Once Upon a Time in the North
When Lyra is studying at Oxford University, she comes across the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnisson's first meeting, many years ago, along with much evidence of the adventure that brought them together. When a young Texan balloonist, Lee Scoresby, comes down to earth in the harbour of an Arctic town in the North, little does he realise that he is about to be embroiled in an out-and-out political brawl.
Lee and his daemon, Hester, find themselves the target of political factions trying to take over the running (and oil) of the town. And also resident in the town are huge arctic bears, ignored and patronised by the people and treated like second-class citizens. When Lee and Iorek first meet, they cement a friendship that will continue throughout their lives, as the tensions and pressure in town lead to a deadly conclusion... Another wonderful tale from a master story-teller, giving us more extraordinary insight into the world of His Dark Materials.
Readers also enjoyed
Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman is a writer whose imagination knows no bounds, a master of crafting worlds both fantastical and deeply thought-provoking. Known best for His Dark Materials, a trilogy that blends epic fantasy with philosophical musings, Pullman has captivated readers of all ages with stories that challenge the very nature of belief, freedom, and the human spirit.
Born in Norwich, England, in 1946, Pullman’s early life was shaped by both his experiences and his interests—particularly a fascination with literature and history. His love of storytelling began at a young age, influenced by the books he read and the characters he encountered, but it wasn’t until later that he fully embraced writing as a career. After studying at the University of Oxford, Pullman worked as a teacher and a writer, initially focusing on children's books that contained subtle nods to history, science, and philosophy.
His Dark Materials
His Dark Materials consists of three primary books, and includes four additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads and considered as a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series His Dark Materials Universe
