Fantasy · Young adult
The Subtle Knife
A boy hiding from the law in our world crosses into a strange abandoned city, where he meets Lyra. Together they come to guard a blade that can cut openings between worlds.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1997
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Format
- Book 2 of 3 in His Dark Materials
Read this if you have read The Golden Compass and want the story to widen into other universes.
Skip this if you want to start the series here; it assumes everything from the first book.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Subtle Knife
- What is The Subtle Knife about?
- A boy hiding from the law in our world crosses into a strange abandoned city, where he meets Lyra. Together they come to guard a blade that can cut openings between worlds.
- Who should read The Subtle Knife?
- Read it if you have read The Golden Compass and want the story to widen into other universes. Skip it if you want to start the series here; it assumes everything from the first book.
- How long and how fast is The Subtle Knife?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read, first published in 1997.
- Does The Subtle Knife have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow The Subtle Knife for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Subtle Knife; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Subtle Knife?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Amber Spyglass, A Wizard of Earthsea, The Lightning Thief.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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