Lyra’s Oxford by Philip Pullman

Lyra’s Oxford is a novella set in the world of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. The story follows Lyra Belacqua, now fifteen years old, and her daemon Pantalaimon as they encounter a witch’s daemon being attacked by birds. They decide to help the daemon find the mad alchemist Makepeace, despite the danger involved.

The book also includes a fold-out map of Oxford in Lyra’s world, two pages from a Baedeker guide to Lyra’s Oxford, a postcard from Mary Malone, and a brochure for the cruise ship Zenobia. These items provide additional context and world-building for fans of the series.

The main themes of Lyra’s Oxford include friendship, loyalty, and adventure. It also explores the idea of parallel worlds and the consequences of actions taken in one world affecting another.

What I Liked

The His Dark Materials series, along with Chronicles of Narnia, are my absolute favorite children’s novels. I cannot wait to read them to my kids. It’s an incredible world with amazing characters. This novella was a fun and and solid addition to the original trilogy.

What I Did Not Like

Nothing!