Seasons of War
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2026
Book 13 of Skulduggery Pleasant
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Book 13 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loyalty
- courage
- identity
- redemption
- good vs. evil
- sacrifice
- inner demons
About this book
The thirteenth Skulduggery Pleasant adventure sends the skeleton detective and Valkyrie Cain into a desolate land steeped in dangerous magic. Faced with relentless enemies and her own self-destructive impulses, Valkyrie must confront darkness inside and out while the stakes for their world climb higher than ever. Fast-paced action, razor-sharp banter, and high fantasy stakes make this a favorite for fans of urban fantasy and dark humor. Best for confident readers who enjoy twisty plots, intense battles, and loyal partnerships.
Setting: modern-day Ireland and a war-torn magical realm
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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 5.7, 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 friendship, loyalty, courage. 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 16h to finish. The book has 160,000 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 24 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 5.7, 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.