Last Stand of Dead Men (Skulduggery Pleasant, Book 8) Derek Landy 9780008266424

The eighth instalment in the biggest, funniest, most thrilling comedy-horror-adventure series in the universe - and the follow-up to the 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.

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