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Summary: (......)
Review: In case you were wondering, i am at a lack of words.. this is one of the best books I have read in my entire life, as short as it may be at 17. I read a LOT of books, and I don't think any books have shown me such an involving and MOVING story as this book did.I know it sounds hackneyed and oversaid, but I have read the first two, and am currently finishing the third, I have to say the biggest (and quite possibly the ONLY) problem with this book is the fact that books can only be so long, and they do, eventually, end. the end of these books is like losing a loved pet or friend, you really enjoyed their presence, and they brought you joy and happiness when they were around, but now they are gone, and it's over. oh well, I'll just read it again :)
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Summary: THIS ONE ROCKS! :)
Review: Why the 5 stars? Because I can't see how Philip Pullman or anyone else for that matter, could improve on a story that is this well written. To me it's got everything that a GOOD story should have: great plot, characters that are bigger than life, lots of action and I never get the feeling that I should be doing something else instead while reading because it has me by the throat from the opening scene to the grand finale. If your looking for one of those rare sties that are really well worth reading then be sure to pick up this one, you'll be gratefull you did afterwards!
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Summary: ABSOLUTELY not for children 10 or 11 years old
Review: We saw the "10 and older" on the cover of these books and thought it sounded perfect for our ten year old son. It was, until children started having their psychic/spiritual animal "daemon" CUT from them from the "bad guys". My son burst into tears and vowed never to read another book by Pullman. A bit extreme, yes, but I can't believe these books are listed as ok for kids this young. They are too dark and frightening. My son doesn't need to know about castration yet (the next book also includes a mention of sexual organs of children being cut off in some countries.) I read this one and the next and enjoyed them myself (age 52) but I was really angry that the publishers consider this appropriate for a 10 year old.
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Summary: Great start to trilogy
Review: This story is very original and written beautifully. It is a great story that begins an even better trilogy. But be warned! It is marketed under "Children's Books", but really only YA or adult readers should read this trilogy. Like a reviewer said before me, "If you buy this for your 10 year old, they will want to read the two sequels, and they get progressively darker and less appropriate for children." The books bring up some ideas that might scare children, for even I was a little shocked and scared, and books NEVER scare me. But if you liked this book, and are mature enough for some of the matters brought up in later books, read the other two books. The third is the best by far. --Ruby
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Summary: The Best Book I Ever Read
Review: I saw that the average rating for this book was 4 and a half stars and I had to write a review. This is the best trilogly I have ever read. The plot and story are wonderfully complex. Phillip Pullman is a wonderful author and has written this trilogy magnificantly. I must say that the beginnings are a little slow and dull but hang in there, it's worth it. It also might seem a bit confusing for some but it all comes together. I absolutly love this trilogy. It is hard to put in words my joy when reading it. I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old, which I have. The story only gets better and better with each book. I am just in awe to how Phillip Pullman thought up and wrote this intricate tale. It is filled with so many wonderful surprises and twists it is impossible not to love. Take my advice and read this trilogy, you definitely won't regret it.
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Summary: Not for Kids
Review: I read the entire series. I bought the first book but would not have paid to read the rest. Instead, I found them at the library. The series describes two main characters who come together to save the world. Mr. Pullman surely must be an atheist or at the very least, a humanist. The book is full of allusions which are not very easily understood. This is the kind of series where characters DO die and not come back. There is not always a happy ending as you would expect for kids' books. The last book of the series has a professor renouncing her Roman Catholic religion because of its oppression of the pleasures of the flesh. We eventually see "god" being overthrown with man being left to rule his own world. Not recommended for children and barely recommended for adults.
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Summary: My favorite books!!
Review: I love this series! Do NOT let the name (His Dark Materials) fool you! This book is for anyone who loves adventure. I don't recommend this book to anyone under ten, and only if you read a lot at ten. I have read many, many books. These books and the Harry Potter books are my favorites. This book, however, DOES have a little bit more violence then some other series. That's OK, because Lyra Belaqua (a.k.a Lyra Silvertounge) makes that up. This book shows you the wonders of a similair world to ours, gyptians, armored bears, the North, and makes you really, really, REALLY want a daemon. There is one bad thing about this book. Finishing it!!
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Summary: The Best Book I Have Ever Read, so far!
Review: People say that this book is boring at the start, but I found it interesting the whole way through. The book is very imaginative, and do not worry if you do not always understand what they are talking when they refer to 'dust', it will become more clear towards the end. After reading the book I am sure you will want to read the next in the series, 'The Subtle Knife'. Please note: If purchasing abroad you may find that, 'The Golden Compass' is titled 'Northern Lights' instead.
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Summary: The Golden Compass
Review: This is a beautifully written book. It is the best book I've ever read. I loved the Harry Potter Series so I came to ( ) to look for books like it. The Golden Compass popped up so I decided to buy it. It was great from the beginning. The idea of daemons is so cool. I'm on the third of the series and I wish it was a longer series(hint hint)!
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Summary: NOT for children, excellent book.
Review: Like this book needs another review! But I think one more cautionary comment regarding the grim atmosphere is warrented. I grabbed it from the children's section of the book store. This story is heart breaking in its treatment of children. Not what I expected! Once I got past the slow start, I couldn't put it down. I also compared it to "Chronicles of Narnia", sort of a dark, cynical response to C.S. Lewis' view of the Church. Also, there's a scene in Lewis' "Great Divorce" (I think) where the angels slice off *demons* that have attached themselves to the newly deceased arrivals in heaven. An interesting connection, I think. Pullman is an excellent writer. One grammatical error I noticed through out, though! He says so-and-so will "try and do" such-and-such, which implies two different actions. The correct phrasing is "try TO do". Nit picking, I know.
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