Review – Playing with Fire (Skulduggery Pleasant, Book 2) by Derek Landy (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Horror
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Release Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-0008248796
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

“She’s twelve. He’s dead. But together they’re going to save the world. Hopefully.
The second book in the bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant series.

Vengeous. Dusk. Sanguine. Three of the deadliest killers alive are in town to resurrect an unstoppable creature of horrifying power. And only Skulduggery and Valkyrie stand in their way.”

I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series. These books are fun dark fantasy reads full of action and magic. I always enjoy the magic aspects of them and the humor.

In this story Valkyrie and Skulduggery take on more dark sorcerers. Valkyrie is learning to use her magic effectively and become a force to be reckoned with.

I enjoy the characters and the story, although I feel like the writing could have flowed a bit better. Sometimes I end up having to go back and reread parts. Still, these are action packed and fast-paced, which I enjoy.

Given the above, I don’t think I will be continuing the series. Although I think these are good books, I just have other series I am reading that I enjoy more. I think middle grade and YA readers will enjoy these a bit more than adults will.

Overall this was a well done continuation of the Skulduggery Pleasant series. I enjoy the theme of this series but the writing style isn’t my favorite. I think middle grade readers will enjoy this more than adults. If you are looking for a fast-paced, humorous, dark fantasy read I would recommend checking this out. It’s a fun read with some neat magic in it.