“It’s a stunning achievement, this universe Pullman has created and continues to build on.” — The New York Times
Return to the parallel world of His Dark Materials in the second volume of Philip Pullman’s new bestselling masterwork The Book of Dust, and discover what comes next for Lyra, “one of fantasy’s most indelible characters.” (The New York Times Magazine)
Lyra Silvertongue’s adventures in the North are long over — the windows between the many worlds have been sealed, and her beloved Will is lost to her. She does still have the alethiometer: the truth-telling device given to her by the master of Jordan College, which guided her journey.
Lyra doesn’t know the full story of the alethiometer, though. Or the role that young Malcolm Polstead played in bringing both the instrument and baby Lyra to Jordan. She’s now a twenty-year-old undergraduate at St. Sophia’s College. To her, Malcolm is Dr. Polstead, an overly solicitous professor she would prefer to avoid.
But intrigue is swirling around Lyra once more. Her daemon Pantalaimon is witness to a brutal murder, and the dying man entrusts them with secrets that carry echoes from their past. They learn of a city haunted by daemons, of a desert said to hold the secret of Dust.
Powerful forces are about to throw Lyra and Malcolm together once again. And the dangers they face will challenge everything they thought they knew about the world, and about themselves.
The series
The Book of Dust is a captivating extension of the world introduced in His Dark Materials, but with a fresh lens that explores the past and future of a universe already rich in mystery and wonder. This series takes readers deep into the origins of Dust, the mysterious force that has shaped the fates of many, while also focusing on the journey of new and familiar characters as they grapple with questions of fate, power, and identity.
Read full series description
Set in a world where science and magic intersect, The Book of Dust plunges readers back into the awe-inspiring landscape that fans of Philip Pullman know so well. However, this is a tale where the shadows of the past and the weight of destiny intertwine, opening doors to deeper mysteries. The story begins with Malcolm Polstead, an inquisitive boy whose adventures lead him into a web of intrigue, danger, and choices that will change the world forever. Alongside him is the brilliant and rebellious Lyra Belacqua, whose journey takes a darker turn as she faces the consequences of the choices made in the previous series.
The series invites readers into a world where questions of free will, the balance of power, and the cost of knowledge are explored through a fantastical yet deeply human lens. From the secretive Order of Magisterium to the danger of unseen forces manipulating history, The Book of Dust builds a narrative that's both a thrilling adventure and a philosophical exploration of the universe’s most profound mysteries.
The beauty of Pullman’s storytelling lies in his ability to weave complex themes into accessible and gripping tales. As the series expands, it remains a compelling blend of adventure, philosophy, and fantasy. Fans of His Dark Materials will find much to love here, while newcomers will discover a rich, layered world filled with both wonder and danger. Each book deepens the questions about Dust’s nature, and how the choices of those who wield power shape the future of this intricate world.
In a universe full of shifting allegiances, alliances, and moral ambiguity, The Book of Dust raises questions about destiny, the essence of consciousness, and the struggle for truth in a world governed by forces beyond human understanding. It’s a journey that’s just as much about discovering the nature of the universe as it is about uncovering the mysteries of the heart.
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