A Soul Full of Shadows
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2026
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- sisterhood
- identity vs. destiny
- sacrifice
- rebellion vs. authority
- moral ambiguity
- found family
- power and responsibility
About this book
The Skulduggery Pleasant saga races to a climax as magical society splinters and enemies close in on Valkyrie Cain from every side. With an isolated island of sorcerers, rising extremists, and a showdown tied to ancient power, Valkyrie and Skulduggery must outthink assassins and survive long enough to stop catastrophe. Packed with razor-sharp banter, breakneck action, and dark humor, this is a high-stakes urban fantasy for readers around 12 and up. Fans love the twisty plotting, clever magic, and the fierce loyalty between its unforgettable heroes.
Setting: contemporary Ireland and Europe, with hidden magical enclaves and a sequestered sorcerer island
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Soul Full of Shadows right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Soul Full of Shadows. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 loyalty, sisterhood, identity vs. destiny.
How long does it take to read A Soul Full of Shadows?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Soul Full of Shadows takes around 13h to finish. The book has 130,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Soul Full of Shadows have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Soul Full of Shadows has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 Soul Full of Shadows?
A Soul Full of Shadows has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.