Seasons of War
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2020
Book 13 of Skulduggery Pleasant
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include war and consequences
Book 13 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- war and consequences
- identity
- loyalty
- sacrifice
- good vs. evil
- redemption
- courage
- found family
About this book
In the thirteenth Skulduggery Pleasant adventure, Valkyrie Cain and the skeleton detective are sent on a covert mission into a ravaged, magic-soaked land where enemies close in and the stakes of an oncoming war rise fast. Valkyrie must face external threats and her own darker impulses as she pushes past fear to protect those she loves. Fast-paced action, sharp humor, and twisty lore make this a favorite for fans of urban fantasy. Best for older middle school and high school readers who enjoy high-stakes battles and witty banter.
Setting: a modern-day urban fantasy world spanning Ireland and a war-torn magical realm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seasons of War right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Seasons of War. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include war and consequences, identity, loyalty. Note: this is book 13 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Seasons of War?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Seasons of War takes around 17h to finish. The book has 165,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Seasons of War have an AR quiz?
Yes — Seasons of War has an AR quiz available, worth 26 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 Seasons of War?
Seasons of War has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.