The breathtaking conclusion to Philip Pullman’s Book of Dust! This landmark trilogy, set in the world readers first glimpsed in The Golden Compass, continues the story of Lyra: “one of fantasy’s most indelible heroines” (The New York Times Magazine).
“It’s a stunning achievement, this universe Pullman has created and continues to build on.” —The New York Times
Picking up right where The Secret Commonwealth left off, this story finds Lyra alone in a city haunted by daemons, searching for her beloved Pan. Malcolm Polstead isn’t far behind, searching for Lyra. And they are both racing toward the desert of Karamakan, following the trail of roses said to hold the secret of Dust.
Their allies and enemies are converging on the mysterious red building at the heart of the desert: Marcel Delamare and the military might of the Magisterium; the radical Men from the Mountains; scientists, scholars and spies; troops of witches and other people of the air. And awaiting them all is a previously unseen and chilling new threat that will change everything.
The intertwining odysseys of Malcolm and Lyra, their journeys both internal and external, will test their limits and challenge even their most dearly held beliefs.
As ever, Philip Pullman is using the language of fantasy to illuminate our world and to explore the deepest questions of what it means to be alive and awake to all the splendors and horrors around us. The extraordinary novels of The Book of Dust speak powerfully to today’s readers and will take their place alongside the forever-favorites of His Dark Materials.
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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