Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – Mortal Coil
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2018
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- destiny vs. free will
- loyalty and trust
- good vs. evil
- courage
- sacrifice
- found family
- humor in dark times
About this book
Detective-sorcerer Skulduggery Pleasant and his partner Valkyrie Cain face a terrifying new threat that can slip into anyone and turn allies into enemies. As the danger spreads, Valkyrie wrestles with a chilling prophecy about who she might become and how far she’ll go to stop it. Fast-paced action, razor-sharp banter, and creepy supernatural twists keep the pages turning. Perfect for confident readers who like dark humor with their magic and mystery.
Setting: modern-day Ireland (Dublin) and a hidden magical underworld
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – Mortal Coil right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – 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, destiny vs. free will, loyalty and trust.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – Mortal Coil?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – Mortal Coil takes around 14h to finish. The book has 137,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – Mortal Coil have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – Mortal Coil has an AR quiz available, worth 21 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 (5) – Mortal Coil?
Skulduggery Pleasant (5) – 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.