The Maleficent Seven
From the World of Skulduggery Pleasant
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2013
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- antiheroism
- loyalty and betrayal
- moral ambiguity
- power and responsibility
- teamwork
- redemption
- identity
- heists and strategy
About this book
Tanith Low leads a crew of villains on a high-stakes heist to steal legendary God-Killer weapons before they can be used against someone she once called a friend. Set in the snarky, fast-paced world of Skulduggery Pleasant, this standalone adventure blends dark humor, razor-sharp action, and twisty team dynamics. It’s perfect for readers who like antiheroes, clever banter, and blockbuster-style capers. Fans of the series will enjoy the familiar world, while newcomers can jump in for a thrilling ride.
Setting: contemporary Europe and Ireland within a secret magical underworld
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Maleficent Seven right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Maleficent Seven. 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 antiheroism, loyalty and betrayal, moral ambiguity.
How long does it take to read The Maleficent Seven?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Maleficent Seven takes around 7.3h to finish. The book has 72,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Maleficent Seven have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Maleficent Seven has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Maleficent Seven?
The Maleficent Seven 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.