I am really glad this sequel exists and am waiting patiently for the next one. This does not feel the same as the original series, but Lyra is different herself so it shouldn’t. Do not read this if

you just want a happy story with some kind of Will reunion

because this is not that. It’s complicated and I found it irritating because I just wanted to shake the characters and tell them to figure it out! But I found it to be a realistic version of events post-HDM and it’s fun to get to see more of Lyra growing up and dealing with life. If you loved the original series and want more, this is a good read.