Hell Breaks Loose
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2023
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- good vs. evil
- revenge
- loyalty
- teamwork
- sacrifice
- power and responsibility
- courage
- redemption
About this book
Set in 1703 Italy, this Skulduggery Pleasant prequel sends the Dead Men to a besieged Tuscan town where a rift to a hellish dimension threatens to swallow the world. Their only hope is an uneasy alliance with the fearsome Mevolent—if they can keep old grudges from exploding first. Expect razor-sharp banter, big magical battles, and high-stakes heroics. Great for readers who enjoy fast-paced fantasy with humor, danger, and a fearless (and skeletal) hero.
Setting: a walled town in Tuscany and war-torn magical Europe, 1703
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hell Breaks Loose right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Hell Breaks Loose. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 good vs. evil, revenge, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Hell Breaks Loose?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hell Breaks Loose takes around 9.6h to finish. The book has 95,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hell Breaks Loose have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hell Breaks Loose 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 Hell Breaks Loose?
Hell Breaks Loose has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.