Book Series · 3 Books

His Dark Materials Books

In order from The Golden Compass to The Amber Spyglass.

The His Dark Materials series is a set of 3 chapter books by Philip Pullman, published between 1995 and 2000. Written for ages 12–18, most books run about 400 pages. Subjects across the series include kidnapping and experiments.

The Golden Compass
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass
The Golden Compass
The Subtle Knife
Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

The Golden Compass
Sale price
$1900
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1995

The Golden Compass

By Philip Pullman

A girl ventures north to rescue a friend, facing betrayal and parallel worlds.

399 pages· 116,792 words· Est. 11 hour read
$20.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world of animal familiars and parallel universes, young Lyra races north to rescue her friend from the sinister Gobblers. Amidst witch clans and armored bears, her uncle Asriel's dangerous quest to bridge worlds looms. Lyra's fierce determination may save or betray those she loves. Can she navigate the treacherous path between loyalty and betrayal? Discover the thrilling journey in 'The Golden Compass,' where one girl's courage could change everything.
In reading order

His Dark Materials Series

3 books · Published 1995–2000

#1
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1900

The Golden Compass

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1995

A girl ventures north to rescue a friend, facing betrayal and parallel worlds.

#2

The Subtle Knife

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 1997

Two worlds collide as a deadly secret and a powerful knife bind Lyra and Will's destinies.

#3

The Amber Spyglass

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2000

Two children face a perilous journey to save worlds as war looms and cosmic forces collide.

Companion series

His Dark Materials (Graphic Novel) Series

2 books · Published 2007–2022

Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248

The Golden Compass (Graphic Novel)

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2007

A girl embarks on a perilous journey to save kidnapped children and alter the fate of worlds.

The Subtle Knife (Graphic Novel)
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398

The Subtle Knife (Graphic Novel)

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2022

Two worlds collide as a mysterious knife binds destinies in a battle against soul-eating Specters.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the His Dark Materials series?

There are 3 books in the His Dark Materials series. It began with The Golden Compass in 1995, and the newest book, The Amber Spyglass, was published in 2000.

What order should you read the His Dark Materials books in?

Start with The Golden Compass and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.

What ages are the His Dark Materials books best for?

The series is best for ages 12–18, based on the age ranges of the individual books.

Which His Dark Materials book is the longest?

The Amber Spyglass (Book #3) is the longest book in the series at 156,664 words (518 pages).

Which His Dark Materials book is the shortest?

The Subtle Knife (Book #2) is the shortest at 98,504 words (326 pages).

The people

The Creative Behind the Books

The authors and illustrators who bring His Dark Materials to life.

01

Philip Pullman

Author

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