Library Manager
Manage your library—your way. Keep a running list or organize the books you've read into little stacks. i.e. Beach Reads, Cozy Covers, True Crime, etc.
Once Upon a Time in the North
A Fantasy Novel by Philip Pullman
Prequel to the His Dark Materials Series
Subgenres & Tropes:
- Prequel,
- Adventure Fantasy,
- Arctic Setting,
- Animal Companion,
- Unlikely Allies
This book is for you if you're into...
- Hot-air balloon adventures with talking animal companions
- Unlikely friendships between humans and armored bears
- Frontier towns with corrupt politics and deadly showdowns
A stunning new edition of this prequel episode from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials universe that tells how aeronaut Lee Scoresby and the armored bear Iorek Byrnison first met.
Now with full-color illustrations from Chris Wormell.
After winning his hot-air balloon in a poker game, Lee Scoresby and his dæmon, Hester, find themselves floating north.
On landing, it's not long before Scoresby is embroiled in a deadly plot involving an oil magnate, a corrupt mayoral candidate, and Lee's longtime nemesis—a hired killer.
Lee's been in tight spots before, but getting out of this mess will require some sharp shooting and the help of an unlikely new ally—the massive, surly, armored bear Iorek Byrnison.
Newly illustrated in full color by renowned print-maker Chris Wormell, this edition is a wonderfully gift-worthy production.
Follow This Author
Sign up & we'll email you when a new title is available for pre-order or hits the bookshelf
Little Stacks of Fantasy
Epic Fantasy Books Set in Non-European Worlds
From the ancient New World to Chinese and Japanese history, pre-colonial Africa to the Ottoman Empire, these seven fantasy books whisk you away to non-European realms filled with brand new, colorful, and fascinating wonders to discover.
Six Fantasy Books with the Most Compelling Flawed Characters
Forget perfect heroes. These morally complex, deeply human characters are the reason character-driven fantasy is having a moment in 2026.
Essential Fantasy Books Where the Misfits Become Legends
From drunk-and-disgraced captains to orphans and refugees, these fantasy books take us on a journey with misfit heroes who are willing to break the rules, defy the odds, and do what the chosen ones won’t—and in the end, become great for it.
Get Fantasy eBook Deals
Curated reads, irresistible prices—subscribe now