The Subtle Knife
by Philip Pullman

Release Date: 6th Aug 2007
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 978 1 4071 0407 2
RRP: Ł6.99

The second in the The Dark Materials trilogy

One simply cannot review the second in The Dark Materials trilogy, without mentioning the film of the first book – Northern Lights (aka, The Golden Compass) – well, you could, but I have something to say on the matter. Mine may be a controversial view, but perhaps there will also be some of you that agree with the sentiment that the book was far, far better and deserved a much more fluid translation to the cinematic screen. I also thought most of the acting a little flat and Lyra was exceptionally disappointing... but there, that is my own view. Yours may be entirely different.

So, on to The Subtle Knife... We have a new character, in every way Lyra’s equal in terms of depth and realism. Will is a consummate charmer without knowing that he charms. Like a sheep in wolf’s clothing; he is gentle, considerate, angry and absurd. The perfect companion for Lyra, save for her daemon. I prefer this subsequent novel more than the first, perhaps because it feels as though the author has become comfortable with Lyra and the interchangeable worlds she finds herself in... Perhaps because she is given a companion that is worthy of her sharp tongue and sassiness and can bear her occasional tantrums and outbursts. Whatever the reason, I am glad of it.

What is more, Pullman makes us into believers. You can almost hear the fervent hum of religion echoing around and through the book. Prophecy, angelic forces, dust, pilgrimage... is it blasphemous to suggest that our world needs many saviours and Lyra and Will become just as necessary to our future salvation in this book as... well, I shan’t say, it might be in poor taste. A work of fiction this may be, but what a work of fiction!

Spellbinding and absolutely captivating from front page to back cover, The Subtle Knife is an extraordinary story that will set the minds of the next generation of readers on fire.

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