| The first book in this trilogy took place on a planet very much like Earth but different in several striking ways. This second book ranges across three parallel Earths: the one from the first book that featured Lyra, the one we know in which we meet 11-year-old Will Parry, and a third one where most of the grownups have been sucked dry of life by Spectres who cannot be seen by and cannot hurt children. This third universe turns out to have been a way station for travellers from the other dimensions. Will, whose explorer father John Parry disappeared in Alaska searching for a window between the worlds a decade ago, finds himself on the run from mysterious and threatening men -- one of whom he accidentally kills -- and finds a window into an alternate world where he meets Lyra (who now calls herself Lyra Silvertongue). Still in possession of the alethiometer, Lyra joins forces with Will, who gradually learns that he is destined to be the bearer of the "subtle knife," whose powers are tremendous and miraculous. Lyra is still searching for her father, Lord Asriel, and trying to guess his plans, while Will hopes to find his father, John Parry. But powerful forces are after both kids -- or rather, the magical tools they possess -- and witches, Spectres, and soldiers in balloons and zeppelins will also help or hinder them. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - part earth & part fantasy world Explore/1st contact/ enviro story Yes Explore: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Descript. of chases or violence - 20 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30 % Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - a kid Main Adversary Identity: - an organization Has magical powers? Yes Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - can cast all sorts of spells - can read emotions How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a substantial amount How sensitive is this character? Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting Terrain Earth setting: - 20th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Not Earth, in Solar System? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - explicit references to deaths scientific jargon? (SF only) - a fair amount of scientific explanation Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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