Pullman is as fine a writer as there is for young people, and this book is a small gem.” —Booklist, Starred
"An action-oriented mini masterpiece." —Kirkus Reviews
"Exuberant, intelligent fun . . . Once again Pullman has created a work of art that is enchanting for a child but equally appealing to an adult."― The Times (London)
"Tantalisingly short, irresistibly snappy and full of dangerous derring-do." ― Independent
This abundant prequel opens the door to Philip Pullman's bestseller The Golden Compass. The adventures begin with an enthralling story about the first encounters of aeronaut balloonist Lee Scoresby and brave Panserbjørn Iorek Byrnison. Once Upon a Time in the North is embellished throughout with art, notes, and ephemera that illuminate Pullman's His Dark Materials universe. The book is further enhanced by a fold-out map and a board game (complete with cards) to give readers even more access to this mythical realm.
This trim novella may lack the grandeur of Pullman's "Dark Materials" triology, to which this is a prequel, but it gives a new tough-guy adventure to one of its unforgettable characters, the pistol-packing ballonist Lee Scoresby.
—The New York Times
Fans of the His Dark Materials trilogy will get a kick from this wisp of a novel, which immediately introduces "a lean young man with a large hat, a laconic disposition, and a thin mustache": Pullman offers up the backstory about that legendary Texan, the aeronaut Lee Scoresby, his jackrabbit daemon, Hester, and their first encounter with that other series favorite, the armored bear Iorek Byrnison. But this story reads as a stand alone, too, accessible to those unfamiliar with The Golden Compass and the rest. Bringing in his signature talents for rich scenic description and dramatic action, the story begins as Lee arrives on the island of Novy Odense, looking for work, and instead finds adventure. Notably, Pullman tells the story from Lee's perspective, trading in trilogy heroine Lyra's point of view for that of an adult man. Lee and Iorek team up to help a sea captain save his ship's cargo-unfairly embargoed by a corrupt local politician (he harbors a deep prejudice against armored bears)-and square off against the politician's bodyguard, a hired killer. Readers will appreciate this story's larger-than-life tenor, so fitting for the heroic Lee Scoresby. Kids will enjoy the extras, such as the pull-out board game Peril of the Pole ("for four to six players and their daemons") and "newspaper" clippings. Illustrated throughout with small engravings; final art not seen by PW. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)
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Gr 7 Up
In this prequel to the "His Dark Materials" trilogy (Knopf), Texas aeronaut Lee Scoresby meets armored bear Iorek Byrnison for the first time. In this short, fantastic adventure, young Scoresby finds himself on the Arctic island of Novy Odense, a community set in an alternate past world. The rich mining company Lars Manganese is trying to control the town, Ivan Dimitrovich Poliakov is a corrupt mayoral candidate, and Captain van Breda is prevented from unloading his cargo unjustly. Scoresby takes on the captain's cause, resulting in an Old West-style shootout. Many readers will likely enjoy this book because of its quick pace and action-filled plot, but some Pullman fans may be disappointed when comparing this short text to the trilogy. Characters are less developed, and events sometimes happen a bit too quickly. The ending is neat and tidy, though it does leave the door open for future adventures. The inclusion of documents and black-and-white engraved illustrations add a nice touch, and the board game Peril of the Pole is tucked into the back inside cover as a bonus.-Jennifer D. Montgomery, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green
In his characteristic compactly rewarding prose, Pullman offers another glimpse into the world of His Dark Materials, less heady than Lyra's Oxford (2003) but somberly satisfying. It's 35 years before the trilogy, and young aeronaut Lee Scoresby has put down on Novy Odense in the North, looking for work and adventure. He finds the latter in spades. A corrupt corporation and a sleazy politician are obstructing a schooner's Captain from claiming his own cargo. Lee throws himself recklessly onto the side of good, operating on instinct and fearlessness. A bear-whom Lee thinks is named York Burningson-joins the deadly skirmish, shoving an enemy tanker-gun into the harbor while Lee engages in a gunfight in a warehouse. Scrawny, sardonic Hester-Lee's daemon-plays a key role in defeating a vicious hired gun. This small, neat volume won't hook newcomers, but its delving into beloved characters' backstories will please trilogy fans of all ages. Elegantly decorated with Lawrence's engravings and faux-realia, it is both understated and lovely. (foldout game) (Fantasy. 12+)
Texas aeronaut Lee Scoresby becomes embroiled in local politics when he lands his balloon in the Arctic town of Novy Odense in this prequel to THE GOLDEN COMPASS. The audiobook will, of course, be more resonant for listeners who have heard the His Dark Materials series—and who will recognize returning characters—but it’s an entertaining, well-produced adventure regardless. Nigel Whitmey and Liza Ross are a perfect, often hilariously comic team as Lee and his daemon, the jackrabbit (or is she?) Hester. Author Pullman gives a skilled, poised reading of the narrative, and the rest of the cast is equally good, with Sean Barrett’s booming armored bear, Iorek Byrnison, a standout. The tense, violent shoot-out at the end will keep listeners glued to their earphones. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
