Playing With Fire (Skulduggery Pleasant, #2)

by Derek Landy

Just when you think you’ve saved the world…

"You will kill her?" the Torment asked.
Skulduggery sagged. "Yes." He hesitated, then took his gun from his jacket. "I'm sorry, Valkyrie," he said softly.
"Don't talk to me," Valkyrie said. "Just do what you have to do."
Valkyrie parted her tunic, and Skulduggery pointed the gun at the vest beneath.
"Please forgive me," Skulduggery said, then aimed the gun at the girl and pulled the trigger.

With Serpine dead, the world is safe once more. At least, that’s what Valkyrie and Skulduggery think, until the notorious Baron Vengeous makes a bloody escape from prison, and dead bodies and vampires start showing up all over Ireland. With Baron Vengeous after the deadly armour of Lord Vile, and pretty much everyone out to kill Valkyrie, the daring detective duo face their biggest challenge yet. But what if the greatest threat to Valkyrie is just a little closer to home…?

• ISBN13: 9780007257034
• Publish Date: 1 April 2008
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 12 January 2009
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
• Imprint: HarperCollins
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 320
• Language: English
• URL: http://harpercollins.co.uk

Reviews

[alindstadtcorbeax]

Re-Read: Nov. 20th, 2020:
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
Just like the first time!
___________________

Star Rating: —> 5 Stars

HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SERIES SOONER?!?!?
(Get used to me saying this, because when it comes to Skullduggery Pleasant, it will likely be the first thing I say in each and every one of the reviews for these books)

[thepunktheory]

Full review on my blog coming soon!

I'll make sure to keep this short.
It's just as good as the first one!
The story is intriguing enough with a good number of twists and turns that'll keep you on your toes. It's a really good mystery/crime book that you can't put down.
We get some new antagonists and monsters that must have sprung from the deepest darkest corners of Derek Landy's imagination. Honestly, with every new thing he comes up with, I get even more curious to pick up all the remaining books.

Of course, almost all characters from book #1 (that aren't dead) return. There is quite some development going on especially in terms of Stephanie/Valkyrie Cain (still love her new name). I can't wait to follow her journey further along into this world of magic.
Tanith also makes an appearance and I really hope that'll she get more space in the following books as she is really kick-ass.
Last but not least, there is Skulduggery who is - as usual - delightful. His humor is one of the biggest reasons I would recommend these books to anyone. In combination with Valkyrie he really is amazing.