(August
25th 2009, HarperCollins)
Book Description:
Baron
Vengeous, one of Mevolent’s terrifying Three Generals has escaped from a
Russian prison. He intends to gain control of the Grotesquery, the horrific beast
created from parts of the ancient Faceless Ones, before the next lunar eclipse.
With the help of 13-year-old Valkyrie Cain, Skulduggery Pleasant must try to
stop him before he is able to open a portal through which the Faceless Ones
themselves can return to the world, and enslave all of humanity.
Pros:
To
say that Playing with Fire is better than the Scepter of the Ancients would be
an understatement. This second volume is, simply put, just great. Almost every
positive aspect of the previous book is improved upon and much of the negative
points are allayed.
To
begin with, the stakes feel much higher this time around, mostly owing to a
better-defined main conflict. The action begins straightaway and the plot is
immediately engaging. The throwaway action of the previous volume is here
replaced with spectacular car chases, battles, and general derring-do that more
than anything else feel a lot more central. Over-description is also less of a
problem here.
Characterization,
which had been at best archetypal, is improved greatly. This is especially
evident in dialogue and humor that are far more character-specific.
Some of the new characters, notably "Southern boy " Billy-Ray Sanguine, are also very entertaining.
The
plot balances levity and danger well. (Characters will make
jokes during risky situations and not only does it feel appropriate, it feels indispensable.)
It’s also significantly more focused than in the in the first book.
The
concepts of the Grotesquery and Vile’s armor are great, as are the abilities of
characters. I especially liked those China Sorrows and Baron Vengeous.
Cons:
The
major mistake here is, I think, that fact the Lord Vengeous is undermined
right out the gate. (He is captured by China Sorrows in the beginning of the
book, but is freed a short while late.) This makes him, obviously, a less
threatening antagonist.
The
writing is still a little dodgy, and the author’s tendency of telling not
showing is still present, if decreased.
Also,
this book may contain too much violence and too high a body count for younger
children.
Verdict:
Significantly
improving upon the original, Playing with Fire is an enthralling, humorous, and
highly-entertaining adventure with just the right balance of light and dark.
Rating: (7.5/10)
Get Playing with Fire at Book Depository.
For more excellent MG book recommendations, go to Shannon Messenger's blog.
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