2020 The Book Of Dust Volume 2 (The Secret Commonwealth) - Philip Pullman (David Fickling Books)

Illustrated by Chris Wormell.

"The Secret Commonwealth" is the second book in Philip Pullman's "The Book of Dust" trilogy, which is a continuation of the world first introduced in his acclaimed "His Dark Materials" series. It was published in October 2019.

### Plot Overview

"The Secret Commonwealth" picks up the story of Lyra Silvertongue (formerly Lyra Belacqua) about twenty years after the events of "La Belle Sauvage" (the first book in "The Book of Dust" trilogy) and eight years after the events of "The Amber Spyglass" (the final book in "His Dark Materials"). Lyra is now a young woman attending St. Sophia's College, Oxford.

### Key Themes and Elements

1. **Lyra's Journey**:
- Lyra embarks on a perilous journey across Europe and into Asia in search of a city haunted by daemons and a secret that can alter the balance of her world.
- Her relationship with her daemon, Pantalaimon, is strained and complicated, highlighting themes of identity and internal conflict.

2. **Political and Religious Tensions**:
- The novel delves into the political and religious conflicts that shape the world, with the Magisterium continuing to exert its oppressive influence.
- Themes of power, control, and freedom are explored through the lens of these conflicts.

3. **The Secret Commonwealth**:
- The title refers to an unseen world of daemons, ghosts, and other mystical beings that coexist with the human world.
- The exploration of this hidden reality touches on themes of belief, perception, and the nature of reality.

4. **Philosophical and Existential Questions**:
- Pullman delves into deeper philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness, the soul, and the conflict between reason and imagination.
- The narrative challenges Lyra's earlier beliefs and forces her to confront complex moral and existential dilemmas.

### Characters

- **Lyra Silvertongue**: The protagonist, now grown up and facing new challenges in a more complex and dangerous world.
- **Pantalaimon**: Lyra's daemon, who has his own journey and struggles, reflecting Lyra's inner turmoil.
- **Malcolm Polstead**: Now an adult, he continues to play a crucial role in Lyra's life and the unfolding events.

### Reception and Impact

"The Secret Commonwealth" was well-received by critics and fans alike for its rich storytelling, complex characters, and the seamless continuation of Pullman's intricate world-building. The novel has been praised for its maturity and depth, appealing to both long-time followers of the series and new readers.

### Series Continuation

The "The Book of Dust" trilogy is expected to conclude with a third book, further exploring the fate of Lyra and the world she inhabits. "The Secret Commonwealth" sets the stage for this final installment, leaving readers eager for the conclusion of Lyra's journey and the resolution of the series' central mysteries.