First published 2017
Malcolm Polstead notices everything around him but rarely draws attention to himself. His father operates the Trout inn beside the Thames, where Oxford residents gather and share news. Malcolm and his dæmon Asta listen to conversations and pick up local gossip. During a harsh winter of constant rain, Malcolm discovers a hidden message about a mysterious substance called Dust. The spy who was supposed to receive this message finds Malcolm instead and asks him to watch for suspicious activity. Malcolm soon spots dangerous people everywhere. Lord Asriel appears to be fleeing from something. Magisterium enforcement officers patrol the area. An Egyptian man named Coram brings Malcolm specific warnings. A striking woman travels with an evil monkey dæmon. All these individuals seek the same target: Lyra, an infant who somehow attracts people powerfully. Malcolm decides he will face any threat and make difficult sacrifices to keep Lyra safe through the dangerous storm ahead.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Oxford, Thames, Trout Inn
Period: Winter
449 pages · Hardcover · Alfred A. Knopf
Content warnings: violence