Last Stand of Dead Men

Written by Derek Landy

Narrated by Stephen Hogan

The eighth instalment in the biggest, funniest, most thrilling comedy-horror-adventure series in the universe - and the follow-up to 2012’s number-one bestseller, Kingdom of the Wicked…

War has finally come.

But it's not a war between good and evil, or light and dark – it's a war between Sanctuaries. For too long, the Irish Sanctuary has teetered on the brink of world-ending disaster, and the other Sanctuaries around the world have had enough. Allies turn to enemies, friends turn to foes, and Skulduggery and Valkyrie must team up with the rest of the Dead Men if they're going to have any chance at all of maintaining the balance of power and getting to the root of a vast conspiracy that has been years in the making.

But while this war is only beginning, another war rages within Valkyrie herself. Her own dark side, the insanely powerful being known as Darquesse, is on the verge of rising to the surface. And if Valkyrie slips, even for a moment, then Darquesse will burn the world and everyone in it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Aug 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9780007527250

Derek Landy

Derek Landy lives near Dublin. Before writing his children's story about a sharply-dressed skeleton detective, he wrote the screenplays for a zombie movie and a murderous horror film. "I think my career-guidance teacher is spinning in her grave," he says, "or she would be if she were dead."

Reviews for Last Stand of Dead Men

[jaguar897 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is another free gem I got off the YA Sync Summer Audio Program. I really love this program because I end up listening to stuff that I otherwise wouldn’t have picked up on my own. The cover of the book looked hokey and the description didn’t do much for me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I started listening that it was actually a fun, intelligent read.

The story is of Skulduggery Pleasant who is a walking, talking magic wielding skeleton. Skulduggery is as cool and awesome as his name implies. He’s a witty, snarky, badass crime-solving bastard. What’s even more awesome is that his partner, Stephanie, is just as cool and witty. Stephanie is a 12 year old girl, who basically inherited her uncle’s problems upon his death. I must say she sounds older than 12, but I didn’t mind because I really liked the chemistry and dialogue between these two.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Tanith Low was cool and very badass. For some reason she reminds me of Tonks from Harry Potter. I also enjoyed Ghastly and Mrs. Bliss. From this first book it seems like these characters have stories of their own and I’m very interested in finding out more about them.

The audiobook for this story was excellent. I loved the musical accompaniment, especially for Skulduggery’s scenes. It really suited the character. My only real compliant about the narration is that it seemed like Skulduggery’s “voice” would change. It was annoying, because I was never sure if he was the one talking until I listened to more of the audio and then I would have to re-listen to those parts. Also, I’m not sure if this is due to the audiobook or writing, but I found the action scenes hard to follow. Another GR, friend read this book though and thought the same thing, so I believe it has more to do with the writing than the audio.

Overall though, this book was really enjoyable. Very witty, funny and nice fast paced action.

[barpurple · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like this. It's kinda fun and a bit dark. Skulduggery is super cool :)

[chibimajo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stephanie knows there is something strange about Skulduggery when he shows up at her uncle's funeral. But she wasn't expecting to find out that he was a walking, talking skeleton, and now she needs his help in order to survive the attacks on her life and solve the mystery behind her uncle's death.

[kings7_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the type of book I enjoy

[welkinscheek · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent. The writing has a wonderful quality. SOrt of an amusing blend between J.K. Rowlings loveable characters and Terry Pratchett's wit.

[dcollins7984 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Skulduggery Pleasant is a "living" skeleton that suddenly becomes a big part of 12-year-old Stephanie's life after her beloved uncle dies and leaves her his entire estate and unfortunately, something that a very evil character wants to possess. I loved this book, as has every student I have recommended it to. I can't wait to read the sequel.

[lindap69 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When Stephanie learns that her uncle's death may have been murder she joins with the skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant to foil the plot of the Faceless Ones. Not great literature but a fast read and lots of action.

[asinclair_33 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Skulduggery Pleasant is a skeleton detective who battles evil monsters and bad guys with his assistant, Stephanie.

[richparker_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Chosen as a nominee for Maryland's Black-eyed Susan book award for the coming school year (2009 - 2010) on the grade 6 - 9 level: I'll be introducing my graduating 5th graders to this one at the end of the year; a book to look for when they get to middle school. It's a great creepy fantasy book with a young, female protagonist and a wise-cracking skeletal detective who will have great "guy-appeal." This makes the book a perfect sell. Just make certain your young reader is not too put off by skeletons, a bit of gun-play and the occasional decapitation or melting zombie.

[laneliterati · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really dug Skulduggery, and my only complaint would be for some more humor from the book's two main characters (which would then lead me to give this book 5 stars). They have a really great dynamic, and the humor definitely helps the book along when times get serious for the heroes. Would highly recommend to any teen readers who are into magic, sci-fi, fantasy novels and like some light along with their dark.

[range7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love reading fantasy, but was tired of vampires. So I was I was "pleasant"ly surprised when I picked up this title that features a walking-talking skelton detective that combines fantasy with mystery and adventure. Based in Ireland, the story leads us into the unknown world of sorcerers, elementals, magic, and a few vampires thrown in for good measure. The details about the three names is unique and fascinating and may lead the reader to selecting their own magical name. The story is fast-paced and easy to read. I would suggest the title for more mature young adult readers. There is no bad language or sex, but plenty of violence and torture. The series was published first in Europe and has been making its way to the U.S.A (rather slowly to an expectant reader). The Ancient ones (similar to the works of Lovecraft) are something to be left alone and there are always those that want to bring them back and those guardians that make sure they do not. I first became acquainted with the works of Lovecraft through the Real Ghostbusters cartoons. A similar group of bad guys also appears in the Percy Jackson series. “The only currency worth anything is being true to yourself, and the only goal worth seeking is finding out who you truly are.” – Uncle Gordon’s Will – Advice to Stephanie (p22).

[wvlibrarydude · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good beginning for a young adult book. A little on the violent side, but I enjoyed the beginning setup for the world and the characters involved. A quick fun read.

[jiona_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic book. Great fun, lots of action and a sarcastic skeleton detective driving the story along. Essential reading for anyone who wants to read a book aimed at young people, but that will be fun and rewarding for anyone.

[Rosh145 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Totally loved this title. It kept me guessing and had lots of anticipation. I also liked the twists and how things all went wrong. I can't wait to get started on the next book.

[jerm_4 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Skulduggery PleasantStephanie’s uncle has just died and she finds out that he has left her a very comfortable fortune due to his Mystery writing career. But she soon finds out the his real life has been the basis for all of his stories, and that his partner has been dead for years, but is still walking around, and flinging elemental magic at the bad guys….A skeleton detective who can throw fireballs.You sold yet, I was, and after reading it, I’m ready for more.Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

[racheguevara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Scepter of the Ancients immediately grabbed my attention with all the lightning coming out of the jeweled scepter on the front cover. Within the first two paragraphs, I became intrigued by the death of Stephanie’s uncle and an unidentifiable man at his funeral. The story quickly unfolded when Stephanie spends the night at the mansion her uncle leaves her in his will. She is attacked for a key she knows nothing about, but is rescued by the mysterious man who turns out to be a rather humorous talking skeleton, named Skulduggery Pleasant. He is a close friend of Stephanie’s uncle and is also a detective who reveals a magical world that Stephanie can’t turn away from. Positive that the man who attacked her has something to do with her uncle’s death, Stephanie teams up with Skulduggery Pleasant to seek out the Scepter of the Ancients, which is known only as a legend. As they pick up more clues about where the scepter is, Stephanie meets new characters who join them to help solve the mystery. They do not find the scepter in time, but they do stop the evil Serpine from gaining total control over the world. I enjoyed this aspect because the book did not end exactly the way I thought it would. The imagery that Derek Landry used in this novel is amazing and it helped make every chapter come alive. The combined mystery and humor made this book enjoyable to read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventurous novels with a twist. This book has won the Young Reader’s Choice Award, the Red House Children’s Book Award, the ALA Best Books for Young Adults and was a finalist for the Cybils Award.

[sunnysd_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When her uncle dies, twelve-year-old Stephanie Edgley inherits a fortune -- and discovers a whole new world. Her tour guide is Skulduggery Pleasant, an old friend of her Uncle's -- a wisecracking, fire throwing, animated skeleton detective with a penchant for doing his own thing. When Stephanie insists on tracking down her Uncle's murderer, and it appears that an ancient evil has returned and is stalking her, Skulduggery and her own determination may just be the two things that can stop the end of the world.I sure hope there's a sequel, and soon -- Stephanie's a superior sort of heroine, and Skulduggery is not to be missed.

[nessreader_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I hoped for adult crossover appeal, but it doesn't really work for a grownup. Which is fair enough: it's aimed at children, and I imagine it works grand for them. The action sequences of fights and chases are particularly good.If I were a child, would have liked this, but I think it wouldn't stick with me once it was over. The wisecracking skeleton is fun, and the pages turn fast.

[akmargie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love, love, love this book. It had action, adventure, magic, snappily dressed skelton detective and more dry wit than you know what to do with. Great female characters and a fun story. I hope my first novel is as amazing!

[unevendays · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very entertaining - I enjoyed this a lot.

[jenj5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Listened to HarperCollins audio edition narrated by Rupert Degas. The narration and production on this was absolutely fantastic. I've read the print version before and I'm surprised by how little of the plot I remembered - makes me think it's not as strong a story as I originally thought. The sound effects, music and Skulduggery interview were fun additions to the audio recording as well.

[ctmsjasa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Serpine stood, opened his left hand in front of the detective. “This is your one chance. Tell me where the key is.” “Okay.”Serpine raised an eyebrow. “Really?” “No, only joking. Do your worst.” Serpine laughed and his fingers started moving and the detective started screaming.” Have you ever seen magic? Have you ever broken into a museum when vampire guards are on duty? Have you ever seen a living skeleton, let alone be partners with one? Well that’s how life was for Stephanie Edgley, when she enters a world with mythological creatures, magic, spells, war, allies, enemies, cleavers, and too much more to count. As Stephanie leaves the regular world and her family behind, she ventures off into a new one- and you follow along with her on the journey.The book Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy is a magnificent, fast paced, piece of art. Through the entire book, Landy uses great descriptions, interesting dialogue, a perfect sequence order, and so much more. Stephanie’s uncle, Gordon Edgley, is a very famous and rich author. He wrote tons and tons of books about magic, but he didn’t just write about it- he believed in it too. He became a part of the magic world one day and became great friends with Skulduggery Pleasant (a living skeleton). Gordon then gets murdered, while finishing one of his books. At the reading of his will, everyone from Gordon’s two brothers (Fergus and Stephanie’s dad), to Stephanie and her mother, to Skulduggery, and to Fergus’ wife, Beryl, show up to collect his riches and their fortune. The first part of the will shows that Fergus and Beryl get a worthless brooch, a car, and a boat. Then Skulduggery gets a piece of advice that seems worthless, but it could actually help him on in life. Stephanie’s parents get his villa, and Stephanie gets all of his other possessions, riches, property, books, and everything else he owned. Since Beryl and Fergus are extremely greedy, they demanded to swap with Stephanie’s parents. They wanted more, and as soon as Skulduggery left, she started screaming. “Her?” she screamed. “Her?” As the book continues, Stephanie learns more about Skulduggery Pleasant, and how he is an Elemental and controls magic. She then wants to learn more about magic, so she goes off with him and he shows her how he controls each element, excluding earth. He also shows her a few other Elementals, and a couple people who know about magic. After seeing all of this, she want to learn how to learn magic, but Skulduggery refuses to teach her, but doesn’t give a clear explanation why.Stephanie finds out about the Ancients, who were driven away from the world by this weapon, called The Scepter of the Ancients. No one believes that this scepter is real, except for the powerful Serpine and his evil army. Serpine is out to get the scepter so that he can call back the ancients, and to control the Ancients as well. Just about everyone knows that Serpine is having a secret war against the Council of Elders, except for the Elders themselves, and they refuse to believe it. The Elders will not act against Serpine and break their truce, but Skulduggery want to wait any longer for them to make a decision, and he begins his journey. After doing some research, Stephanie, Skulduggery, a warrior ,Tanith Low, a man ,Ghastly, and two cleavers, head out to take down Serpine and his army alone. Along the way, they find out where the scepter and the key to get to it are located.Later on, they meet a foe, which they name The White Cleaver. However the thing is, is that attacking him is no use. Good things happen, bad things happen, horrific things happen, and even worse things happen, but they continue in search of the scepter, Besides all of the magnificent blood and fighting, as I was reading this book, I couldn’t stop laughing. As the book progressed on further and further, Landy uses more and more sarcasm and such great descriptions, that your sides will be hurting from laughing so hard! For example, one time in the book Skulduggery says to Serpine: “I’m placing you under arrest for murder, conspiracy to commit murder and, I don't know, possibly littering.” Although some parts are extremely intense, others are a bit looser, and there are some that are just plain out silly. However, it is not a bad thing, it is actually a really good thing, in my opinion. I‘ve also never seen another author use so much sarcasm in one book. It was different, but it made the book fall into place, and it just wouldn’t be the same without it.As I was reading the book, it was as if I was watching a movie, especially with all of the vivid details and use of punctuation. With all of these little things put into this book, even the tiniest of the tiny, they all were needed to make this book happen. I especially liked how Landy made the characters come to life, and it seemed as if I was a part of the book myself. From the first chapter to the last chapter, I got sucked right in and couldn’t pull myself out. I started reading one night and just couldn’t put the book down! However, despite all of the good things about this book, there was one problem I had with this book. The one thing I had a problem with, is very important, it was huge. At specific points of the book, Landy didn’t put in who was talking into the dialogue. This made it extremely hard to decipher who was talking, and to follow along, especially when three people were talking at once. I had to go back and re-read quite a few paragraphs because I was confused about who was talking. Overall, I have to say this is my favorite book I have ever read, and I hope that the second book in the series will be even better! I really encourage you to read this book, especially if you like reading about things that are about fantasy, magic, or lots of action. I would have to rate Skulduggery Pleasant a five out of five stars.

[jrlibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stephanie Edgeley is a 12 year old precocious girl who decides to avenge her uncle Gordon's death with the help of a very unlikely ally; a detective skeleton named Skulduggery. She renames herself Valkyrie Cain, raising Cain. Gordon leaves everything to Stephanie in his will, including the power to save or destroy the universe, but she doesn't know that when the adventure begins. She has to find the object that creatures from another realm want, before they find it! She has the help of Skulduggery, a character who does a lot to make the book interesting. I'll be certain to read book two to find out what happens.

[nhritzuk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An exciting and entertaining book. I found this to be an easy read: Sentence structure and vocabulary were simple. Sequence of events made sense and sometimes unexpected, which added to the suspense. I would recommend this for reluctant readers Grade 5+, especially boys. Girls who enjoy fantasy stories will also like this book.

[scote23 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book kept me entertained. A chuckler. Good for kids who want a fantasy novel with a touch of horror, with British language.

[anniecase_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Despite an oddball premise, this book was thoroughly engaging, disturbing, and darkly, surprisingly witty. I had no trouble getting through it. I would say it is a bit scary for younger readers.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting story about a girl who finds herself embroiled in magic, murder and mayhem in Dublin when her uncle dies suddenly. When she finds that his horror stories were in fact based in truth she has the choice to join forces with good to defeat evil or stay with the normal world.Interestingly complex, the characters aren't always just black and white and betrayal is a strong motif. The idea of an animated skeleton as hero is interesting too.Stephanie came across as being more 15 than 12, and maybe she should have been written as a little older.Interesting first novel and I'm looking forward to more by this author.

[dfullmer_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fun fantasy not for the faint of heart. Skulduggery is a skeleton detective sent to investigate magical cases. Stephanie's uncle dies mysteriously and she is drawn into Skulduggery's sometimes scary and intense world. Some violence not suitable below 5th grade.

[imbookingit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm sorry that I don't remember which Twitter friend recommended this book to me, because I'd like to thank them.This book was tremendous fun, particularly in audio.There are quirky characters, both in the good guys and the bad guys (and it isn't always immediately apparent which category each falls into). Stephanie is a very nice young girl with a good head on her shoulders. Thanks to her uncle, who wrote books describing some absolutely unbelievable adventures, she's able to go along with the situation when her help is needed to save the world.The book is a great adventure. It got a little more intense than I thought it needed to at points, but overall it was the fun kind of scary.I'm looking forward to the next book.

[timothyl33 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Although similarities between Harry Potter and the book Skulduggery Pleasant abound (mainly in the way their universe is like), I found Skulduggery Pleasant also lacks alot of that special charm that made the Harry Potter series feel so unique.Still, the character of Skulduggery Pleasant is definitely an interesting guy (especially when bringing Stephanie down a peg or two).