Kingdom of the Wicked (Skulduggery Pleasant, Book 7) Derek Landy 9780008266400

The seventh instalment in the biggest, funniest, most thrilling comedy-horror-adventure series in the universe...

Magic is a disease.

Across the land, normal people are suddenly developing wild and unstable powers. Infected by a rare strain of magic, they are unwittingly endangering their own lives and the lives of the people around them. Terrified and confused, their only hope lies with the Sanctuary. Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain are needed now more than ever.

And then there's the small matter of Kitana. A normal teenage girl who, along with her normal teenage friends, becomes infected. Becomes powerful. Becomes corrupted. Wielding the magic of gods, they're set to tear the city apart unless someone stands up against them.

Looks like it's going to be another one of those days...

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."

"A high-intensity tale....Readers, particularly Artemis Fowl fans, will be skipping meals and sleep to get to the end."
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Utterly charming...perfect for the Potter crowd."
- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Rich fantasy that is as engaging in its creative protagonists and villains as it is in the lightning-paced plot and sharp humor."
- BCCB

"Landy keeps the action brisk, his characters slightly macabre, and uses humor to take the edge off."
- ALA Booklist

"Skulduggery Pleasant serves up a thoroughly satisfying blend of humor, magic and adventure. Once you've met Stephanie and Skulduggery, you'll be clamoring for a sequel."
- Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series