Books in the series The Book of Dust

Set in the beloved world of His Dark Materials, La Belle Sauvage introduces us to Malcolm Polstead, an inquisitive eleven-year-old boy who works at his parents' inn. His life changes forever when he discovers a secret about a mysterious baby named Lyra Belacqua, who is being cared for by the nuns at a nearby priory. When a catastrophic flood hits Oxford, Malcolm and a girl named Alice must navigate the rising waters in his sturdy canoe, La Belle Sauvage, to keep the infant safe from those who wish her harm.

This epic adventure is perfect for children who love immersive world-building and high-stakes quests. Philip Pullman crafts a story that is both a thrilling survival tale and a deep exploration of authority and freedom. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in complex characters, philosophical questions, and the origins of one of literature's most iconic heroines. Fans of the original trilogy will find this return to Lyra’s world absolutely spellbinding, while new readers will be swept away by the atmospheric prose.

Highlights:

• A perilous journey across a flooded landscape in a small canoe.
• The origin story of Lyra Belacqua and her bond with her dæmon.
• A tense battle against the oppressive forces of the Magisterium.
• Rich, atmospheric writing that brings a magical version of Oxford to life.

In The Secret Commonwealth, Philip Pullman returns to the beloved world of His Dark Materials, but this time Lyra Silvertongue is no longer a child. Now a young woman and student at Oxford, Lyra finds herself at odds with her daemon, Pantalaimon. When Pan witnesses a brutal murder, the two are thrust into a dangerous world of political intrigue and philosophical conflict that spans continents. This epic journey takes readers from the familiar streets of Oxford across Europe and into the heart of Asia, searching for a mysterious desert secret and the truth behind the elusive Dust.

This novel is perfect for readers who grew up with Lyra and are ready for a more mature, complex exploration of her world. Ideal for fans of high-stakes adventure and deep philosophical questions, it masterfully blends suspense with a rich, imaginative landscape. It is a great choice for those who enjoy intricate world-building and character-driven narratives that challenge the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual. Readers interested in epic quests and the evolution of identity will find this installment deeply rewarding.

Highlights:

• A mature and complex return to the world of Lyra Silvertongue and Pantalaimon.
• An expansive, globe-trotting adventure across Europe and Asia.
• Deep exploration of the bond between humans and daemons.
• Intricate political and philosophical themes perfect for older readers.

The Book of Dust 3 brings Philip Pullman’s breathtaking trilogy to a stunning conclusion, returning readers to the beloved world of Lyra Belacqua. Picking up after the events of The Secret Commonwealth, this epic finale follows Lyra as she navigates a city haunted by daemons in a desperate search for her lost Pan. Meanwhile, Malcolm Polstead is on a parallel journey, racing toward the mysterious desert of Karamakan. This is a perfect choice for readers who love deeply immersive world-building, philosophical depth, and high-stakes adventure.

As allies and enemies converge on the red building at the heart of the desert, the story explores the deepest questions of what it means to be alive. Ideal for fans of His Dark Materials and readers interested in complex character development, this novel tests the limits of its heroes' beliefs. It is a great choice for older teens and adults who appreciate literary fantasy that challenges the mind while touching the heart.

Highlights:

• The epic conclusion to the acclaimed Book of Dust trilogy.
• A deeply emotional journey exploring the bond between humans and daemons.
• Rich, philosophical storytelling from a master of the fantasy genre.
• High-stakes action involving the Magisterium and mysterious new threats.