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The Faceless Ones

#3 of 17 in Skulduggery Pleasant Series

4.40
on Goodreads (30,123)

What’s inside...

In this third installment of the Skulduggery series, Valkyrie and the skeletal detective Skulduggery Pleasant team up once more to take on the Faceless Ones. Despite being only twelve, Valkyrie is determined to help Skulduggery save the world from these terrifying entities. As they face bone-breaking and belly-busting adventures, the duo must confront their most challenging and sticky situations yet. Readers who are familiar with the previous books will be eager to see how their favorite characters tackle the impending dangers posed by the Faceless Ones.
Series reading

Sequential

Age

8-12

Length

400 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Valkyrie Cain
Skulduggery Pleasant
Fletcher Renn
Ghastly Bespoke
Tanith Low
China Sorrows
Remus Crux

Discussion points

How do the characters in 'The Faceless Ones' show bravery and teamwork?
What would you do if you were in the protagonist’s shoes when facing the Faceless Ones?
How do the decisions made by the characters influence the outcome of the story?
In what ways do the characters grow or change throughout the book?
What are some lessons the book teaches about friendship and trust?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the magical elements of the book to real-world problems and how they would solve them.
Discuss the implications of trust among the characters and relate it to your child’s everyday experiences with friends or family.
Emphasize the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and ask your child how they would act in similar situations.
Use the fantasy setting of the book to spark creativity in your child. Ask them to imagine their own magical world and what kind of adventures they would have there.
Highlight the character development throughout the story to teach lessons about growth and change.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Faceless Ones,' characters often collaborate to solve complex problems and defeat foes, highlighting that working together can often be more effective than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of danger
Explanation: The protagonist and their allies frequently face perilous situations but demonstrate bravery and resolve to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to face their fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject in school.
Example Lesson: The impact of good decision-making
Explanation: Characters in the book often face choices that have significant consequences. Their decisions shape the story's outcome, emphasizing the importance of carefully thinking through decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about the possible consequences of their actions before making decisions, understanding that their choices can affect themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Characters are often met with setbacks but continue to persevere, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of perseverance in everyday challenges, such as learning a new skill or dealing with personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Recognizing the value of diversity
Explanation: The diverse group of characters in 'The Faceless Ones' brings a range of perspectives and talents to overcome challenges, showing how differences can be a strength when embraced.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and teamwork.