The Subtle Knife is the second book in Philip Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy, “His Dark Materials.” Published in 1997, it follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua as she journeys through parallel worlds.
The story begins with Lyra crossing into another universe, where she meets Will Parry, a boy from our world. Together, they embark on a quest to discover the truth about Dust, a mysterious substance that connects all universes. Along the way, they encounter witches, armored bears, and other fantastical creatures, as well as powerful adversaries who seek to control the fate of the multiverse.
The Subtle Knife is praised for its rich world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes exploring consciousness, free will, and the nature of existence. It sets the stage for the epic conclusion in the third book, The Amber Spyglass, as Lyra and Will’s fates become intertwined in a battle against cosmic forces.
