The Subtle Knife

Brought to you by Penguin.

The definitive production of The Subtle Knife, narrated by Ruth Wilson, star of the major BBC series His Dark Materials.

“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: 12-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.

The second volume in Philip Pullman's globally bestselling His Dark Materials trilogy.

Ruth Wilson is an award-winning actress, best known for her roles in His Dark Materials, Luther, Mrs Wilson and The Affair. She won universal acclaim, and the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Mrs Coulter in the BBC adaptation of His Dark Materials.

Also available in His Dark Materials, read by Ruth Wilson:

Northern Lights.

The Amber Spyglass, which includes a bonus conversation between Ruth Wilson and Philip Pullman.

©1997 Philip Pullman (P)2025 Penguin Audio