The Secret Commonwealth by Philip PullmanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whilst the first Book Of Dust is a prequel to the Northern Lights trilogy, the second entry is a sequel. Lyra, aged about twenty, is living with her Pine Marten Pantalaimon at university, but their relationship is frayed. Ever since the events of the Amber Spyglass in the World Of The Dead, Pan and Lyra have steadily grown apart, neither being able to talk about it but also wanting to do nothing else.
Now able to separate, Pan explores Oxford on his own only to witness a horrific murder. When he eventually shares this with Lyra, they begin to uncover a conspiracy reaching the highest corners of the Magisterium. Malcolm Polstead, now a young lecturer, still finds himself willing to go to the end of the Earth to help protect Lyra, however his involvement with Oakley Street means he always seems to be just a little further behind as he investigates the conspiracy within the Magisterium and the strange substance known as Rose Water.
Relationships are different, but familiar characters are abound in this rather grown up sequel. We get multiple points of view of the story throughout from Lyra, Pan, Malcolm and the Magisterium and they all crisscross together with addictive satisfaction.
The character development from the first book is so intriguing I think I actually preferred this sequel if anything, and found I could not put it down, dedicating all spare time to finishing it. The Dark Materials universe just keeps growing, becoming more intricate and believable in it's exquisite detail. A late comer to the series, I now find myself wishing for the conclusion to come along as quickly as possible.
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