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Summary: This is the best book I've ever read!
Review: I have to say that when I picked up The Golden Compass, I just figured it would be another run-of-the-mill fantasy with dragons, princesses, and the like. However, I had to read a fantasy for a report, so I chose this book. I'm sure glad I did! Lyra and Pantalaimon, a pubescent girl and her dæmon (the embodiment of a person's soul), were totally captivating. I just couldn't put the book down! I'd stay up until 1 A.M. just to read "one more chapter." The excitement and mystery were there from page 1. Philip Pullman has written a wonderful book, probably his best yet. I have gone on to read some of the Sally Lockhart books because of how good this book was. Pullman leaves readers wanting more at the end. I'm about to read The Subtle Knife, and I can't wait until I get it!
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Summary: The best science-fiction book after "A Wrinkle in Time"
Review: If you like Madeline L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time", you'll adore this book! The story is about a girl who grew up in a safe city with everyone looking after her. When she is asked to go on a dangerous mission to the very northernmost part of Europe to save millions of children, will she be able to? Join Lyra in this heart-stopping, suspenceful novel that you'll like so much, you'll never put it down!
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Summary: A very exciting read; but a weaker ending than I expected.
Review: My dad bought me this book as he had heard that it was really good (he hasn't read it though!). He knows that I am a fan of Brian Jacques ('Redwall', etc.), Robin Jarvis ('The Dark Portal', etc.) and, of course J R R Tolkien. I thought that it was a genuinely good read - perfect for twelve upwards: a real 'page-turner', in fact. Unlike many books the description was never boring, it just seamlessly interwove with the plot: this was good. The setting was very believable and made me wish that I had a daemon, too. And the way they metamorphosed into any animal was a clever trick by Pullman. I liked also the idea of an 'alethiometer' which, when able to be used, could answer any question using symbols. ...One reviewer compared this book to Tolkien's 'Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings'; no way! Not at all. This is an exciting 'Point' book (in the UK, 'Point' are the publishers; it is called, 'The Northern Lights'); good but not with the depth or involvement of Tolkien's writing. Anyone who thinks otherwise needs to read 'Lord of the Rings' with the attention it deserves. Nick Campsall
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Summary: A book Bilbo Baggins might read in the house of Elrond!
Review: This is a rare treasure! Few books beckon you into a foreign world and make you disappear whole into it -- this one does!Pullman's work is neither simple nor safe. Characters become real because they are not easily categorized in our minds, but rather live out the complex contradictions of real life. The role of destiny figures heavily throughout, which brings out our own deepest fantasies and yearnings. What are we "meant" to do? The truly great fiction works always tackle this issue on both a personal and a societal level. Lyra's journey makes us look at our own purpose in life and, of course, Lord Asriel's quest (further elaborated upon in "The Subtle Knife") addresses the meaning of all life. If you loved this book and its sequel, "The Subtle Knife", treat yourself too to Pullman's "Sally Lockhart" trilogy. Adults, don't be put off by the covers! Pullman's books were passed on to me by Rafe Chase, whose review also appears on this page. Thanks, Rafe!
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Summary: AWESOME BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: THE GOLDEN COMPASS is an awesome book! Philip Pullman deftly describes the universe Lyra lives in without a word of description, through actions and reactions do we see the wondors of Lyra's world. Lyra herself is a wonderful, well-rounded character, childish yet mature, sweet, yet mischevous. The idea of daemons is a wonderful one, making me wish i had one of my own. The plot is magnificent, mystery after mystery combined with an element that could only be called a mixture of science fiction and fantasy. This was a book that was impossible to put down. I am in the middle of it for the sixth time, and I still laugh and cry with Lyra and her friends. This book is for anyone who enjoys a good read, a grand plot, and a marvelous tale. I recommend it to all.
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Summary: A modern classic, Pullman's given us a treasure.
Review: This book sticks in your mind. After reading it, I bought six more copies to give to friends. That must tell you something!
I teach improvisational theater in an elementary school and mentioned to the students that I had just finished a great book called "The Golden Compass." One fifth grade girl said, "I just read that, too!" For a moment we just smiled at each other, because both of us had shared Lyra's exciting and dangerous adventures. To address the age issue, no book is for everyone, yet children's stories have a long history of containing violence. Grimm's Fairy Tales is an easy example, but even Edward Eager's 1954 book, "Half Magic", has decapitated knights in it. Anyway, read "The Golden Compass", then pass it on to someone who has the heart and imagination to enjoy it, no matter what their age is. That way you'll have someone to discuss it with, which just adds to the joy of "The Golden Compass"!
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Summary: Okay... but check the content!
Review: What are subjects like decapitation and adultery (central to the plot) doing in a "children's book"?????????????????????????????????????????? These things could easily have been left out with no detriment to the story. Check the content before you pass it on to your kids.
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Summary: Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.
Review: Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The Golden Compass is one of the best books I have ever read. It sparkles with child-like curiousity and is full of adventure, danger, and mystery. This book ranks among such books as The Lord of the Rings. I recommend this book to everybody.
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Summary: The Golden Compass is pointed in the right direction
Review: This is the first novel in 50 years to assert Science Fiction/ Fantasy as a genre that should be taken seriously. Lyra, the beloved main character, shows the determination, leadership, and self-reliance of a classic heroine, only in the body of a 12 year old. In addition, villians such as Mrs. Coulter supply Lyra with the ideal good vs. evil confrontation. But this book is more than good vs. evil; Pullman tackles complex, adult issues involving religion and society. In creating a society much like ours, he is able to offer judgments much the same way Aldous Huxley did in Brave New World. Lastly, Pullman also crafts a tale that is woven deeper than the mysteries of the golden compass itslef. The first installment of the His Dark Materials trilogy will keep you turning pages and yearning for more books. Take this book seriously; it is the first legitimate fantasy/ Sci-fi classic since The Hobbit.pjk
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Summary: One of those books you just cannot and will not put down...
Review: My Mum brought this book home one day and I thought "Ohh.. Great! Another boring book to read!". That night, I started to read it and found I could not put it down and stayed up 'till 11:30 p.m. reading. Being such a hard book to put down, I finished it in a few days and found it VERY interesting, with Lyra sneaking around Jordan College <in the beginning>, leading the life of a gyptian <around the middle>, and stumbling through the Arctic <near the end>. Do not be fooled by the book's length, it is a fantastic book and you will not be able to put down. A superb and adventurous book, I wish there were more books like this one. Phillip Pullman is quite talented and I cannot wait for his second book in this series. Enjoy! I know I did!
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