Philip Pullman: La Belle Sauvage, Royal Festival Hall

First published in the late 1990s, the bestselling and award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy has firmly held its place on bookshelves amongst the best young adult fantasy novels for the past 20 years. The 2007 film adaptation The Golden Compass, based on Northern Lights, served only to further bolster the series' following.

So, readers all around the world are especially excited that, 22 years after the publication of Northern Lights, Philip Pullman is adding to the trilogy. He will launch a prequel, La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust Volume One. as part of the Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival.

The new novel focuses on the popular protagonist Lyra Belacqua, and is set 10 years before Northern Lights. It delves deeper into the world fans came to love, and introduces plenty of new characters too.

What is it that drew Pullman back into Lyra's world over two decades later? Find out from the writer himself as he shares his writing process and reflects on the links to his fictional universe and our own political climate.

As the Dark Materials trilogy revolves around the concept of attaining freedom of expression when faced with a vindictive and despotic leadership regime, expect illuminating and pertinent commentary.

Pullman's rare public appearance will offer a chance to delve further into both the fantasy world of the Dark Materials prequel, and the reality of the messages behind Pullman’s work, so book early to avoid disappointment. And don't be afraid to persuade reluctant young readers to join you; likelihood is they will leave feeling inspired.