A dazzling sequel to the much praised Northern Lights. Angels, witches and magic sit comfortably beside physics, religion and philosophy as the story moves towards an end that leaves the reader breathless for the final volume.

The Subtle Knife is the second volume of a trilogy that promises to live alongside the works of Tolkien and C. S. Lewis as an icon of imaginative writing for children. It's a claim made for many books but it is to be taken seriously in Philip Pullman's case, because of the depth of his vision.

This extraordinary, multi-layered masterpiece will harness the imaginations of children and adults now and in future generations.

An absorbing mix of science-fiction and historical novel

Lots of surprises and plot twists in this excellent, really gripping story

The third-person narration, filtered through Callum’s delightfully insecure-and- overcompensating-with-snarky-bravado perspective, carries a tone that will likely have readers chortling in recognition. A promising beginning to a complex exploration of good and evil, as well as friendship’s loyalty

I definitely don't want to give anything away about the ending, but I have to give the authors credit for a really stunning climax which had me desperate to get my hands on the next in this 5-book series. I can't wait to find out where we go from here!

Pratchett's final work is a tour de force of compassion, great wit, and gleeful storytelling.

A worthy crown to Terry Pratchett’s phenomenal artistic achievement.

The last Discworld offering is a poignant farewell, both to Pratchett's readership and to his extraordinary world.

As ever in Pratchett's work, empathy and compassion are foregrounded. With its humour and humaneness, it reminds us, too, that its author, as Tiffany says of her deceased friend, 'is . . . was . . . unfollowable.'

Something to treasure

Funny, sad and extremely moving . . . most will likely consider it one of the strongest, and certainly one of the most – possibly the most – moving [of the Discworld novels].