it doesn't bother him. He treats her as an equal.
There were loose ends tied up from the first book that really needed tying. Even a cameo of sorts from Valkyrie's deceased uncle who left her his house and fortune. The sorcerer world grows bigger and more complicated in this book, and Valkyrie has cause to think about the life she's chosen as the descendant of Ancients who has decided to fight the good fight. She realizes how much time she's missing out with her family.
This book is just plain weird. If you don't like weird, pass it by. If you have strong opinions on what young people should read and that list includes violent books with sorcery, monsters and psychopathic characters who have no qualms about harming a 13-year-old girl, then you won't care for this. But if you like fun, weirdly humorous, quirky, sometimes scary, and sometimes creepy crawly books with not a small degree of wish fulfillment for tweens (and messages about empowerment for young girls), then you might like this.
I think that this one is a lot more dark, violent and disturbing than the first book, so I'd definitely warn a parent to read it first before letting a kid younger than twelve read this. The narrator was great. I loved his accents and how he makes these very strange characters stand out. I like his intonation for Skulduggery, rather sarcastic and one of those people who really don't panic. If he does, then you're in trouble. I enjoy his relationship with Valkyrie/Stephanie. She talks to him kind of disrespectfully, but it doesn't bother him. He treats her as an equal.
There were loose ends tied up from the first book that really needed tying. Even a cameo of sorts from Valkyrie's deceased uncle who left her his house and fortune. The sorcerer world grows bigger and more complicated in this book, and Valkyrie has cause to think about the life she's chosen as the descendant of Ancients who has decided to fight the good fight. She realizes how much time she's missing out with her family.
This book is just plain weird. If you don't like weird, pass it by. If you have strong opinions on what young people should read and that list includes violent books with sorcery, monsters and psychopathic characters who have no qualms about harming a 13-year-old girl, then you won't care for this. But if you like fun, weirdly humorous, quirky, sometimes scary, and sometimes creepy crawly books with not a small degree of wish fulfillment for tweens (and messages about empowerment for young girls), then you might like this.
February 4, 2015
It's like Doctor Who and Harry Potter had a love child
May 9, 2018
"I don't know what they are, but there are dozens of them, relatively small, moving as a pack."
"They might be kittens," she said hopefully.
"They're stalking us."
"They might be shy."
"I don't think it's kittens, Valkyrie."
"Puppies then?"
I love Skulduggery and Valkyrie. I'm so glad I decided to reread this (in English this time) and I can't wait until I can get my hands on Midnight.
This book is extremely funny with a great sense of humor (Skulduggery and Valkyrie bickering is the best!), but dark at the same time, full of action and suspense to keep you glued to the pages. This series belongs to favorites and this reread has proven to me once again that Derek Landy deserves his place amongst my favorite authors.
March 30, 2017
Honestly, it's great. What else can I say? It was enjoyable, it was fast, it was hilarious. It's basically everything I want in a story with no unnecessary romance.
I'll still write a full review for book one, but I doubt I will for every book in this series.
I'll still write a full review for book one, but I doubt I will for every book in this series.
March 3, 2017
Окей приключих я още в училище, но все още не мога да приема, че няма да продължа поредицата, защото третата книга я няма в библиотеката...ще се гладува, предвиждам го..
May 27, 2019
actual rating: 4.5/5 stars
We're not retreating, we're advancing in reverse.
Well for a sequel that i hadn't picked up in nearly a year i still managed to jump back into this world and enjoy it as much as the first book.
Plot: we'll plot wise i think this book was a lot stronger from the first book and it definitely has matured and stepped up. I loved how much the dynamic between Skulduggery and Valkyrie has changed in the course of the year story plot i think these two have now a good understanding of each other and each work and it worked really well for this story.
New threats are coming and still on there way and i love the way that once they have finished in a big fit that it isn't over and Derek lets the reader know that things are still not over and far from it.
Characters:
Valkyrie Cain: Stephanie *Valkyrie* has grown so much and i think this world suites this character so much like she has being destained to be in the world all a long. Her powers have matured and continue to do so and i'm impressed on how much of an impact this world has had on her. I also think once Valkyrie's powers have matured more i think she she will be one huge force to reckon with and i cannot wait to see that happen.
I'm also trying to get used to the name change from her going from Stephanie to Valkyrie because her named changed so her enemies don't learn her real one but all and all it's still confusing!
Skulduggery Pleasant: Skulduggery is such a master mind in everything he does and it kind of freaks me out with how calculated he is and knows what to do before anyone else. I still do really enjoy this character though he is smart, unique and different to many main leads in middle grade series so it's refreshing to meet a character who is the good guy but also very calculated.
His relationship with Valkyrie continues to surprise me because he will do anything for her but will also put her life in danger and tell her the reasons later it really is strange for him to it but he does have his reasons on why he does it.
Please forgive me," Pleasant said, then aimed the gun at the girl and pulled the trigger
This series has continued to surprise me in ways that i couldn't have imagined and i cannot wait to begin book three and continue this adventure with Stephanie and Skulduggery
We're not retreating, we're advancing in reverse.
Well for a sequel that i hadn't picked up in nearly a year i still managed to jump back into this world and enjoy it as much as the first book.
Plot: we'll plot wise i think this book was a lot stronger from the first book and it definitely has matured and stepped up. I loved how much the dynamic between Skulduggery and Valkyrie has changed in the course of the year story plot i think these two have now a good understanding of each other and each work and it worked really well for this story.
New threats are coming and still on there way and i love the way that once they have finished in a big fit that it isn't over and Derek lets the reader know that things are still not over and far from it.
Characters:
Valkyrie Cain: Stephanie *Valkyrie* has grown so much and i think this world suites this character so much like she has being destained to be in the world all a long. Her powers have matured and continue to do so and i'm impressed on how much of an impact this world has had on her. I also think once Valkyrie's powers have matured more i think she she will be one huge force to reckon with and i cannot wait to see that happen.
I'm also trying to get used to the name change from her going from Stephanie to Valkyrie because her named changed so her enemies don't learn her real one but all and all it's still confusing!
Skulduggery Pleasant: Skulduggery is such a master mind in everything he does and it kind of freaks me out with how calculated he is and knows what to do before anyone else. I still do really enjoy this character though he is smart, unique and different to many main leads in middle grade series so it's refreshing to meet a character who is the good guy but also very calculated.
His relationship with Valkyrie continues to surprise me because he will do anything for her but will also put her life in danger and tell her the reasons later it really is strange for him to it but he does have his reasons on why he does it.
Please forgive me," Pleasant said, then aimed the gun at the girl and pulled the trigger
This series has continued to surprise me in ways that i couldn't have imagined and i cannot wait to begin book three and continue this adventure with Stephanie and Skulduggery
August 5, 2018
4.5
Playing with Fire continues right where Skulduggery Pleasant left off. An evil force is still trying to release Faceless Ones, and our heroes, Skulduggery and Valkyrie, have to stop it.
Just like with the first novel, I got just what I expected: a thrilling, funny and action packed book, that I would fly through. Not quite good as the first one, but still a fun read. Can't wait to continue on with the series.
Playing with Fire continues right where Skulduggery Pleasant left off. An evil force is still trying to release Faceless Ones, and our heroes, Skulduggery and Valkyrie, have to stop it.
Just like with the first novel, I got just what I expected: a thrilling, funny and action packed book, that I would fly through. Not quite good as the first one, but still a fun read. Can't wait to continue on with the series.
March 5, 2018
4.5 (:
Ich mag es so, so gerne! Ich denke, mir wird es so gehen wie bei "Rachel Morgan", dass einem die Charaktere von Band zu Band mehr vertraut werden und man so viel Spaß an den einzelnen Geschichten hat. Schade, dass ich die Reihe nicht schon als Jugendliche direkt angefangen habe, ich finde, das merke ich ein wenig, trotzdem: absolut empfehlenswert! (:
Ich mag es so, so gerne! Ich denke, mir wird es so gehen wie bei "Rachel Morgan", dass einem die Charaktere von Band zu Band mehr vertraut werden und man so viel Spaß an den einzelnen Geschichten hat. Schade, dass ich die Reihe nicht schon als Jugendliche direkt angefangen habe, ich finde, das merke ich ein wenig, trotzdem: absolut empfehlenswert! (:
December 5, 2018
Ahoy there me mateys! So this is the second book in the series. No real spoilers but read further at yer own peril . . .
This book continues the adventure of a detective named Skulduggery Pleasant who just happens to be a walking, talking skeleton who can do magic. His sidekick, Stephanie is back as well. While I still enjoyed the banter between the two, I still feel that the battle between the good and evil seems lackluster.
Part of the issue is that the "fights" basically dissolve into a couple of whacks at each other, trickery, and running away to leave the fighting for another day. However, there was a character in this book named Billy-Ray Sanguine that I adored. Part of Billy-Ray's charm was readin' about a stereotypical Texan written from the author's Irish perspective. I also loved the reflection.
I listened to this one on audiobook and very much enjoyed the switch. Rupert Degas was an excellent narrator. This is one of those series that is good to squeeze in between other heavier works. I don't love the plots so much but the characters are quite fun. But since reading the first book, the book series has climbed to 11 with number 12 coming out it 2019. Be forewarned. The skeleton is still awesome. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
This book continues the adventure of a detective named Skulduggery Pleasant who just happens to be a walking, talking skeleton who can do magic. His sidekick, Stephanie is back as well. While I still enjoyed the banter between the two, I still feel that the battle between the good and evil seems lackluster.
Part of the issue is that the "fights" basically dissolve into a couple of whacks at each other, trickery, and running away to leave the fighting for another day. However, there was a character in this book named Billy-Ray Sanguine that I adored. Part of Billy-Ray's charm was readin' about a stereotypical Texan written from the author's Irish perspective. I also loved the reflection.
I listened to this one on audiobook and very much enjoyed the switch. Rupert Degas was an excellent narrator. This is one of those series that is good to squeeze in between other heavier works. I don't love the plots so much but the characters are quite fun. But since reading the first book, the book series has climbed to 11 with number 12 coming out it 2019. Be forewarned. The skeleton is still awesome. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
January 4, 2016
Борбата срещу злите сили продължава и в тази част. Стефани или вече по известна като Валкирия Каин и Скълдъгъри Плезънт трябва да се изправят срещу верните на Безликите, които искат отново да ги събудят и сложат край на света. Разбира се, нашите така смели и забавни герои намират и невъзможни начини да ги победят и да спрат идването на Безликите. И разбира се това не е краят - почвам 3-тата част...
Втората част ми се стори леко по-слаба от първата, но въпреки всичко тази поредица се очертава като най-интересната, която съм чела от доста време!
https://writingisfunbooks.wordpress.c...
Втората част ми се стори леко по-слаба от първата, но въпреки всичко тази поредица се очертава като най-интересната, която съм чела от доста време!
https://writingisfunbooks.wordpress.c...
July 2, 2017
An endless night made me finish the book. Or rather it kept me awake! If you say its a young-adult, you are perhaps lowing its caliber. It doesn't shy on hardcore action, brutality, violent killings. It has a rich storyline, continues action, fun and miracle. After Harry Potter and Dresden Files, I am enjoying a series so much.
Three cheers for Derek Landy. You Rock!!
Three cheers for Derek Landy. You Rock!!
July 6, 2012
After listening on Audio to the first book in the ‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ series I couldn’t wait to read the second. The first book was funny, magical and full of adventure, and this one also delivers all of those things. I love the soundtrack and special effect sounds on the audio book, it really sets the scene and makes the story more exciting! In the first book there were so many laugh out loud moments but I didn’t feel like there were as many in this one. I still really love the banter between main characters, Skulduggery & Valkyrie, at times I was amazed at what kind of comebacks a 13 year old could come up with (some were hilarious!) My favourite Skulduggery quote in this book would have to be “We aren’t retreating... we’re advancing in reverse”. These books are quick and easy to read and fill the time quite easily, So if you’re looking for a book full of fun then this series is what you’re looking for. Even though it wasn’t as funny as the first I still had a great time listening to it and I look forward to continuing the adventures with Skulduggery & Valkyrie. Keep up the good work of saving the world!!
Review is also on my blog http://love-sami13.blogspot.com.au/20...
Review is also on my blog http://love-sami13.blogspot.com.au/20...
October 13, 2018
Dear Pretties,
I'm excited to be able to read this series! The first book was excellent and I have Brooks from One Piece pop into my head. I find it so humorous, because to me I can positively say that this wouldn't seem strange to me...
For some reason it seems that the villains are funnier than the protagonists. You're definitely in for a good laugh while reading this installment. I recommend for angsty early teens.
That's all for now.
Cheers!
shizuku
I'm excited to be able to read this series! The first book was excellent and I have Brooks from One Piece pop into my head. I find it so humorous, because to me I can positively say that this wouldn't seem strange to me...
For some reason it seems that the villains are funnier than the protagonists. You're definitely in for a good laugh while reading this installment. I recommend for angsty early teens.
That's all for now.
Cheers!
shizuku
December 12, 2023
Die Geschichte kommt direkt zum Punkt, die Bösen sind fies, die guten sind verbal schlagfertig, und die, bei denen man es nicht weiß, sind schön verdächtig.
Vom Plot her ist es recht ähnlich zum Vorgänger, aber dieses Mal wird klar, dass hinter den Kulissen noch viel mehr in Bewegung ist. Es gibt einige schrullige Figuren mit coolen Superkräften und Eigenarten. Das ist eine Jugendbuchreihe, mit der ich mich sehr gut anfreunden kann. :D
Das Hörbuch ist auch toll gelesen. Im Vergleich zum Buch ist es gekürzt, und wo ich es verglichen habe, fand ich es durchaus angebracht. Die Actionszenen haben viel Detail, das sehr explizit beschreibt, welche Hand was tut, und das ist schon beim Lesen schnell mal unübersichtlich. Beim Hören wäre das nur schlimmer. Das ist vielleicht mein einziger Kritikpunkt. :hmm: Bisher habe ich einfach Spaß.
Vom Plot her ist es recht ähnlich zum Vorgänger, aber dieses Mal wird klar, dass hinter den Kulissen noch viel mehr in Bewegung ist. Es gibt einige schrullige Figuren mit coolen Superkräften und Eigenarten. Das ist eine Jugendbuchreihe, mit der ich mich sehr gut anfreunden kann. :D
Das Hörbuch ist auch toll gelesen. Im Vergleich zum Buch ist es gekürzt, und wo ich es verglichen habe, fand ich es durchaus angebracht. Die Actionszenen haben viel Detail, das sehr explizit beschreibt, welche Hand was tut, und das ist schon beim Lesen schnell mal unübersichtlich. Beim Hören wäre das nur schlimmer. Das ist vielleicht mein einziger Kritikpunkt. :hmm: Bisher habe ich einfach Spaß.
March 27, 2018
I'm definitely glad I decided to continue on with this series. Even though it's been a while since I finished the first installment, it was still quite easily recall what happened way back then. There are so many things to like about this series - I particularly love the sense of humor and the dialogue between Valkyrie and Skulduggery. Landy also does a fantastic job writing action and developing the magic system of the world. If you liked the series opener, you'll need to continue on here because this one is definitely better.
April 1, 2020
4.5*
Брей, историята почна да става дори още по-добра. Принципно не си падам по middle grade романи, но този тук не е типичен. Тук има чудовища, злодеи и то не мекушави, както в баналните детски книги, ами злобни и мранчни персонажи, за които реално ти е интересно да четеш.
Хубавото е, че не само злото е двигателят на историята, ами и добрите - банда, на пръв поглед странни личности, които успяват да се забъркват в какви ли не неприятности. Скълдъгъри си остава същия остроумен, несъобразителен и луд герой, от който просто искате още и още!
Брей, историята почна да става дори още по-добра. Принципно не си падам по middle grade романи, но този тук не е типичен. Тук има чудовища, злодеи и то не мекушави, както в баналните детски книги, ами злобни и мранчни персонажи, за които реално ти е интересно да четеш.
Хубавото е, че не само злото е двигателят на историята, ами и добрите - банда, на пръв поглед странни личности, които успяват да се забъркват в какви ли не неприятности. Скълдъгъри си остава същия остроумен, несъобразителен и луд герой, от който просто искате още и още!
April 25, 2018
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. It still had an amazing plot and sub plots, which I'm excited to discover more about in the next
Book; the sarcasm was still on point and I love the dialogue - but it didn't have something that the first had and I just can't place my finger on it.
Never mind, on to the next one!
Book; the sarcasm was still on point and I love the dialogue - but it didn't have something that the first had and I just can't place my finger on it.
Never mind, on to the next one!
November 17, 2022
Once again, good for the right age. I was a bit bored reading this book.
The new enemy, Baron Vengeous, is a typical villain, who is oh-so-bad, Val is good and Skulduggery... well, has a portion of secrets.
The thing I like about the story is the names, so carefully picked and totally suitable. The narration is also fast and good, very suitable for the story as the events have to unravel fast, otherwise it's going to be too boring.
I can also clearly see why the book is nice for children, where the twists will be interesting and unexpected. Though for me they were too predictable and not so much fun.
I wonder how the line with Val's reflection is going to develop as it becomes something more than just a thing with no feelings.
The new enemy, Baron Vengeous, is a typical villain, who is oh-so-bad, Val is good and Skulduggery... well, has a portion of secrets.
The thing I like about the story is the names, so carefully picked and totally suitable. The narration is also fast and good, very suitable for the story as the events have to unravel fast, otherwise it's going to be too boring.
I can also clearly see why the book is nice for children, where the twists will be interesting and unexpected. Though for me they were too predictable and not so much fun.
I wonder how the line with Val's reflection is going to develop as it becomes something more than just a thing with no feelings.
January 10, 2015
Wow - What Fun!
Moving forward in her apprenticeship to Skulduggery, Valkrie Cain (aka Stephanie Edgley) has made great strides, but has a great deal left to learn. Skulduggery's old nemesis, Baron Vengeous and his band of legendary monsters, known as the Grotesguery are determined to release the Faceless Ones and destroy the world. Of course, the oh' so cool, ultra chic, quick witted wizard stands in their way.
The story takes off when the Baron escapes from what was reportedly an inescapable prison and sets his devious plan into motion. To revive the ancient creatures known as the Faceless Ones he would first have to revive the Grotesquery, a hideous creature with the power to split the framework of space and time. However the entire plan rests with Baron's ability to obtain the most vital ingredient...Stepanie's (Valkyrie's) blood...
Throughout this wonderfully frightening imaginary journey, our heroes must find a way to stop Baron Vengeous' army of monsters from coming fully back to life. Should Valkyrie and Skulduggery fail, the Faceless Ones will return, and the world as they know it will be no more. Will the evil band of hideous baddies defeat the dapper dead wizard and his young apprentice?
An intense, exciting adventure that will have even the most reluctant reader on the edge of their seat. While some of the more frightening characters and scenes may be a bit too much for very young readers, their older counterparts will devour the pages. Skulduggery is an ingenious, likable character...strong and heroic but not without fear -- Derek Landy's ability to craft a character that kids can relate too, that is exciting, fun to read and encourages creativity is a noteworthy accomplishment. Allowing the hero to display a fear, albeit an understandable one, that of torture, allows kids to see that even the people they look up to have faults and fears and in today's society this is an important message that flows over into every aspect of life.
A fabulous series that seems to get better with each new installment - As the characters grow, the stories expand in depth, excitement and emotional investment - even though the series was initially written for ages 10+, this is one "grown-up" that is hooked - I look forward to Skulduggery's next adventure.
Moving forward in her apprenticeship to Skulduggery, Valkrie Cain (aka Stephanie Edgley) has made great strides, but has a great deal left to learn. Skulduggery's old nemesis, Baron Vengeous and his band of legendary monsters, known as the Grotesguery are determined to release the Faceless Ones and destroy the world. Of course, the oh' so cool, ultra chic, quick witted wizard stands in their way.
The story takes off when the Baron escapes from what was reportedly an inescapable prison and sets his devious plan into motion. To revive the ancient creatures known as the Faceless Ones he would first have to revive the Grotesquery, a hideous creature with the power to split the framework of space and time. However the entire plan rests with Baron's ability to obtain the most vital ingredient...Stepanie's (Valkyrie's) blood...
Throughout this wonderfully frightening imaginary journey, our heroes must find a way to stop Baron Vengeous' army of monsters from coming fully back to life. Should Valkyrie and Skulduggery fail, the Faceless Ones will return, and the world as they know it will be no more. Will the evil band of hideous baddies defeat the dapper dead wizard and his young apprentice?
An intense, exciting adventure that will have even the most reluctant reader on the edge of their seat. While some of the more frightening characters and scenes may be a bit too much for very young readers, their older counterparts will devour the pages. Skulduggery is an ingenious, likable character...strong and heroic but not without fear -- Derek Landy's ability to craft a character that kids can relate too, that is exciting, fun to read and encourages creativity is a noteworthy accomplishment. Allowing the hero to display a fear, albeit an understandable one, that of torture, allows kids to see that even the people they look up to have faults and fears and in today's society this is an important message that flows over into every aspect of life.
A fabulous series that seems to get better with each new installment - As the characters grow, the stories expand in depth, excitement and emotional investment - even though the series was initially written for ages 10+, this is one "grown-up" that is hooked - I look forward to Skulduggery's next adventure.
March 22, 2016
Приключи и втората ми среща с детектива-скелет.
И категорично мога да кажа, че беше още по-интересна от първата. Едва ли казвам нещо ново, но понякога първата книга от една поредица, особено когато е толкова завладяваща още с първите си страници, поражда високи очаквания, които не се оправдават в следващата книга. Тук обаче, за щастие, не е така. "Да играеш с огъня" е още по-напрегната, още по-наситена и изпълнена с действие, и още по-страховита.
Едно от нещата, които много ми хареса, е бързото развитие на героинята. Валкирия Каин от втората книга няма почти нищо общо със Стефани Еджли, макар физически двете да са една и съща личност. Стефани Еджли е момиче, което мечтае за приключения; Валкирия Каин е млада и решителна жена с мисия. Признавам, че тази толкова бърза трансформация донякъде ме смути, но и много, много ми хареса.
Това, което категорично ми хареса в тази втора книга, е фактът, че Ланди почти не оставя читателите да си отдъхнат. Непрекъснато се случва нещо, появяват се нови злодеи, възникват нови все по-заплетени ситуации, и си казваш, че ето оттук вече няма измъкване. И бързаш да продължиш нататък.
Вероятно донякъде повтарям онова, което написах за първата книга, но много ми харесва това, че Дерек Ланди успява да създаде история, която е едновременно мрачна и ненатоварваща. Харесвам и това, че няма неуязвими герои. Че всеки, дори наглед най-страховитият, има своето слабо място.
Краят на втората книга е приятно подвеждащ - но само до последното изречение. Точно си мислиш, че ето, светът вече е спасен, и всичко е наред - и идва намекът за новото. задаващо се зло, което трябва да бъде победено. И нямаш търпение да посегнеш към следващата книга - този път за да се запознаеш отблизо с Безликите.
Точно това ще направя и аз - времето е подходящо за такива нови запознанства.И се надявам доброто ми впечатление от поредицата да се запази.
И категорично мога да кажа, че беше още по-интересна от първата. Едва ли казвам нещо ново, но понякога първата книга от една поредица, особено когато е толкова завладяваща още с първите си страници, поражда високи очаквания, които не се оправдават в следващата книга. Тук обаче, за щастие, не е така. "Да играеш с огъня" е още по-напрегната, още по-наситена и изпълнена с действие, и още по-страховита.
Едно от нещата, които много ми хареса, е бързото развитие на героинята. Валкирия Каин от втората книга няма почти нищо общо със Стефани Еджли, макар физически двете да са една и съща личност. Стефани Еджли е момиче, което мечтае за приключения; Валкирия Каин е млада и решителна жена с мисия. Признавам, че тази толкова бърза трансформация донякъде ме смути, но и много, много ми хареса.
Това, което категорично ми хареса в тази втора книга, е фактът, че Ланди почти не оставя читателите да си отдъхнат. Непрекъснато се случва нещо, появяват се нови злодеи, възникват нови все по-заплетени ситуации, и си казваш, че ето оттук вече няма измъкване. И бързаш да продължиш нататък.
Вероятно донякъде повтарям онова, което написах за първата книга, но много ми харесва това, че Дерек Ланди успява да създаде история, която е едновременно мрачна и ненатоварваща. Харесвам и това, че няма неуязвими герои. Че всеки, дори наглед най-страховитият, има своето слабо място.
Краят на втората книга е приятно подвеждащ - но само до последното изречение. Точно си мислиш, че ето, светът вече е спасен, и всичко е наред - и идва намекът за новото. задаващо се зло, което трябва да бъде победено. И нямаш търпение да посегнеш към следващата книга - този път за да се запознаеш отблизо с Безликите.
Точно това ще направя и аз - времето е подходящо за такива нови запознанства.И се надявам доброто ми впечатление от поредицата да се запази.
June 28, 2017
the second book in skulduggery pleasant series :
well the story continues with some new characters, new enemies and friends, the goal of the bad guys hasn't changed, it's still raising the faceless ones :/
though that might be a little bit boring to the more mature readers, the book makes up for it by more humorous moments and comments,which reminded me a little of Terry Pratchet's works, more cliff hangers and oh my god the new bad guys , they are soo coool , skulduggery is no longer my only favorite character ^ ^
کتاب دوم این مجموعه زیاد تفاوت چندانی با کتاب اول نداشت ولی خوب منم زیاد انتظار نداشتم. داستان با یه سری انتگنیست جدید ادامه پیدا میکنه که هدفشون همون هدف قبلیاست, میخوان یه قدرت خیلی باستانی رو به این دنیا برگردونن. پروتگنیست ها زیاد نمیشن به اون صورت ولی آدم بدای جدید خیییلی بهتر از جلد قبلن. پیچیدگی ها و اتفاقات غیر منتظره هم به نسبت قبل بیشتر شد که باز خیلی خوب بود. اگه همینطور پیش بره برای من شاید بشه یه دارن شان دیگه ^ ^
well the story continues with some new characters, new enemies and friends, the goal of the bad guys hasn't changed, it's still raising the faceless ones :/
though that might be a little bit boring to the more mature readers, the book makes up for it by more humorous moments and comments,which reminded me a little of Terry Pratchet's works, more cliff hangers and oh my god the new bad guys , they are soo coool , skulduggery is no longer my only favorite character ^ ^
کتاب دوم این مجموعه زیاد تفاوت چندانی با کتاب اول نداشت ولی خوب منم زیاد انتظار نداشتم. داستان با یه سری انتگنیست جدید ادامه پیدا میکنه که هدفشون همون هدف قبلیاست, میخوان یه قدرت خیلی باستانی رو به این دنیا برگردونن. پروتگنیست ها زیاد نمیشن به اون صورت ولی آدم بدای جدید خیییلی بهتر از جلد قبلن. پیچیدگی ها و اتفاقات غیر منتظره هم به نسبت قبل بیشتر شد که باز خیلی خوب بود. اگه همینطور پیش بره برای من شاید بشه یه دارن شان دیگه ^ ^
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