42 pages • 1 hour read
The Subtle Knife
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Book Brief
341
Novel • Fiction
Multiple Worlds • Contemporary
1997
YA
12-18 years
890L
Super Short Summary
In The Subtle Knife, 12-year-old Will Parry from Winchester, England, seeks his missing father and inadvertently enters a parallel universe, the vacant city of Cittàgazze, where he meets Lyra Silvertongue. Together, they uncover secrets about their worlds and destinies, including a powerful knife and the mysterious substance "Dust," while avoiding dangerous antagonists. The book explores themes of mental illness, death, and abandonment.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Fantastical
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
452,631 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Philip Pullman's The Subtle Knife is widely praised for its intricate world-building and compelling characters, particularly the development of Lyra and the introduction of Will. However, some readers find the plot slightly convoluted and the pace uneven. Overall, it is celebrated for its imaginative scope and mature themes, continuing the intrigue of the His Dark Materials series.
Who Should Read The Subtle Knife?
A reader who would enjoy The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman is typically a young adult or adult who appreciates fantasy, adventure, and complex, immersive worlds. Fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series or C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia will likely find this book captivating due to its blend of magical elements and philosophical themes.
452,631 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lyra Silvertongue
Lyra Silvertongue
A headstrong girl from an alternate Oxford, known for her resourcefulness and companionship with her daemon, Pantalaimon.
Serafina Pekkala
Serafina Pekkala
The queen of the Lake Enara witch clan, committed to aiding Lyra with her mission and known for her gentle, strategic nature.
Ruta Skadi
Ruta Skadi
A Croatian witch queen and ally of Serafina, she is notable for her fierce and loyal demeanor.
Lord Asriel
Lord Asriel
A powerful figure preparing for a significant battle, known for creating a link to another world, although he is not directly present in the book.
Charles/Lord Boreal
Charles/Lord Boreal
A duplicitous antagonist with a charming facade, revealed to be an associate of Lyra's mother's and a significant threat to the protagonists.
Mrs. Coulter
Mrs. Coulter
A key antagonist and Lyra's mother, known for her beauty and ruthless pursuit of power, often employing manipulation to achieve her goals.
Stanislaus Grumman/John Parry/Jopari
Stanislaus Grumman/John Parry/Jopari
A mysterious figure with a legendary reputation, later revealed to be Will's father, with a connection to supernatural elements.
Lee Scoresby
Lee Scoresby
A seasoned aeronaut from Texas, notable for his adventurous spirit and role in aiding Lyra and other characters throughout the story.
341
Novel • Fiction
Multiple Worlds • Contemporary
1997
YA
12-18 years
890L
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