Skulduggery Pleasant
Bedlam
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2020
Book 1 of Skulduggery Pleasant
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty and sacrifice
- identity and redemption
- power and corruption
- good vs. evil (moral ambiguity)
- family bonds
- destiny vs. choice
- courage under pressure
About this book
Valkyrie Cain is racing to reclaim her sister’s lost soul, even if it means defying the all-powerful High Sanctuary. As Abyssinia’s apocalyptic plan ignites, Omen Darkly is thrust into the fight to save countless lives. Expect razor-sharp banter, high-stakes magic, and relentless action as secrets surface and alliances are tested. Perfect for readers who like dark humor, twisty plots, and smart, supernatural adventure.
Setting: contemporary Ireland (Dublin) and a hidden magical underworld governed by the Sanctuaries
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 and sacrifice, identity and redemption, power and corruption.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant takes around 17h to finish. The book has 170,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant 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?
Skulduggery Pleasant has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.