Mortal Coil
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2011
Book 5 of Skulduggery Pleasant
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Book 5 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- identity and duality
- trust and betrayal
- loyalty and friendship
- good vs. evil
- power and consequences
- secrecy
- courage under pressure
- apocalypse and survival
About this book
Book five in the Skulduggery Pleasant series finds Valkyrie Cain hunted on all sides as secrets close in and trust becomes dangerous. With Skulduggery at her side, she navigates a hidden magical world full of dark sorcery, sharp humor, and nonstop action. Fans love the clever banter, twisty plots, and high-stakes battles as Valkyrie wrestles with who she is and who she might become. A great pick for middle school readers who enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy with a spooky edge.
Setting: modern-day Ireland and the hidden magical underworld (primarily Dublin and beyond)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mortal Coil right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mortal Coil. 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 identity and duality, trust and betrayal, loyalty and friendship. Note: this is book 5 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Mortal Coil?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Mortal Coil takes around 14h to finish. The book has 140,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mortal Coil have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mortal Coil has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Mortal Coil?
Mortal Coil 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.