Acclaimed author Philip Pullman has unveiled new information about the sixth and final installment in his celebrated saga featuring Lyra Silvertongue, the protagonist of both the His Dark Materials trilogy and The Book of Dust series.
Entitled The Rose Field, the novel is set for release on 23 October and will trace Lyra’s journey into her early twenties.
Lyra first captivated readers at age 11 in the best-selling, award-winning debut Northern Lights, published in 1995.
Pullman, now 78, expressed his “relief” at having “survived to see the project through to publication.”
The Rose Field references a magnetic or gravitational force, and was alluded to in the opening of Northern Lights, as scholars at Lyra’s Oxford collegiately discussed the enigmatic Dust phenomenon.
“In this concluding volume, Lyra approaches the revelation of Dust’s true nature and significance—the crux of the narrative,” Pullman told BBC Radio 4’s The World At One.
The novel also considers the essence of imagination, explained the former Oxford English teacher: “I hold a particular view of imagination, and Lyra comes to form her own understanding—so it’s a central element of the story.”
In addition to its fantastical elements like Dust and daemons, Pullman shared that the book is shaped by contemporary global events, especially the rise of technology magnates.
“Over the past decade, I’ve realized how profoundly money and the influence of billionaires—particularly those in technology, energy, and resource sectors—are reshaping the world,” he said.
“This awareness has informed my storytelling as I consider what Lyra must face, endure, and decide.”
“We’re living through immense global shifts. The longstanding era of American dominance seems to be waning—potentially leading to upheaval and, ultimately, a new form of international cooperation. Watching this unfold will be fascinating, if I am around to witness it.”
“We also live in a time with vast historical resources at our fingertips—the internet provides access to centuries of wisdom. The question is whether we will draw on this knowledge; I suspect most won’t, but some might.”
The Rose Field arrives six years after the previous entry in The Book of Dust trilogy.
According to publisher Midas, the trilogy’s first two volumes have collectively sold 49 million copies globally.
Pullman also indicated his focus will now shift toward his memoir, tentatively titled Before I Forget.
“I’ve long intended to write a memoir before my own memories fade, so that’s a potential next project,” he commented.
“Born in 1946, I grew up during the final years of the British Empire and have witnessed a remarkable era of change, as has everyone of my generation.”
“While not unique, my experiences include many moments of joy and excitement that I hope to record—lest they go unmarked and forgotten.”
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