His Dark Materials: The Subtle Knife (Book 2) - Hardcover

Pullman, Philip

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679879250 ISBN 13: 9780679879251

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1997

Synopsis

THE STUNNING SEQUEL TO THE GOLDEN COMPASS
Having slipped through a newly formed astral portal, the intrepid Lyra finds herself in the beautiful, haunted world of Cittą gazze--a city where soul-eating Specters stalk the streets and the wingbeats of distant angels sound against the sky. But she is not without allies. For young Will Parry, in search of his father, has also stumbled into this strange new realm via a magic gateway.
Together the enlightened pair forge ahead on a perilous journey between worlds teeming with witches, angels, and sorcery--and uncover a deadly secret: an object of extraordinary and devastating power. But with every step, they move closer to an even greater threat--and the shattering truth of their own destiny . . .

About this title

Review:

At the end of The Northern Lights, Lyra Silvertongue watched in fear and fascination as her father, Lord Asriel, created a bridge between worlds. Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon are now lost in an alternate universe where they meet Will Parry, a fugitive from a third universe. Will has found a small window between Cittagazze--where children roam unchecked, but invisible Specters suck the spirit out of adults--and his Oxford, which, with its Burger Kings and cars, is frighteningly different from the Oxford Lyra knows. Will's father, an explorer, disappeared years ago, but some odd characters have started asking questions about him. Will has managed to accidentally kill one of them and is wanted by the police. Armed with the Subtle Knife, a tool that cuts any material (including that which separates universes) and Lyra's alethiometer, the children set out to find John Parry, with adults of various stripes in desperate pursuit.

Lyra's finest qualities are her courage and her quick mind. She finds she must use them constantly--not to put too fine a point on it, she must lie and steal to keep herself and Will out of danger. However, she must also know when to tell the truth and when to trust. She does not yet know--though her friends the witches do, and so does the reader--what a huge part she will have in the upcoming battle between Good and Evil. (Age 9 and over) - -Amazon.com

Review:

"More than fulfilling the promise of The Golden Compass, this second volume starts off at a heart-thumping pace and never slows down....The grandly exuberant storytelling is sure to enthrall."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The intricacy of the plot is staggering...There is no doubt that the work is stunningly ambitious, original, and fascinating."--The Horn Book (starred review)

"The character development as well as the relentless pace...make this a resoundingly successful sequel...it will leave readers desperate for the next installment."--Booklist (starred review)

About this edition

• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0679879250
• ISBN 13: 9780679879251
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352