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Book Reviewed by: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 liking for well tailored suits
and and a very fine vintage Bentley.
Occasionally some of the plot elements seem a little
gratuitous, and there are a few discontinuities.
Nevertheless, a good stage has been developed, with
much promise for the future. It is to be hoped that
Mr. Landy's vivid imagination and amusing writing
style will be delivered even more smoothly in the
anticipated sequel!
Key Characters
This review was originally published in The BookBrowse Review in April 2007, and has been updated for the
April 2008 edition.
Click here to go to this issue.
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