Secret Commonwealth: The Book of Dust Volume Two: From the world of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials - now a major BBC series

The Secret Commonwealth is the next chapter in the story of Lyra Silvertongue, written by Philip Pullman. It follows Lyra as she studies at St Sophia's College, Oxford, with her daemon Pantalaimon, but there are serious divisions between them. When an act of violence breaks the peace of the Oxford night, Lyra and Pan are drawn into the dangerous factions of a world they had no idea existed. The book is a powerful adventure and a thought-provoking look at what it is to understand yourself and grow up and make sense of the world around you.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 736 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

From the acclaimed author of the phenomenal His Dark Materials comes the eagerly anticipated next chapter in the story of Lyra Silvertongue. Lyra, now a student at St Sophia's College in Oxford, is accompanied by her daemon Pantalaimon. However, a profound rift has formed between the two, as Lyra begins to question everything she once held dear. Pan, on the other hand, longs for the impulsiveness of their youth.

In the midst of this tumultuous time, a violent act of injustice shatters the tranquility of Oxford's night, testing the strength of Lyra and Pan's relationship. Drawn into the treacherous factions of a world they had no prior knowledge of, they find themselves on a perilous journey that will challenge their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The Secret Commonwealth is a novel that resonates deeply with our contemporary times. It is a captivating adventure that will transport readers to a realm of magic and mystery. At the same time, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of growing up and making sense of the world we inhabit.

This is storytelling at its finest, brought to life by one of the greatest writers of our time. Chris Wormell's new original illustrations add a vibrant dimension to Lyra's world, bringing it to life in a way that is both captivating and visually stunning.

Reviews for The Secret Commonwealth have been nothing short of extraordinary. Praise has been lavished upon Philip Pullman for his masterful creation of a fantasy world that is both rigorous and stylistically elegant. The Guardian has declared it a book for getting older, praising its depth and sophistication. The Book of the Week accolade further emphasizes its significance.

The Secret Commonwealth is a work of pure brilliance, ablaze with light and life. Philip Pullman's writing is exquisite, with every sentence singing with beauty and meaning. The novel seamlessly weaves in live issues, from Europe's refugee crisis to the realities of the post-truth era. Pullman's prose is as rewarding as ever, captivating readers with its rich and evocative language.

This is a long and taxing journey, but it is also one that is laced with beauty, terror, and philosophy. Philip Pullman's story is complex and vast, yet it is home to some of the finest storytelling in contemporary literature. Readers will be captivated by the intricate plot, the well-developed characters, and the thought-provoking themes that are explored throughout the novel.

In conclusion, The Secret Commonwealth is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and thought-provoking literature. Philip Pullman has once again delivered a masterpiece that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Lyra Silvertongue series. This is storytelling at its very best, and it is a testament to the power of words to transport, inspire, and challenge us.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241373354