Rating: Summary: Lyra's Golden Compass Review: This was an excellent book. Phillip Pullman has a spellbinding way of weaving the words of the story and pulling his reader directly into the story. While I listened (okay, I listened to it on tape) I could see Lyra's world slowly form in front of me: Mrs. Coulter, Jordan College, Lord Asriel, Bolvanger, Pan. I had a very clear picture in my mind as clear as a photograph. This book truly is amazing and original.
Rating: Summary: An thrilling adventure, but not for everyone Review: Before reading this book, I admit I was both thrilled and frightened by the reviews given. I read it anyway, and I am glad I did. The book features Lyra Belacqua, a 12-year-old living in a parallel universe that looks like our earth around 1880-1910. Most countries have counterparts there: England is very similar as is Oxford as well as Norway (spelled Norroway) and Svalbard. Tartars apparently rule over parts of Russia and offer their services for hire. There are gypsies (spelled gyptians); witches; and intelligent, armored bears. All humans (but not bears, much to the chagrin of the bear king) have daemons: like intelligent, animal familiars, their "better half" so to speak. When Lyra hides in a wardrobe and overhears her uncle, Lord Asriel, a powerful British noble, talk to his colleagues about his adventures in the North, she can't wait to go there. He isn;t so keen on her going there, and everyone seems plotting to keep her out of the action. Her guardian, the Master of Jordan College, gives her an alethiometer, a device that read the truth and answer seemingly any question she asks it. She is let go to serve Mrs. Coulter, the head of the Church's Oblation Board, but when Lyra finds out what her employer really does, she runs away to the gyptians who protect her. With the help of the gyptians John Faa and Farder Coram, they launch an expedition to the North to both recover children that have been stolen away and find Lord Asriel. In her final quest, Lyra gains the help of Texan (Texas is apparently and independent nation) aeronaut Lee Scoresby, armored bear prince Iorek Byrnison, and witch clan Queen Serafina Pekkala. Important to the story is the concept of "dust:" elementary particles that exist inside people when they become adults (and their daemons settle on one form). The existence of daemons (in their linked forms) seems to have an effect on dust, too. What is this myserious dust and what has it to do with the Auroras and other worlds? I really did like the story. Lyra and her daemon, Pantalaimon, who could change shape (since her was the daemon of a child) were good characters (though not the best). Mrs. Coulter and her henchmen were properly despicable (especially that golden monkey daemon). Lord Asriel was properly mysterious (an excellent scholar; a lousy father). The geogragphy of the novel is very good -- I liked the settings and different lands. My favorite characters by far were Farder Coram and Iorek Byrnison. Lyra was OK, but that street slang grated on me (even though I know that it was just part of the setting). I have to admit that the way she tricked the bear king Raknuson into fighting Iorek was wonderful. The book is a good story, but there are problems. I really didn't sympathize too much or like the characters, except Farder Coram and Iorek Byrnison. So many people were so selfish, but I guess that is the real world for you. Also, I agree with some reviewers that Lyra's world isn't too well fleshed out. Is their history similar in the past, too. What about the rest of the world? Also, what of the Church? It's based in Geneva? A Pope was named John Calvin? We have Protestant elements but still a unified church? I agree that the "Church" in the book is very self-serving and reprehensible. If Church fathers were more like "Farder" Coram, the world would be a better place. Mrs. Coulter and the Oblation Board are so frightened of "dust." They equate it to "origianl sin" and seek to stamp it out my cutting the link between daemon and child. Lord Asriel believes the same only he seeks to step into another world where dust comes from and eliminate it there. Both are fools. People alienate themselves form God through their actions (sin). Some elementary dust is not going to do that! That attitude is just an attempt to avoid responsibility. So, Asriel is defested before he can begin. Dust is really good! Adults need to teach children and guide them to maturity, but just being an adult does not make one right. Regarding those who felt that the book is anti-Christian, I am not so sure. The "church" in the book is not the same as that in our world or in reality. Even in this world, God can still be good. That is because the Bible, though inspired by God, was written by people with their own agendas. The Oblation Board has its own agenda: its concept of "God" is affected by the preverted beliefs of its members. So the true God still exists, and He has created dust which is just another manifestation of His power and glory. Unfortunately, neither Mrs. Coulter nor Lord Asriel have this proper understanding (nor does just about anyone in the story). The most noble characters are Farder Coram and Iorek Byrnison (Serafina Pekkala is noble enough, too). We will hope that Lyra will grown into a noble person. Is this a children's book? No. It could be read by young adults, but adults would understand all the imagery better. Read the book for its story, and take the theology with a grain of salt. I know that some of Pullman's thoughts bog the story down a bit (hence a lower star rating), but his other worlds do have potential. I hope he develops them better in the sequels.
Rating: Summary: His Dark Materials Book 1: The Golden Compass Review: This book is the best book in the world!! It is a must-read for all ages. It's got drama, action, fantasy, and science fiction. After you read it you'll be craving for more! If you have not read this book, read it now!! Heck, I think it's even better than Harry Potter!!!!!!!!
Rating: Summary: ugh Review: ... . It was slow-going and had too many made-up things that screw with your head, for example, the golden compass. It's called an alethiometer or something like it but you think the author could give it a shorter name like sod or poul. You could tell he/she had trouble explaining everything like the dæmons and the Dust. If it wasn't for the ending I could've given this book a 3 but that was just plain weird! I don't recommend it, especially since it's a long book.
Rating: Summary: Atheism and hatred in a Young Adult package Review: I find it difficult to believe that any comparison to Tolkien could be made in conjunction with this author. Tolkien was a highly literate, intelligent writer who wrote of good conquering evil and of ideals. Mr. Pullman is not and does not. It can be realized in the beginning of this book that Mr. Pullman does not hold the Church (whether Catholic or Calvinistic) in very high regard. That's understandable. I am a Christian and do not hold to either dogma. But that's neither here nor there. What is relevant is that this book is no more than an attack, of Christianity in particular and on organized religion in general, hidden in the disguise of a Young Adult novel. Mr. Pullman has every right to express his opinions about religion. He has every right to hate religion as well. I can not deny him that. However, I call into question his right to present his views not to his peers and equals in knowledge and experience but to disseminate this fodder to those whose worldviews are not as mature or as stable as his own. I do not know Mr. Pullman's religious background. I could hazard a guess but won't. I do know that the theology put forth in this series is weak and ungrounded. The first sighting of this is later in the book when Lord Asriel (which means oddly enough for this story, 'Help of God') quotes from an oddly familiar story about Adam and Eve though including daemons and then states that the text is corrupt. It was at this point that I knew that the author was not just using the Church as a backdrop for that story but as a target. Mr. Pullman does however see some good in the world. Witchcraft, Shamanism, Animism, and other pseudo-religious belief systems are very powerful and obviously better for humankind than God and Christianity could ever be. The hatred that is put forth in this book is disturbing and in the second book it only accumulates. I can not recommend this book, not for young adults and especially not for children. For adults it is entirely up to you. But do not be fooled by the wrappings. This is not a happy tale of adventure and fantasy. It is a deliberate attack on Christianity. At the Random House website there is an author Q&A for Philip Pullman (http://www.randomhouse.com/features/pullman/philippullman/qanda.html) where he responses to the question: 'What stance do the books take? 'Underlying the trilogy there is a myth of creation and rebellion, of development and strife, and so on. I don't make this myth explicit anywhere, but it was important for me to have it clear in my mind. It depicts a struggle: the old forces of control and ritual and authority, the forces which have been embodied throughout human history in such phenomena as the Inquisition, the witch-trials, the burning of heretics, and which are still strong today in the regions of the world where religious zealots of any faith have power, are on one side; and the forces that fight against them have as their guiding principle an idea which is summed up in the words The Republic of Heaven. It's the Kingdom against the Republic. 'And everything follows from that. So, for instance, the book depicts the Temptation and Fall not as the source of all woe and misery, as in traditional Christian teaching, but as the beginning of true human freedom something to be celebrated, not lamented. And the Tempter is not an evil being like Satan, prompted by malice and envy, but a figure who might stand for Wisdom. 'The myth has allowed me to link together many aspects of the story in a sort of invisible way which might not be apparent to the reader, but which I have found helpful. For example, it explains where dæmons come from, and what happens when we die, and why there are many universes. 'And if certain Christian critics are confused by this, and imagine I'm denying the difference between good and evil, then all I can say is that I shall pray for them. My question then is, to whom? To whom do you pray, Mr. Pullman?
Rating: Summary: Try it, you wont be disapointed. Review: I must say I started to read this book with the awareness the the last book before it was Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix. At first it seemed to me it was yet ANOTHER story about magic, and alternate universes and kids. Well, yes... and no. The book does have those elements, alas, it also has a terrific narrative style, a wonderful mixture of diverse cultures and a strong character lead. I was surprised to keep reading it with more and more interest as I advanced through the pages. Delight and amusement came to me, with this fast paced and trilogy written epic. It has witty mistery and serious action all along it. I longed for a daemon myself, by page six! Just remember, it is a trilogy, so, don't do what I did myself, and buy the three books alltogheter, or at least the first two at the same time.
Rating: Summary: Witches, Bears and Dust, Oh my! Review: I was really, really impressed with this book! I was amazed by the plot and the descriptions. I also loved the twists and turns featured in this book, which made it a pleasure to read. I have to say this is one of the most inventive children's novels that I have ever read.
Rating: Summary: The Nonbeliever's Narnia? Review: Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy has acquired the reputation of being a sort of Narnia for Atheists. This reputation is, at least by the end of "The Golden Compass", largely unearned. Though the religious beliefs depicted in Pullman's fantasy universe throw their real-world parallels into an interesting light, there is nothing that compares to the explicitly Christian message in C.S. Lewis' classic children's books. "His Dark Materials" is set in the Edwardian England of a parallel universe, where Pullman's fantastic reimagining of the staples of English children's literature makes them fresh again. The action begins at an Oxford full of stuffy dons, and the main character, Lyra, is a familiarly plucky urchin. She sets off on an arctic adventure in which she flies in hot air balloons, fights nefarious Tartars, and befriends fierce talking bears. The result is a heady mishmash that seems equal parts classic adventure tale, C.S. Lewis, and Edward Gorey. Pullman makes this all bracing stuff, but it's the ideas woven into the plot that hook you. Most compelling are the daemons. In the world of "His Dark Materials" every human has a daemon, a talking animal familiar that serves as a lifelong companion. The most affecting relationship in the novel is between Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon. It is emotionally familiar to anyone who has ever loved a pet (and Pullman doesn't refrain from pulling loyal-animal-in-peril heartstrings) but goes much deeper: daemons and humans are like Siamese twins bound by invisible flesh. Life as a fully autonomous human is as unthinkable as life without a head. The philosophical implications of this union give the novel a subtle but potent extra punch. In comparison to the novel's musings on identity, the religious stuff seems pretty tame. Some of the evil conspirators Lyra must elude are members of a church faction that hides naked political opportunism behind a veil of orthodoxy. Pullman is having some subtle fun here, but doesn't invent anything worse than the real-life machinations of Reformation-era Europe. In the world of "His Dark Materials", theology and particle physics are all mixed up together. But again, given modern science's origins in religiously-minded "natural philosophy", this seems more historically astute than theologically mischievous. The end of "The Golden Compass" quotes from a parallel-universe version of the Book of Genesis, which makes a great teaser for Book Two, but should prove heretical only to those determined to be offended. Does Pullman show his true, insidiously humanist side later on in the series? I don't know, but I'm hooked enough by the first book to find out.
Rating: Summary: More magical fun Review: For those of you, and I know there are many, who have found the delight of magical books such as Harry Potter, then you are sure to love the Golden Compass. First of a three part series, it is about a young girl named Lyra. She is extremely adventurous, brave, and just, well, a kid. However, when children start disappearing, Lyra is put to the test as she becomes entangled with finding the kids. Obviously it goes past that, but I do not want to give it away. Trust me, it is a terrific and cannot put it down book. Read the whole series if you like, but definitely try the first one.
Rating: Summary: Parents beware... Review: I just finished book 3 of the trilogy, and I have to admit I'm quite disturbed. All three are extremely well written. The characters are fully realized. There were a few brief moments where I felt the "hand of the author" tweak the plot to make something happen, but for the most part I was convinced by the world the author had created. However, PARENTS SHOULD BE WARNED BEFORE LETTING THEIR CHILDREN READ THESE BOOKS! Pullman has been compared to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis and Tolkien write from and use metaphor to express their Christian beliefs. Pullman blatently attacks all religion. Parents should be aware of the following (Normally I would never give away plot points in a review but in this case I feel I have to make an exception): In these books God is senile, the blblical Enoch is now a power mad angel who lusts after women and is trying to take over all worlds, the afterlife is depicted as a prison camp, and the only way for the world to be saved is when two twelve year old children become lovers. Depending on how you feel about things you may also be shocked to find the two main angels who help our hero and heroine are gay. Pullman's point, ultimately, is that you can take one of two paths in life: Religion, which is followed by the "stupid" (his words, not mine) and Wisdom. In Pullman's world the two aren't compatable. I give it three stars for the writing, though I completely disagree with the message.
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