This graphic adaptation of the second installment in the beloved His Dark Materials trilogy provides a largely faithful adaptation of the source material, bringing a new artist into the mix. While the adaptation, by necessity, flattens out the rich multiverse of the original, Melchior's choices in streamlining the narrative are well made, shaping the story into one better suited for an older middle-grade audience, at the cost of some nuance but not of any plot points. Gilbert's artwork is a bit softer and less stylized than that found in The Golden Compass graphic novel, though the intensity is often heightened by gritty close-ups with accentuated detail. Sweeping landscapes capture the scope of the world, and a dreary color palette fits the tone, though a few liberties taken with the story artphones in Will's world; odd bits of comic relief y distract. No matter: this is an adaptation best served to readers new to this universe, those who prefer visual storytelling or who would benefit from a simplified take on Pullman's densely plotted middle chapter.

Lyra and Will meet in a world beyond each of their own and begin a journey that will change all the myriad worlds.In this graphic adaptation of Pullman's 1997 classic, Will, a boy from our world in search of his father, stumbles upon a window into another world. There, he meets Lyra and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, who have traveled from their own world, leaving behind both allies and enemies, in search of answers about the ineffable Dust. As witches, angels, a scientist, and more gather for an impending confrontation, Will and Lyra form an alliance of their own, moving between worlds and ultimately encountering the titular powerful knife. While this is a faithful adaptation in terms of major plot points and even a good deal of dialogue, some changes will perplex existing fans of the series, including many instances of characters breaking the taboo of touching another's dæmon and inconsistencies to do with dæmon lore. Other changes, while functionally following events of the original, should have an effect on emotional moments, but these repercussions unfortunately never play out on the page. The art shines when depicting the fantastical worlds the characters inhabit, including sweeping landscapes and cityscapes, but at times lacks subtlety and finesse when depicting the characters themselves. Lyra and Will and most other characters are White.An offbeat adaptation that glosses over the nuances of the original. (Graphic fantasy. 11-14)

Gr 5 Up Lyra finds a new companion in this beautifully adapted version of Pullman's The Subtle Knife . Will Parry is a hopeful kid from our world with a missing father and an unwell mother. He accidentally slips into a parallel world through a cut in the fabric of the universe and meets Lyra, sealing their fates. Will takes Lyra and Pantalaimon, her dæmons, back home to Oxford, where they seek information regarding Will's father and Lyra continues her search for Dust. Lyra meets an Oxford professor studying dark matter, which they determine is the same thing as the Dust of her world. Back in Lyra's world, Lee Scoresby tracks down Stanislaus Grumman for details on a weapon that could save her. Serafina Pekkala, the witch, seeks to protect Lyra and soon finds that Will needs her help, too. When the boy comes in possession of a knife that can slice through anything, people in multiple dimensions want to see him destroyed. Gilbert uses Clément Oubrerie's character designs from the previous volume (Lyra's hair remains delightfully disheveled) but brings his own style to the extra fantastical worlds of the witches and angels. His faces for the dæmons are particularly expressive. It's no small feat to take a story as dense as this one and render it into a graphic novel, but fans of the series will be rewarded with lovingly depicted characters, vivid illustrations, and thrilling adventure. VERDICT A worthy addition to the series, brought to life with stunning art.Gretchen Hardin