Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2018
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship and loyalty
- identity and destiny
- power and responsibility
- good vs. evil
- sacrifice
- trust and betrayal
- dark humor
About this book
Valkyrie Cain and the wisecracking skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant race to stop a dark prophecy tied to the mysterious Death Bringer. Magic, mayhem, and sharp humor fuel this fast-paced fantasy mystery set in the modern world’s hidden sorcerer community. It’s ideal for confident middle school readers who like action, twists, and witty banter. Fans love the cinematic battles, clever clues, and the evolving partnership between Skulduggery and Valkyrie.
Setting: contemporary Ireland (primarily Dublin) and a hidden magical underworld
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 and loyalty, identity and destiny, power and responsibility.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer takes around 15h to finish. The book has 145,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer 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 (6) – Death Bringer?
Skulduggery Pleasant (6) – Death Bringer has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.