Philip Pullman, the acclaimed author known for his groundbreaking fantasy series, has announced the release of his final book featuring the beloved character Lyra Silvertongue. Titled The Rose Field, this highly anticipated novel will be published on October 23, 2025, marking a significant milestone in literary history as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first book in the series, Northern Lights, which debuted in 1995.
The Rose Field, the concluding volume of The Book of Dust trilogy, will follow Lyra into her early twenties, continuing her journey that began when she was just eleven years old. Pullman expressed his feelings of relief upon completing the book, stating, "I’ve come out of the end alive and able to see it being made into a book and published," during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s The World At One.
In this final installment, Lyra is on the cusp of discovering the true nature of Dust, a mysterious substance introduced in Northern Lights. Pullman elaborated, saying, "In this final book, Lyra is on the verge of discovering what Dust is and what it means, and the story is about how that happens." The narrative will also delve into the nature of imagination, a theme that Pullman has explored throughout his works.
Pullman, now 78 years old, has indicated that The Rose Field will not only be a fantasy tale but also a reflection of contemporary global issues. He noted that the rise of tech billionaires and the growing influence of powerful industries have shaped his perspective over the last decade. "It has become clear to me in the last 10 years that the influence of money and the power of the billionaire class... have a much deeper effect on the world than I had thought," he remarked.
The author also reflected on the changing geopolitical landscape, suggesting that we are at a pivotal moment in history. "We’re either at the end of a long period of American power, which will end... in chaos, destructiveness, and then the gradual coming together of nations in a new form. That’ll be interesting to watch, if I’m still alive to watch it," he said.
The conclusion of Lyra's saga comes six years after the release of The Secret Commonwealth, the previous book in The Book of Dust series. According to publisher Midas, the first two volumes of the trilogy have sold over 49 million copies worldwide, solidifying Pullman's status as a literary giant.
In The Rose Field, readers will witness the convergence of Lyra and Malcolm's quests as they navigate a world fraught with danger and intrigue. The publisher's description hints at a thrilling adventure, stating, "They must take help from spies and thieves, gryphons and witches, old friends and new." This journey promises to be both breathtaking and world-changing.
Francesca Dow, Managing Director at Penguin Random House Children's UK, emphasized the anticipation surrounding the book's release. "In the six years since The Secret Commonwealth was published, we know that hundreds of thousands of readers have been desperate to return – for the final time – to Lyra and her world. That wait will soon be over," she said.
Additionally, the audiobook version of The Rose Field will feature narration by Michael Sheen, who has lent his voice to the previous installments in the series. This dual release of the print and audio formats is expected to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Pullman described The Rose Field as "partly a thriller and partly a bildungsroman: a story of psychological, moral and emotional growth." He hopes that readers will ultimately view the book as a story that resonates on a deeper level. "I think of myself as a storyteller rather than a novelist or a writer of literary fiction, belonging among the tellers of folk tales, fairy tales, ballads and myths," he stated.
As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding The Rose Field continues to build. Bea Carvalho, Head of Books at Waterstones, described the moment as "a highly momentous occasion for booksellers, bookshops, and readers everywhere: the highlight of our bookselling year." To celebrate the launch, Waterstones is even hosting a prize draw for a signed copy of the book and a day in Lyra's Oxford, including an overnight stay and a walking tour.
Pullman’s journey with Lyra began with her introduction in Northern Lights, where she navigated a world filled with daemons—physical manifestations of a person's soul. Over the years, readers have followed her through trials and triumphs, from battling to end death to experiencing first love. In the last book, The Secret Commonwealth, Lyra found herself alone in the ruins of a deserted city, separated from her daemon, Pantalaimon.
Now, as they embark on their final adventure, the stakes are higher than ever. The world is described as being "aflame – made terrifying by fear, power and greed." As Lyra and Malcolm journey east towards a pivotal reunion, they will face the Magisterium, which is at war against all that Lyra holds dear.
The Rose Field will be available in hardback, trade paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats on October 23, 2025, published by David Fickling Books in association with Penguin Random House in the UK. It will also feature original illustrations by Chris Wormell, adding a visual element to the rich storytelling.
As Pullman prepares to close this chapter of Lyra's life, he reflects on his legacy and the impact of his work. Following the release of The Rose Field, he plans to shift his focus to a memoir titled Before I Forget, where he hopes to capture the essence of his experiences and the changes he has witnessed throughout his life.
In a first glimpse of the text from The Rose Field, readers are teased with the exchange between Lyra and a character asking her what she will do when she finds the opening to the world of the roses. "Defend it," Lyra replies. "Die defending it." This statement encapsulates the themes of courage and sacrifice that will undoubtedly permeate the final installment of this beloved series.
