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)
" This web is amazing. This is the best audio book web ever. "
— Magnus, 1/14/2021" 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" 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" 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" Really good, especially towards the end "
— Mishal, 1/23/2014" just finished this series, thankyou anya for recommending them they were amazing!!! "
— Ella, 1/15/2014" Uh oh. The series is starting to get less good. "
— Adrien, 1/13/2014" I continue to be completely impressed by the 'Dark Materials' series. Absolutely gripping. "
— Phil, 1/7/2014" 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" While not as strong as the first book, I enjoyed the entire story of the series as a whole. "
— Nicole, 12/28/2013" Not as good as the first and stops abruptly. Looking forward to the finale. "
— Laura, 11/19/2013" 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" the slowest of the three, but still a good read "
— Charlotte, 5/9/2013" 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" Good thought provoking novels, but not children's book despite being shelved at most major chain retailers in those areas. "
— Karen, 3/9/2013" 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" 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" Is definitely getting less child like than the first book. How does someone convey in print such am imagination? "
— John, 1/3/2013" 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" I so enjoyed the trilogy, such a wonderful writer "
— E, 10/22/2011" Whoa. What a friggin emotional rollercoaster ride that was. "
— Becca, 9/18/2011" 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" Middenstuk van een heerlijke trilogie. "
— Edelhart, 7/1/2011" 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" Read this series! So amazing! This second book is extremely dark. "
— Sarah, 5/17/2011" Better than book one and I hear the third is even better...can't wait. "
— Clint, 5/12/2011" 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" 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" 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" SO GOOD. On to the third! "
— Tmny, 5/4/2011" Second verse, just as good as the first. "
— Chris, 5/4/2011" this book i also awesome, though it is a bit more logical than the first novel!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Haylee, 5/2/2011" 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, 4/27/2011Philip 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.
Kim Mai Guest is an award-winning voice actor for audiobooks and video games. She can also be heard on television shows, such as G.I. Joe: Renegades, Batman: the Brave and the Bold, and Avatar, and in movies such asChill Out Scooby Doo and Dead Space: Aftermath. Her video game work includes Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, and The Lord of the Rings.