Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing with Fire
Second novel in the Skulduggery Pleasant series.
Derek Landy, the Irish playwright, released *Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing with Fire* in April 2008. This young adult fantasy novel is the second installment in the Skulduggery Pleasant series, following the first book. The plot centers on sorcerer-detectives Valkyrie Cain and Skulduggery Pleasant, along with their magical allies, as they work to stop Baron Vengeous and his followers from reviving the Grotesquery and bringing the Faceless Ones back to Earth. The book was released in the US and Canada in 2013. Unabridged CD sets, read by Rupert Degas, are published by HarperCollins Audio. In 2009, it won the Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year award.
The story features Baron Vengeous, a war criminal and former enemy of Skulduggery’s who is intent on restoring the Faceless Ones. Billy-Ray Sanguine, an eyeless man who wields a straight razor and can dig through earth, breaks the Baron out of prison. The Grotesquery is a monster assembled from the remains of a Faceless One, capable of opening a portal for their return; it is revived using Lord Vile’s armor and Valkyrie Cain’s blood.
Critics gave the novel largely positive reviews. Jill Murphy of *The Book Bag* noted the continuing adventures are full of action and terrible one-liners, with a wry humor that elevates them above average. Fergus from *Squishy Minnie* called it a complete success, praising Skulduggery’s humor, Valkyrie’s physical and mental strength, and the blend of humor, heart, and horror that makes it his favorite in the series. Nathan Nicholls of the *Whitby Gazette* described the plot as speeding along with chases, last-second rescues, high-casualty fights, and snappy, hard-boiled dialogue, giving “deadpan humor” new meaning. Marya Jansen-Gruber of *Through the Looking Glass* highlighted the fast-paced action, character revelations, and unique, surprising quality. Karissa of *Hidden In Pages* recommended it as a fast-paced, humorous, dark fantasy read with neat magic.
The book won the Irish Senior Children's Book of the Year award in 2009.
- Author
- Derek Landy
- Published
- April 2008
- Genre
- Young adult and fantasy novel
- Nationality
- Irish
- Known for
- Second book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series
Lore & Background
The novel features Baron Vengeous, a war criminal and one of Skulduggery's old enemies, determined to bring the Faceless Ones back into the world. Billy-Ray Sanguine, an eyeless, straight razor-wielding character, breaks the Baron out of prison using his digging abilities. The Grotesquery is a monster made of the remains of a Faceless One, capable of opening a portal for the Faceless Ones to return; it was revived using Lord Vile's armour and Valkyrie Cain's blood.
Reader's Guide
Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing with Fire is significant as the second installment in Derek Landy's popular series, continuing the adventures of the skeleton detective and his sidekick. The book won the Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year award in 2009, marking its recognition in Irish literature. It did not see release in the US and Canada until 2018, indicating a delayed international distribution. The novel received largely positive reviews from critics, who praised its fast-paced action, humor, and unique characters. HarperCollins Audio publishes unabridged CD sets read by Rupert Degas. The book's legacy lies in its contribution to the young adult fantasy genre and its role in expanding the Skulduggery Pleasant universe.
Did You Know?
- The novel won the Senior Irish Children's Book of the Year award in 2009.
- It was released in the US and Canada in 2013.
- The Grotesquery was revived using Lord Vile's armour and Valkyrie Cain's blood.
- HarperCollins Audio publishes unabridged CD sets read by Rupert Degas.
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