I'm not going to lie I had super high expectations for this book. I've enthusiastically read (and loved I might add) the other books in Landy's 'Skullduggery Pleasant series'; they are all amazingly hilarious, witty and are thrilling reads, and this novella was no exception.

This stellar book features some of the characters previously seen in the series, and it really allows the reader to delve deeper into the world so carefully crafted by Landy, setting up the next book very cleverly.

And Tanith Low is one cool girl.

Despite her being the 'bad guy' (girl) if you aren't secretly rooting for her then there is something wrong. She is deliciously villainous, always ready with razor wit so sharp she could spear you (which admittedly on occasion she is somewhat prone to doing). People who are fortunate to be following the stupendous series will be aware that one Miss Tanith Low was not always on Team Evil, she in fact was once considered a 'good guy' (again, girl?). Although she rather abruptly converted to the dark side, it in no way lessened my affection for her, and yet after secretly rooting for her to succeed, I found myself secretly hoping she rejoins the path of those travelling on the straight and narrow, because whilst evil Tanith is fun, I do really miss 'good' Tanith, in the way that you always want the best for your favourite characters.

Helping to create this book's fabulousness is the other characters. First of all Billy-Ray Sanguine. Who I dislike. And one Dexter Vex. Who I adore (I mean with a name as cool as that its hard not to love him). Landy's strengths (numerous though they are) particularly lie in the way he makes his characters interact. I have literally been left crying with laughter with some of the dialogue the characters come out with, and I really love that none of it seems forced or just for the sake of it. You get the sense that this is Landy's own wry sarcastic sense of humour coming out in, rather than an author desperately trying to be funny (something with is disappointingly common nowadays) and it truly is brilliant to read. You never quite know what to expect will come out next.

Moreover I really like the overall premise of the book. You very rarely find a book about the 'baddies' (usually for good reason) and it really does help explain some decisions and the reasons some characters act how they do. Sometimes the villains need to be depicted as heroes. Just to boost their fragile self esteem if nothing else. And to thoroughly entertain the reader of course.

Overall this book has an amazing plot, crafty hilarious characters, wickedly funny dialogue, and has a big bucket load of Derek Landy brilliance.

Simply super.

• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop

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