Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2018
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- loyalty
- good vs. evil
- mystery
- found family
- sacrifice
- humor in adversity
About this book
Valkyrie Cain and the wisecracking skeleton detective Skulduggery race to stop a fanatical cult from opening a gateway for the terrifying Faceless Ones. Expect breakneck chases, sharp humor, and big magic as the stakes climb with every chapter. Perfect for confident middle-grade readers who love witty banter and cinematic action. Fans of urban fantasy and mysteries with a supernatural twist will tear through it.
Setting: modern-day Ireland (mainly Dublin) within a hidden magical underworld
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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, courage, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones takes around 13h to finish. The book has 114,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 (3) – The Faceless Ones?
Skulduggery Pleasant (3) – The Faceless Ones has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.