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The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials Audiobook, by Philip Pullman Play Audiobook Sample

The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials Audiobook

The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials Audiobook, by Philip Pullman Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Philip Pullman, a full cast Publisher: Listening Library Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 6.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The His Dark Materials Series Release Date: September 2003 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781400085682

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

84

Longest Chapter Length:

09:16 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

02:09 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

06:22 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

24

Other Audiobooks Written by Philip Pullman: > View All...

Publisher Description

Read by the author and a full cast

8 hours 55 minutes, 8 CDs

The universe has broken wide, and Lyra's friend lies dead. Desperate for answers and set on revenge, Lyra bursts into a new world in pursuit of his killer. Instead, she finds Will, just twelve years old and already a murderer himself. He's on a quest as fierce as Lyra's, and together they strike out into this sunlit otherworld.

On this journey marked by danger, Will and Lyra forge ahead. But with every step and each new horror, they move closer to the greatest threat of all—and the shattering truth of their own destiny.

In this stunning sequel to The Golden Compas, Philip Pullman continues His Dark Materials trilogy and confirms it as an undoubted and enduring classic.

AWARDS AND HONORS

ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Horn Book Fanfare Honor Book

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Blue Ribbon Book

Book Links Best Book of the Year

Parents' Choice Gold Book Award

American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"

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"This series with a strong beginning does not let up here. Delightfully, the story intersects with our own world and timeline. Great and interesting new characters compliment the three different worlds explored here. The religiously controversial elements that this series is famous for comes to life here, but I say to those of all faiths - ride it out. Any alternative to traditional beliefs that leads to an analysis and discussion-worthy components should only inevitably strengthen what you have. Don't let the stigma prevent you from seeing a truly great story. It is also gritty. As with the first book, there is at least one shocking death you never see coming. Have the Amber Spyglass on hand and ready to go when you read this (as I wisely do), because you won't want to stop on the last page."

— David (5 out of 5 stars)

Awards

  • Winner of Audie Awards, 2001
  • Winner of Audie Awards, 2001
  • Winner of Audie Awards, 2001

The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.0588235294117645 out of 54.0588235294117645 out of 54.0588235294117645 out of 54.0588235294117645 out of 54.0588235294117645 out of 5 (4.06)
5 Stars: 15
4 Stars: 9
3 Stars: 8
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — LA.YAM, 9/27/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This web is amazing. This is the best audio book web ever. "

    — Magnus, 1/14/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Lovely book. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT READ THIS SERIES IF YOU ARE A SERIOUS CHURCH GOER. I am not a christian, so I didn't have any issues with this series. In fact, I found Pullman quite wise in some segments. "

    — Dulcie, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The jury is out on this book for me. I began to enjoy it more when Lyra came into the story, but the storyline with Will and his mother was dull, and the parts with the scientists I found myself skipping altogether. I liked the glimpses of the Spectres and the city run by children, and I did like the interaction between the children, but it's definitely a take-it-or-leave-it book for me. "

    — Quinn, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A somewhat disappointing by comparison sequel. The heroes less lovable, though that may have been a result of the darkness it brought. Usually I pine for darkness in a book though, especially YA. That being said the world is still created vividly, and the writing balance is still ideal. "

    — Todd, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Really good, especially towards the end "

    — Mishal, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " just finished this series, thankyou anya for recommending them they were amazing!!! "

    — Ella, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Uh oh. The series is starting to get less good. "

    — Adrien, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I continue to be completely impressed by the 'Dark Materials' series. Absolutely gripping. "

    — Phil, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " it gets MUCH better! the friendship dynamics and the codes are very interesting and it's nice to think about their weight and significance in real life. i love the incorporation of fantasy into an almost realistic setting and the dynamics between different human-like species :D "

    — Bea, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " While not as strong as the first book, I enjoyed the entire story of the series as a whole. "

    — Nicole, 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not as good as the first and stops abruptly. Looking forward to the finale. "

    — Laura, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I didn't like the first book but I'm so glad I gave this a chance. Listened to the audiobook though; I didn't read the actual book. All the voiceovers were very well done (I was especially impressed with Will's in the final scene). "

    — Åžalehah, 10/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " the slowest of the three, but still a good read "

    — Charlotte, 5/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It was the last few chapters that made this book for me. Wow. I have no idea why I didn't read this book earlier. "

    — Ellen, 3/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Good thought provoking novels, but not children's book despite being shelved at most major chain retailers in those areas. "

    — Karen, 3/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Second part of the trilogy. Lyra meets a boy from our world in a sort of "in-between" world where adults are nearly all zombies. The children are safe until they reach adolescence. It will be interesting to see how this is all drawn together in the next book. "

    — Lora, 2/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I bought this book for my Grandchildren but I will never let them read it. It is highly anti-christian to the point of being atheistic. "

    — George, 1/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Is definitely getting less child like than the first book. How does someone convey in print such am imagination? "

    — John, 1/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Book 2 of the series. Lyra meets Will from another world. They must trust each other and learn how to find their own path together. The witches and Mrs. Coulter are not ideal they also are searching for Lyra and a new weapon one that can cut through anything. "

    — Melissa, 7/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I so enjoyed the trilogy, such a wonderful writer "

    — E, 10/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Whoa. What a friggin emotional rollercoaster ride that was. "

    — Becca, 9/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is the second book in the series. I thought it lost something in the novelty and unwordly-ness of the setting, which the first book had in abundance. It felt a little bit rushed and I couldn't see the points the author was trying to make very well. I did like the new main character. "

    — Jennifer, 7/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Middenstuk van een heerlijke trilogie. "

    — Edelhart, 7/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A good follow up to Northern Lights which introduces a new character called Will. The one problem I had with this book was that I found Wills father a bit convenient when it came to plot details. Plus I found Lyra's parents a bit to special for their own good. "

    — Daniel, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Read this series! So amazing! This second book is extremely dark. "

    — Sarah, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Better than book one and I hear the third is even better...can't wait. "

    — Clint, 5/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " More His Dark Materials. This one is also fine, but lacks panserbjørne, and focuses too much on Will, who is less awesome than Lyra. The witches are great, but a lot of the plot is a little too convenient for my taste. On to the next one soon! "

    — Duck, 5/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A great 2nd book to the Golden Compass though I felt the main character isn't as strong in this book as the first. Definitely the makings of a great series...on to book 3. "

    — Chrism, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Good, darker than the Golden Compass (the first book in the series), but not as good as that book. I'll read the third book, but I'm taking a break. I'm a little fantasied-out right now. "

    — Narasu, 5/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " SO GOOD. On to the third! "

    — Tmny, 5/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Second verse, just as good as the first. "

    — Chris, 5/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " this book i also awesome, though it is a bit more logical than the first novel!!!!!!!!!!! "

    — Haylee, 5/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I liked "Subtle Knife" more than "Golden Compass." It feels like the larger story is finally coming into focus. And it was generally just an enjoyable read. "

    — Ann, 4/27/2011

About Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman is the Whitbread Award–winning author of the bestselling His Dark Materials series—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass—as well as the Sally Lockhart trio of Victorian mysteries and other books for young readers. Among his other awards, he has won the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in honor of the body of his work.

About Philip Pullman

Pedro Pablo Sacristáwas born in Madrid and graduated with an MBA from a prestigious business school. His passion for education and writing led him to create Bedtime Stories, short stories that help teach kids values.