Author Note

A Note from Derek Landy

Hello there,

In April of 2007, the first Skulduggery Pleasant book was released. Now, a year later, the second one gets to join it on the shelves.

For me, as the writer, it's a wonderful opportunity to return to these characters, and to take them even further. Stephanie Edgley, or Valkyrie Cain as she is now called, has grown up a lot since the last time we saw her. Her powers have increased, she's learning how to fight, and she's a lot more sure of herself, and sure of her place in the world.

Because Skulduggery vanquished Serpine in the last book, I needed a new villain, and this time I wanted the villain to be Skulduggery's match in practically every way. And so we have Baron Vengeous, an old enemy, escaping from prison with a scheme involving vampires, ancient gods, and horrible, horrible monsters. All the fun things in life.

I wanted Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing With Fire to be even more intense and even more entertaining than the first book, and I think I've succeeded. The final judgement is up to you.

I hope you like it.

Derek