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Playing With Fire

A thrilling adventure of magic and betrayal

Derek Landy author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:1st Sep '08

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Playing With Fire cover

In this thrilling adventure, Valkyrie and Skulduggery face a new threat as Baron Vengeous returns, challenging their friendship and courage in Playing With Fire.

In Playing With Fire, the world seems safe after the defeat of Serpine, but peace is short-lived. Valkyrie and Skulduggery, the daring detective duo, are soon confronted by a new menace when the infamous Baron Vengeous escapes from prison. As bodies pile up and vampires emerge across Ireland, the stakes rise dramatically. The duo must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with danger as they race against time to stop Vengeous from obtaining the deadly armor of Lord Vile.

The tension escalates as Valkyrie finds herself in peril, with enemies lurking around every corner. The narrative explores the complexities of their friendship as Skulduggery grapples with a heart-wrenching decision that could change everything. His loyalty is tested, and the weight of his choices looms large. The emotional stakes rise as Valkyrie confronts her own fears, questioning not only her abilities but also the trust she places in those around her.

As the plot unfolds, Playing With Fire delves into themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The thrilling chase to thwart Baron Vengeous leads to unexpected revelations, forcing Valkyrie and Skulduggery to confront their greatest fears. Can they protect each other and save the world once more, or will the flames of betrayal consume them both?

Praise for Derek Landy:

‘Landy [has the] ability to craft an engaging story from start to finish.’ Inis

‘Derek Landy has been something of a publishing phenomenon.’ Irish Post

Praise for Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing With Fire:

‘Landy’s writing is highly cinematic … [the plot] is delivered well and is nicely punctuated by punchy dialogue, culminating in an adrenaline-induced battle that will leave the reader gasping for breath.’ Inis

‘You just can't help but love this dynamic duo of the skeleton detective and his sidekick.’ The Bookbag

‘If, like myself, you thought the first book reinvented 9 to 12 fiction, then this one beats the previous book up and leaves it cowering in the corner of the bookshop it was purchased in.’ Waterstones Bookseller’s review

Praise for Skulduggery:

'Hugely enjoyable – a thrill-a-minute adventure.' Jonathan Stroud, author of the BARTIMAEUS TRILOGY

'It's exciting, pacy, nicely handled and fun. I sincerely hope Landy revisits these characters.' Philip Ardagh, Guardian

'Skulduggery Pleasant serves up a thoroughly satisfying blend of humour, magic and adventure. Once you've met Stephanie and Skullduggery, you'll be clamouring for a sequel.' Rick Riordan, author of the PERCY JACKSON series

‘Landy's witty style will win him fans of all ages … It's a good job Harry's [Potter] resigning before he's forcibly retired.’ Irish Mail on Sunday

‘A rip-roaring adventure.’ Irish Sunday Independent

  • Winner of Dublin Airport Authority Irish Children's Book of the Year Award: Senior 2009
  • Short-listed for Independent Booksellers' Week Book of the Year Award: Children's Book of the Year 2009
  • Short-listed for Independent Booksellers' Week Book of the Year Award: Children's Book of the Year 2008

ISBN: 9780007257058

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 22mm

Weight: 240g

352 pages