Skulduggery Pleasant

Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. NY: HarperCollins.

    This isn't the usual novel that would typically find a spot on my nightstand, but I found it to be an interesting read with well-developed characters and a thorough, complete plot. Landy takes the reader into a world of magic and mystery that is unlike most fantasies. He successfully creates this world and its cast of characters and turns into a story with depth, charm, and adventure. It is easy to cheer for the two main characters who seek to avenge a loved one's death. What starts as a search for truth leads to a quest to save mankind from a power hungry monster. It concludes with a satisfying climax and resolution that opens itself to a sequel, or in this case, many sequels.

Textbook Assignment #5 - Evaluation Criteria

Characters - Skulduggery Pleasant’s main character, Stephanie, is a smart, tough, and bold girl who is thrust into a world of magic when her uncle suddenly passes away. She is soon surrounded by a cast of characters that are as unique as their names. The most interesting character, Skulduggery Pleasant, is a living skeleton with a quick wit, a passion for justice, and unmatched bravery. He serves as a constant source of amazement for Stephanie and the reader. Skulduggery takes Stephanie into a world of magic, mystery and danger and exposes her to people and creatures, both good and evil. Stephanie learns to trust Tanith Low, a tough woman who proves to be a brave and loyal fighter. Despite an awkward beginning, Stephanie relies upon Ghastly Bespoke and feels guilty that he goes to great lengths to protect her. Characters like Mr. Bliss and his sister China are a mystery to Stephanie and she is never quite sure she can trust them. Evil is clearly seen in the actions of Serpine and his influence over others makes for some unpredictable moments and plot twists.

Plot - Stephanie has just lost her uncle and encounters a strange looking man who fascinates her immediately. She soon finds herself in one life-or-death situation after another with no intention of backing away. On the surface, the plot is a battle of good vs. evil, with an underdog feel for Stephanie, Skulduggery and their band of allies. When examined in depth, there is so much beyond the battle. Stephanie has to decide which path she will take and how it will affect her family. The quest to take down the evil Serpine is full of unexpected challenges which builds in intensity with each turn of the page. The climax comes as Stephanie stands face to face with Serpine and has a chance to grab the Scepter. The final pages reveal both the fate of “the good guys” and Stephanie’s true magical abilities.

Teaching Guide

http://www.skulduggerypleasant.co.uk/assets/schools/An_Introduction_Skulduggery.pdf

Teaching Books link

http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=9527&a=1