Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2019
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include war and peace
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- war and peace
- betrayal
- power and corruption
- identity
- sacrifice
- friendship
- moral choices
About this book
Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain are caught in a looming war as the world’s magical factions fracture and old alliances crumble. Packed with razor-sharp banter, big battles, and twisty politics, this entry raises the stakes for the entire series. It’s perfect for confident readers who enjoy dark humor, fast-paced action, and supernatural intrigue. Fans will love the blend of wit, worldbuilding, and high-tension thrills without needing every detail from earlier books.
Setting: modern-day Ireland and a hidden global sorcerer world (the Sanctuaries and beyond)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men. 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 loyalty, war and peace, betrayal.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men takes around 17h to finish. The book has 170,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men has an AR quiz available, worth 26 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 (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men?
Skulduggery Pleasant (8) – Last Stand of Dead Men 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.