The Subtle Knife, by Philip Pullman

Whatever concerns I'd had in the first volume of Mr. Pullman's trilogy were gone within a few pages of this, his second book. The setting, at least initially, is a more recognizable, modern world, the writing feels crisper, the plot moves faster.

A new hero comes into play with his own quest, Will Parry. Will, like Lyra of "The Golden Compass " is also a child of 12, and he joins up with Lyra as their quests and plot lines intertwine.

This book was far more interesting and fast moving to me than the first, and I'm eager to read the next volume.

The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials