In October, Philip Pullman continues the journey of Lyra Silvertongue in the second volume of The Book of Dust. Set ten years after His Dark Materials, The Secret Commonwealth follows the now adult Lyra and her dæmon Pan as they navigate new challenges and emotional territory.

In the lead-up to The Secret Commonwealth’s release next week, our booksellers share what they love best about Philip Pullman’s fantasy stories.

‘ La Belle Sauvage, the first volume of Philip Pullman’s The Book of Dust trilogy was a thrilling story, redolent of mystery and intrigue. I can still summon up images of Malcolm, Alice and baby Lyra’s amazing boat trip – what an adventure, what an epic tale! I eagerly await the next book as I am sure Pullman will continue his story with a sure hand and a fierce intellect.’

– Alexa Dretzke

‘It feels fitting that we should be getting a new book set in the world of His Dark Materials this month. As we watch children and teenagers boldly protest the lack of action by adults on climate change, I’m struck by how the spirit of rebellion and justice that animates this global movement is also stitched into the fabric of Pullman’s magical world and characters. Do you want your child to have a keen-eyed sense of curiosity? Give them this series. Do you want them to be brave and bold (but also thoughtful and considered)? Give them this series. Do you want them to be so thoroughly swept up in the magic of another world that they won’t want to go to bed? Give them… you know where I’m going with this.

Some fantasy worlds feel rich and heavy, like a brocade tapestry where every strand of story sings with life. I can wholeheartedly say that Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials is one of these, and I can’t wait to see how Pullman continues to weave new threads into his epic in The Secret Commonwealth. I can’t wait to reunite with an adult Lyra and discover how she has changed, how the events of the initial trilogy have shaped her, and how she will carry on that spirit and fire.’

– Jackie Tang

‘Philip Pullman is a consummate storyteller who captivates the reader and effortlessly sweeps you into the incredible worlds he creates. I wish I could put my entire life on hold while I venture once again into the fantastical world of Lyra Silvertongue and Malcolm Polstead. I know it will be an epic and utterly engrossing adventure.’

– Angela Crocombe

‘Philip Pullman’s writing is the perfect intersection of fantasy and philosophy, and is readable for people of all ages. His Dark Materials made such a huge impact on me as a young reader, and The Book of Dust series has similarly drawn me straight in. I can’t wait to start reading The Secret Commonwealth!’

– Ellen Cregan

‘Philip Pullman is one of the best fantasy writers we have. His books are wonderfully, magically alive, bubbling with ideas and shot-through with moments of nerve-frying, nail-biting tension. The His Dark Materials trilogy are among the most memorable books I read as a young person. A heartstopping and intellectually stimulating journey through worlds and ideas, I was enthralled from the very first page and still remember sobbing through the final pages.

I was similarly enthralled by La Belle Sauvage when I read it as an adult in 2017 – a river adventure that was deliciously addictive – and ever since I finished the final page, I’ve been worried about what lies in store for Lyra and Pan. In some ways, The Book of Dust is a darker and more dangerous offering than the original trilogy and I can’t wait to talk about the second volume with everyone I know! I have so many thoughts and feelings to unpack which may be the best thing you can say about a book.’

– Bronte Coates