Skulduggery Pleasant: Last Stand of Dead Men
Eighth book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series.
Skulduggery Pleasant: Last Stand of Dead Men is a young adult fantasy novel by Derek Landy, released in August 2013. It is the eighth installment in the Skulduggery Pleasant series, following Skulduggery Pleasant: Kingdom of the Wicked. The plot centers on sorcerer-detectives Valkyrie Cain and Skulduggery Pleasant as they investigate a conspiracy fueling a conflict between Sanctuaries. At the same time, Valkyrie’s dark counterpart, Darquesse, edges closer to triggering global destruction.
The book won the Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year in 2013. It was published in the US and Canada in 2018. An unabridged audio book, narrated by Rupert Degas, was released by HarperCollins Audio.
In the story, Valkyrie learns from a witch that a warlock named Charivari is gathering witches for an upcoming war. She then celebrates her eighteenth birthday with her family. Members of the Supreme Council are caught in the Irish Sanctuary trying to steal or sabotage the Accelerator, a device that boosts sorcerers’ powers temporarily. Valkyrie investigates a golden-eyed man who may be using magic crystals to erase himself from memories. She and Skulduggery realize the crystal used could be from the Sanctuary, meaning the man might be someone they know.
Skulduggery revives his old team, the Dead Men, and adds Valkyrie as a member. Their goal is to shut down the Accelerator, which if left active will cause a magical explosion ending humanity. Irish Grand Mage Ravel kills several Dead Men and is revealed as the golden-eyed man, planning to use the Accelerator’s power to rule over humans.
Skulduggery and Valkyrie see a vision of the future where Darquesse kills Valkyrie’s family. Returning home, Valkyrie discovers her reflection, Stephanie—a duplicate living her normal life—has murdered her cousin. They fight, but Valkyrie flees when her parents arrive.
The Supreme Council plots to assassinate sorcerers linked to the Irish Sanctuary, including Valkyrie’s ex-boyfriend Fletcher Renn. When he is kidnapped, Valkyrie rescues him but is captured and tortured by the Brides of Blood Tears. She unwillingly transforms into Darquesse and uses necromancy to kill the Brides. Skulduggery saves Fletcher, but Darquesse flies away.
Fletcher talks to Stephanie, and they kiss. Stephanie introduces herself to Skulduggery as an independent person. He threatens to kill her for murdering Valky
- Author
- Derek Landy
- Published
- August 2013
- Genre
- Young adult, fantasy
- Series
- Skulduggery Pleasant, book eight
- Award
- Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year (2013)
- Audio reader
- Rupert Degas
Lore & Background
The story begins with Sanctuary detective Valkyrie Cain visiting a witch and learning that a dark warlock named Charivari is recruiting witches for an approaching war. Valkyrie and her family celebrate her eighteenth birthday. Supreme Council members are discovered in the Irish Sanctuary attempting to steal or sabotage the Accelerator, a device that temporarily heightens sorcerers' powers. Valkyrie investigates a mysterious man with golden eyes who may be using magic crystals to erase himself from people's memories. Skulduggery and Valkyrie realize the man could be someone they know.
Reader's Guide
Skulduggery Pleasant: Last Stand of Dead Men won the Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year in 2013, marking its recognition within Irish children's literature. The novel was released in the US and Canada in 2018. HarperCollins Audio published the unabridged audio book, read by Rupert Degas. The book advances the series' central conflict between Valkyrie Cain and her destructive alter-ego Darquesse, and introduces the betrayal of Irish Grand Mage Ravel, who kills members of the Dead Men. The novel's significance lies in its pivotal plot developments, including the death of Valkyrie's cousin by her reflection Stephanie, and the transformation of Valkyrie into Darquesse, who defeats Ravel and then vanishes, leaving Skulduggery to recruit Stephanie to hunt Darquesse.
Did You Know?
- The novel won the Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year in 2013.
- The unabridged audio book was read by Rupert Degas and published by HarperCollins Audio.
- The book was released in the US and Canada in 2018.
- The story features the betrayal of Irish Grand Mage Ravel, who is revealed to be the man with golden eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of Skulduggery Pleasant: Last Stand of Dead Men and when did it come out?
Derek Landy wrote this young adult fantasy novel, which was released in August 2013. It marks the eighth book in his Skulduggery Pleasant series.
What happens in the plot of Last Stand of Dead Men?
Valkyrie Cain and her partner Skulduggery Pleasant dig into a scheme that is driving a war between Sanctuaries. Simultaneously, Darquesse—Valkyrie's dark mirror—draws nearer to setting off a world-ending catastrophe.
Where does Last Stand of Dead Men sit in the Skulduggery Pleasant series?
It is the eighth volume, picking up directly after Kingdom of the Wicked. The story continues the series' signature structure of alternating between Valkyrie's and Darquesse's perspectives.
What recognition has Last Stand of Dead Men received?
The book took home the Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year award in 2013. It was also issued in a US and Canadian edition, broadening its international audience.
Who reads the audiobook version of Last Stand of Dead Men?
Rupert Degas voices the audiobook for this installment, continuing the series' established audio tradition.
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