I wouldn't recommend reading this before 'Northern Lights' by the same author - it really does follow on and you may get quite lost if you don't! That said I can heartily recommend both titles without pause. 'The Subtle Knife' takes over where 'Northern Lights' leaves off, with a fairly major twist that I won't go into other than to say we have a new protagonist, a young boy. As with Lyra from Northern Lights, he is a brilliantly drawn character who is a pleasure to journey with. This second book in the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy lacks some of the finesse of the first, and at times seems to be preaching an atheist point of views a little vehemently, but it is an essential continuation to the story and I'm hoping sets up a great climax in 'The Amber Spyglass'. Adding to the reading experience is the sheer quality of this edition of the book. The cover is beautiful and the paper high quality - this edition does feel special. Magnificent storytelling in a beautiful binding.

I wouldn't recommend reading this before 'Northern Lights' by the same author - it really does follow on and you may get quite lost if you don't! That said I can heartily recommend both titles without pause. 'The Subtle Knife' takes over where 'Northern Lights' leaves off, with a fairly major twist that I won't go into other than to say we have a new protagonist, a young boy. As with Lyra from Northern Lights, he is a brilliantly drawn character who is a pleasure to journey with. This second book in the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy lacks some of the finesse of the first, and at times seems to be preaching an atheist point of views a little vehemently, but it is an essential continuation to the story and I'm hoping sets up a great climax in 'The Amber Spyglass'. Magnificent storytelling.

A compelling continuation of the series, The Subtle Knife introduces Will, a fantastic new character, and expands the world in fascinating ways. Darker in tone and richer in theme, this book explores Dust, religion, and free will with surprising depth. Slightly more predictable than the first book, but still gripping and beautifully told.

The Subtle Knife is the second novel in His Dark Materials trilogy. I found this story hooked me on and kept me reading, right up until the very end when you get a very suspenceful cliffhanger. One thing I will mention is that some readers may find this book surprisingly more complex than the first one. This is because you have to read the book very carefully at some points so that you know where you are (I'm not going to give anything away...) Overall I would say that this is a good book and is defiently worth a read over. Just be careful not to get confused at some points in the story.