Similar Magic Systems and Tone:
* The Chronicles of St. Mary's by Jodi Taylor: Time-traveling historians who get caught up in hilarious, dangerous situations with magic.
* The Magicians by Lev Grossman: A darker, more mature take on magic school, with a strong focus on the characters' inner struggles.
* The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune: A heartwarming story about a social worker who discovers a magical orphanage and learns about the true meaning of family.
* The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan: A classic fantasy series featuring a young apprentice learning the skills of a ranger, with strong action and worldbuilding.
* The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud: A fun, witty series told from the perspective of a powerful, but grumpy, demon who is forced to serve a young magician.
Similar Humor and Character Dynamics:
* The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher: A cynical private investigator with magical abilities, dealing with supernatural cases in a modern world. A lot of witty dialogue and a great sense of humor.
* Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman: A fantasy novel with a dark and quirky humor, following a young man who gets sucked into a secret world of magic and mythology.
* Discworld by Terry Pratchett: A vast series set in a satirical fantasy world, with characters that range from hilarious to heartbreaking.
* The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss: An epic fantasy novel with a compelling storytelling voice and a hero who is a skilled and witty magician.
Similar Strong Female Characters:
* The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo: A sprawling world with a complex magic system, featuring powerful and memorable female characters like Alina Starkov and Kaz Brekker.
* The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater: A magical realism series that centers around a group of four boys who are searching for a Welsh king, with a strong and intriguing female character named Blue Sargent.
* The Books of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin: A classic fantasy series featuring a young wizard named Ged and a powerful female sorceress named Tenar.
Further Exploration:
* Look for authors who specialize in urban fantasy: This genre often combines magic with modern settings, offering a unique perspective on supernatural elements.
* Explore fantasy series with strong comedic elements: There are many authors who incorporate humor into their fantasy worlds, making the journey more engaging and entertaining.
Ultimately, the best way to find books like Skulduggery Pleasant is to explore and discover what appeals to you most about the series. Consider what elements you enjoyed the most, whether it was the magic system, the humor, the characters, or the overall tone. With so many great fantasy books out there, you're sure to find something that you'll love.