Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
As the boundaries between worlds begin to dissolve, Lyra and her daemon help Will Parry in his search for his father and for a powerful, magical knife. She had asked: What is he? A friend or an enemy? The alethiometer answered: He is a murderer. When she saw the answer, she relaxed at once. Lyra finds herself in a shimmering, haunted otherworld – Cittàgazze, where soul-eating Spectres stalk the streets and wingbeats of distant angels sound against the sky. But she is not without allies: twelve-year-old Will Parry, fleeing for his life after taking another's, has also stumbled into this strange new realm. On a perilous journey from world to world, Lyra and Will uncover a deadly secret: an object of extraordinary and devastating power. And with every step, they move closer to an even greater threat – and the shattering truth of their own destiny.
Is The Subtle Knife appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 12 and up.
This middle-grade fantasy contains meaningful violence including murder, soul-eating creatures, and perilous situations. No sexual content or strong language. Suitable for mature middle-grade readers comfortable with darker themes.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include murder, death, and death of parent (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Kids who love portal fantasies with brave young heroes, mysterious magical objects, and dangerous adventures across multiple worlds will be captivated.