Skeletons in the Closet

Skulduggery Pleasant is not terribly original. Child experiences loss. Child learns of the magical world that has always existed right under her nose. Child learns she has great unrealized powers...and it is up to her to save the world. (And yes, I do take pleasure in knowing our lead character, Stephanie, would balk at being called a child!) The book is not without redeemable qualities, however.

For starters, our protagonist is a female. This is not to be ignored, because, let's face it, the books aren't called Hermione Granger and the Society for the Protection of Elvish Welfare or Holly Short and the Lower Elements Police. In a world of magical literature dominated by men, it's gratifying to read a story of an ambitious and strong-headed young lady. That being said there are a handful of girly references that seemed unnecessary such as Stephanie and Tanith's fits of laughter at their own incompetence, or this narration: "She always ate chocolate when something bad happened, but these days chocolate just wasn't enough."

Derek Landy also creates a magical world all his own. It is woven into the fabric of our cities, not hidden from our view like in Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or Artemis Fowl. Elemental magic is described as almost scientific. Stephanie practices feeling the air as a series of interlocking objects that she can then manipulate to her will. There are no wands, few spells, and some manipulations of nature have consequences for the mage that are out of his or her control. Skulduggery and his fireballs seem reminiscent of Ghost Rider, but his dry wit is all his own. As her mentor he is quite detached so that Stephanie's choices are that much more her own.

What do this "ace detective" and teenage descendant of the ancients have to do with the four genius children spying on an evil mastermind in The Mysterious Benedict Society? Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance are also faced with saving the world, but they do not have the benefits (or drawbacks) of using magic. Instead they must each realize their own skills- logic reasoning, acrobatics, memorization, cantankerousness, etc.

Though both books feature children as experts and problem solvers The Mysterious Benedict Society is much more timeless. There are no Bentleys or characters guzzling Coke. In fact, it is unclear whether the story takes place in the 1950s or today. Despite having a more complex vocabulary than Skulduggery and being significantly longer, TMBS reads a good deal younger. The characters are more wholesome and the violence is all psychological. The characters long to be loved and part of family more than they seek adventure or power.

Another feature that sets TMBS apart from the world of fantasy is its blatant political statement about television as a means of mind control and manipulation. What could be more terrifying than subliminal messages being broadcast out of our own beloved TV sets? As a teacher, as a librarian, and as a teacher-librarian I can totally get behind that cause. Turn off the boob tube, kids, I've got just the book for you...