Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2026
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- good vs. evil
- loyalty
- identity
- sacrifice
- found family
- courage
- power and responsibility
- redemption
About this book
The final chapter of the latest Skulduggery Pleasant arc brings the wise-cracking skeleton detective and his allies into their most dangerous tangle of magic, mystery, and mayhem yet. Packed with razor-sharp humor, big action set pieces, and twisty investigations, it’s a fast read for confident middle school and early high school fans. Readers who enjoy dark laughs, snappy banter, and high-stakes fantasy will be hooked. Great for ages 11–14+ who like clever heroes and cinematic adventure.
Setting: contemporary Ireland and a hidden magical underworld with global reach
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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, loyalty, identity.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows takes around 12h to finish. The book has 115,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows?
Skulduggery Pleasant (18) – A Soul Full of Shadows has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.