Dark Days
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2010
Book 4 of Skulduggery Pleasant
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Book 4 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- good vs. evil
- identity and destiny
- teamwork
- courage
- found family
- sacrifice
- power and responsibility
About this book
Valkyrie Cain will do anything to bring Skulduggery Pleasant back from the dimension of the Faceless Ones—and she’ll need every ounce of magic, nerve, and wit to pull it off. As new enemies close in and old secrets surface, the Sanctuary teeters on the brink and Dublin’s hidden magical world is more dangerous than ever. Fast-paced action, razor-sharp banter, and inventive magic make this a thrilling next chapter in the Skulduggery Pleasant saga. Perfect for confident middle-grade and young teen readers who love humor with their high-stakes adventure.
Setting: modern-day Ireland (Dublin) and the hidden magical underworld
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dark Days right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dark Days. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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, good vs. evil, identity and destiny. Note: this is book 4 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Dark Days?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Dark Days takes around 10h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dark Days have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dark Days has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Dark Days?
Dark Days has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.