Book Review: Once Upon A Time In The North

Author

Philip Pullman

Publication date

Out now

The story

This is a brand new adventure set in the world of His Dark Materials, but it takes place before the events in the huge trilogy.

It tells the story of how balloon pilot Lee Scoresby met the king of the bears, Iorek Byrnison, and although it takes place in the Arctic Circle, it reads very much like a western.

On the hunt for work, Lee lands his balloon on the island of Novy Odense. He's not out for trouble, but after running into an old enemy, trouble finds him soon enough.

The characters

Fans of His Dark Materials will know laid-back Texan Lee, his daemon Hester, and Iorek Byrnison. But there's a troop of strong new faces to meet, even though this is a very short story.

Highlights

Probably the final shoot-out. Just like all the best westerns, it's the climax to the story, and is pretty exciting.

Any weak bits?

If you've not read His Dark Materials, this story won't really make any sense. It's a great read, and full of excellent touches, but without knowing the world it's set in, you won't have a clue what's going on.

Unputdownable?

Massively! It's definitely for older kids, and is very short, but while we're waiting for Philip Pullman's next big book, this is plenty good enough.

NR rating:

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Your Comments

"It is a brilliant book and it really sums up everything in the other three Dark Materials books."

Johnny, 8, Dorset, England

"Once Upon A Time In The North is amazing! I really like Lee Scorsbys daemon, and having a book practically about her - cool."

Eleanor, 11, Great Missenden, England

"I think that the book is amazing. I'm so glad he brought Lee Scoresby back into it."

Tristan, 8, Hastings, England