A Heart Full of Hatred
Vengeance is a Killer
by Derek Landy
2025
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- vengeance vs. justice
- loyalty
- trust and betrayal
- found family
- courage under pressure
- identity
- grief and healing
- moral ambiguity
About this book
Valkyrie Cain and the ever-sardonic skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant are pulled into a string of sorcerer murders while tracking a cult bent on revenge against the mortal world. With a relentless killer closing in and a high-society magical event on the horizon, the duo race to unravel the pattern before Valkyrie becomes the next target. Fast-paced action, razor-sharp banter, and twisty detective work make this a gripping urban fantasy. Perfect for confident readers who enjoy dark humor, big stakes, and magic in the modern world.
Setting: modern-day Ireland (Dublin) and the hidden sorcerer underworld
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Heart Full of Hatred right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Heart Full of Hatred. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include vengeance vs. justice, loyalty, trust and betrayal.
How long does it take to read A Heart Full of Hatred?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Heart Full of Hatred takes around 11h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Heart Full of Hatred have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Heart Full of Hatred has an AR quiz available, worth 16 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Heart Full of Hatred?
A Heart Full of Hatred has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.