The Subtle Knife

by Philip Pullman
The Subtle Knife cover
Good Books rating 3.94
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7837
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780965668354
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Subtle Knife,' Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon cross paths with Will Parry, a boy from our world who possesses a mysterious, magical knife. Together, they embark on a perilous journey that takes them through different dimensions, each with its own dangers and wonders. As they search for Will's missing father and uncover the truth about the knife, they must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront formidable enemies. Their adventure is not just about finding answers but also about understanding the delicate balance between worlds and the consequences of their actions. The story is a rich tapestry of fantasy and adventure, exploring themes of courage, friendship, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Philip Pullman's vivid world-building and intricate plotting make this a compelling read for fans of imaginative fiction. The Subtle Knife is the second book in the His Dark Materials trilogy, continuing the epic tale that began with 'Northern Lights' (published as 'The Golden Compass' in North America).

Reviews
Vishy the Knight · Vishy · 2025-04-30
exciting 4.00

The book ends with a cliffhanger that reveals significant secrets, making it a compelling read. The revelations add depth to the overall narrative.

Vishy highlights how 'The Subtle Knife' ends with a thrilling cliffhanger that ties together many loose ends. The revelations at the end are particularly satisfying, as they provide a deeper understanding of the story's events. They appreciate how Pullman weaves together different elements to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. However, they also note that the book's pace can be uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others are more drawn out. Overall, they find the book to be a strong addition to the series, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    'The Subtle Knife' ends with a cliffhanger – there are a lot of revelations in the end which describe why everything is happening, and then some.

    The book's pace can be uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others are more drawn out.

    The revelations at the end are particularly satisfying, as they provide a deeper understanding of the story's events.

Read Watch Drink Coffee · Read Watch Drink Coffee · 2024-01-09
intriguing 3.75

The story follows Lyra as she meets Will, a character whose intentions are initially unclear. The book explores themes of trust and betrayal in a compelling way.

The reviewer from Read Watch Drink Coffee delves into the complex relationship between Lyra and Will, noting how the book explores themes of trust and betrayal. They appreciate the moral ambiguity of Will's character, which adds depth to the story. They also highlight the book's ability to keep readers engaged with its twists and turns. However, they note that the book's scope is broad, which can sometimes make it feel less detailed in certain areas. Overall, they find the book to be a strong addition to the series, with a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked.

Quick quotes

    The Subtle Knife follow Lyra as she meets Will. But is Will a friend or an enemy? All she knows for sure is that he is a murderer.

    The book's scope is so broad that it lacks finer detail.

    The Subtle Knife is a bit of a smorgasbord - it contains a bit of everything but its scope is so broad that it lacks finer detail.

Fantasy Literature · 2014-04-08
brilliant 4.50

This installment is a favorite in the series, offering layers of meaning and detail that enrich each reading. The writing is praised for its depth and complexity.

The reviewer from Fantasy Literature considers 'The Subtle Knife' their favorite installment in the series. They appreciate how the book can be read multiple times, each time uncovering new layers of meaning and detail. They highlight the rich writing and complex storytelling that make the book stand out. They also note that the characters are well-developed and the world-building is intricate, making it a rewarding read. Overall, they find the book to be a masterpiece of literature that deserves multiple readings.

Quick quotes

    As I said The Subtle Knife is my favourite installment in the series, and a book you can read several times, finding deeper meaning and added detail every time.

    The writing and vocabulary is some of the best I have encountered.

    The overall narrative of the trilogy is revealed in this book and it is epic and extreme, certainly not what you'd expect from a series written for children.

Amazon · Amazon Customer · 2005-10-30
mixed 3.50

The book is a smorgasbord of elements but lacks finer detail due to its broad scope. It is seen as a mixed but engaging read.

An Amazon customer notes that 'The Subtle Knife' is a bit of a smorgasbord, containing a variety of elements but sometimes lacking in finer detail due to its broad scope. Despite this, they find the book engaging and enjoyable. The reviewer appreciates the ambitious nature of the story but acknowledges that the sheer scope can sometimes dilute the impact. Overall, it is seen as a worthwhile read with some notable strengths and weaknesses.

Quick quotes

    The Subtle Knife is a bit of a smorgasbord - it contains a bit of everything but its scope is so broad that it lacks finer detail.

    The reviewer appreciates the ambitious nature of the story but acknowledges that the sheer scope can sometimes dilute the impact.

    Overall, it is seen as a worthwhile read with some notable strengths and weaknesses.

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