Title: Seasons of War
Author: Derek Landy
First published April 13, 2020
592 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780008386238 (ISBN10: 0008386234)
Rating: 4.46
Overview
In the latest installment of the bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant series, SEASONS OF WAR, the Skeleton Detective and Valkyrie are facing their toughest challenge yet. War is imminent, and in order to prevent disaster, they embark on a top-secret mission to a desolate, magic-filled land where danger lurks around every corner.
Valkyrie must confront not only her deadly foes, but also her own inner demons, which threaten to sabotage everything she holds dear. As she struggles to find her way back to the light, she must navigate a treacherous path through the darkness.
Will Skulduggery and Valkyrie emerge victorious, or will this be their ultimate downfall? Only time will tell in this gripping, action-packed adventure.
About the Author
Meet Derek Landy, an accomplished writer and screenwriter hailing from Ireland. He is renowned for his supernatural mystery series, Skulduggery Pleasant, featuring a skeleton detective and a young female magician named Valkyrie Cain.
His passion for writing doesn’t stop there as he has two screenplays under his belt, namely “Dead Bodies” and “Boy Eats Girl,” which have earned him IFTA nominations and awards.
Despite his impressive accolades, Derek remains humble and down-to-earth, shying away from bragging about his numerous awards, including the Irish Book of the Decade and the Red House in the UK. However, he would like to thank Oprah for featuring his book on her Kids Reading List by inviting her over for tea someday.
When he’s not writing, Derek indulges in his hobbies such as playing video games, reading comics, and watching movies. He shares his home in Ireland with his many feline companions and occasionally converses with humans, but only when necessary.
Editoral Review
Seasons of War, the latest novel by Derek Landy, is a thrilling addition to the genre of young adult fantasy fiction. The bestselling author of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, Landy brings his signature wit, humor, and action-packed storytelling to this epic tale of magic, warfare, and adventure.
Set in a fantastical world of kingdoms, warriors, and mysterious powers, Seasons of War follows the lives of several young characters, each with their own unique journeys and challenges. There is Skulduggery Pleasant himself, a witty and cunning sorcerer who leads a group of fellow warriors against an army of ancient gods and monsters.
There is also Valkyrie Cain, a teenage girl with incredible magical abilities, who struggles with her own inner demons while trying to save her friends and the world from destruction. Landy excels at world-building, creating a richly imagined and detailed universe that feels both familiar and exotic.
His characters are vividly drawn, with complex backstories, motivations, and emotions that keep the reader invested in their fate. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, with plenty of action, suspense, and surprises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
On a deeper level, Seasons of War explores themes of power, identity, betrayal, and redemption. Landy addresses issues of loyalty, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity, showing how individuals and societies can be both heroic and flawed, selfless and selfish, depending on the circumstances.
He also confronts the dangers of fanaticism, intolerance, and violence, warning of the consequences of unchecked anger and hatred. While the novel is not without its flaws, such as occasional pacing issues and a few underdeveloped secondary characters, these weaknesses do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the book.
Fans of Landy’s previous work, as well as lovers of young adult fantasy in general, will find much to enjoy in Seasons of War. In conclusion, Seasons of War by Derek Landy is a thrilling, imaginative, and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers.
With its mix of adventure, humor, and heart, this book is sure to entertain and engage both young and old alike. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy with a modern twist.
The Washington Post gives Seasons of War a solid rating of 4 out of 5, for its compelling characters, engaging plot, and insightful themes.
