The Dying of the Light
by Derek Landy
2014
Book 9 of Skulduggery Pleasant
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Book 9 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- identity and duality
- friendship and found family
- sacrifice
- loyalty and betrayal
- redemption
- courage
- power and responsibility
- apocalypse and survival
About this book
The Dying of the Light is the explosive finale to the Skulduggery Pleasant series, as Skulduggery and allies race to stop an apocalyptic threat tied to Valkyrie’s darkest self. Fast-paced action, razor-sharp banter, and high stakes keep pages turning as the magical and mortal worlds edge toward disaster. Perfect for readers who enjoy dark humor and twisty urban fantasy, especially fans who have grown with the series. Best for ages 12+ due to intense action and peril.
Setting: contemporary Ireland and a hidden global magical community, including the besieged city of Roarhaven
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dying of the Light right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Dying of the Light. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 and duality, friendship and found family, sacrifice. Note: this is book 9 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Dying of the Light?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Dying of the Light takes around 13h to finish. The book has 132,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Dying of the Light have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Dying of the Light has an AR quiz available, worth 22 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 The Dying of the Light?
The Dying of the Light has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.