MixedBooklistThe heart of this story, delivered through Lyra and her closest compatriots, is heavily diluted by a revolving door of scheming clerics, scholars, spies, bureaucrats, and other pieces of a vast and often tedious puzzle-plot. Yet another reason to reserve this title for adult patrons nostalgic for Lyra’s ongoing adventures and curious for answers to the question of Dust.
Nicola Yoon
RaveBooklistYoon returns with another irresistible romance, this time with a metafictional look at the genre and a dash of magic that makes the proceedings all the more engaging—and fun. There may be nothing easier than slipping into Yoon’s smooth, flowing prose and into the hearts of her characters ... And the resonance only grows when Evie and X share a climactic kiss on the dance floor and Evie’s ensuing vision changes everything. An endearing, affecting exploration of the journey of love.
Philip Pullman
MixedBooklistPullman has left children entirely behind—they’re conspicuously absent, both in the book’s characters and themes ... Episodic spy-thriller/political-intrigue set pieces intercut what is often a meandering rumination on philosophy, as Lyra and Malcolm separately slink through a Eurasian underworld. Alas, for His Dark Materials devotees, not a hint of middle grade remains, and teens will likely find little of interest here; reserve this for grown fans who may relish the chance to catch up with Lyra and return to her ever-expanding world.
