Review: Playing With Fire, (Skulduggery Pleasant, #2)

It's been exactly a year since the events of the first book, and thirteen year old Stephanie (now known as Valkryie Cain) has remained the faithful sidekick of Skullduggery Pleasant. After successfully ridding the world of Nefarian Serpine, the duo set about catching other criminals for The New Sanctuary.
Playing With Fire focuses on the recapture of one Baron Vengeous, the big bad who escapes prison in order to find the armour of Lord Vile, and (much like Serpine) have the opportunity to ressurect The Faceless Ones.

While trying to save the world once again, Valkryie learns more about the magical world, as well practising her budding powers. Life seems much easier fighting crime, when one's reflection can successfully live out the banalities of teenage life.

The second in the Skulduggery series continued just how I hoped it would; there was a progression of the larger story arc as well as delving a little deeper into the relationship of Valkryie and Skulduggery. Some of the other minor characters had some development too, which was nice. (Particularly China Sorrows, I think I've got the makings of a female character crush happening.) The new characters were as I'd hoped, absolutely bonkers. I've been finding it really difficult to dislike any of them in this, not even Thurid Guild, who is charming in his own little annoying way.
I especially relished in learning a little more about Skulduggery himself. In a way, the undead wizard reminds me a lot of the 10th Doctor, with his quirky disposition, and silly humour; his deep rooted anger, and his unequivocal sexiness. I definitely do not disapprove.

I really love Landy's writing style, he manages to mix very light hearted humour with dark and twisty emotions and still have it child friendly. It's definitely entertaining and adventerous enough for a young age group, which is a good thing especially if you have the concentration levels of a four year old like I do. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series at the moment, and I find myself wanting to get through the series as fast as possible or to savour it slowly. Decisions, decisions.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Review: Skulduggery Pleasant (#1)

Two things happened at the reading of Stephanie's late Uncle's will.

One: He'd left her everything; which includes the royalties to all his best selling books and his enormous mansion. 

Two: she meets a strange man wearing sunglasses, and a scarf covering his mouth. All Stephanie learns of this man is that his name is Skulduggery Pleasant, he was a friend of her Uncle's, and he'd inherited a piece of advice.

Stephanie is staying the night at her new mansion, when someone breaks in and tries to kill her. Before they succeed in their mission though, the strange man from the will reading barges in and saves her life. During the struggle the man loses his disguise, and Stephanie discovers that her Uncle's friend is, in fact a living, breathing skeleton. (Although, he doesn't actually breathe.) 

He's also an undead detective and magic maker, with an obvious penchant for pyromancy. A man who's dress sense is as sharp as his wit, and someone who is probably a lot cooler than the infinitely cool cars he drives. If I have to be honest with myself, I'd say he's a little sexy, too. You know, as far as skeletal wizard-detectives go in any case. 

It's from him Stephanie discovers an underbelly to Uncle Gordon's life, where sorcery exists and where he spent an alarming amount of his time in grave danger. Skulduggery and his newly appointed sidekick go on an adventure that's full of magic, mystery and danger; trying to uncover the meaning of the attack at Gordon's home. They both silently cling to the weak hope that it's not the beginning of some great nefarious scheme, but if it is... It's certain they have to stop it.

The story is fantastically written, it's so easy to read and the imagery is almost perfectly described in terms of detail. The characters are all fantastic, they all possess a universal charm and wit, you can't help but like the bad guys as well.

The writing style is just marvellous, and had me genuinely cracking up with laughter, it's not too complicated for children, and as just the right amount of dry/dark humour to be entertaning for adults as well. These sorts of writers always have it the hardest I think, to be entertaining and humerus (ha, see what I did there?) for both children and adults alike is no easy feat. Derek Landy makes it seem so effortless. 

Every page of this book was a huge joy to read, and it's really set the bar high for any new Children's series I begin to read after it. If you enjoy this sort of literature as much as I do, it'll be perfect for you.

Rating: ★★★★★