Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful book trilogy
Review: First off, I think that you should have an open mind if you decide to read His Dark Materials. Yes, Pullman does say, very plainly, "God does not exist." Maybe not in those words, but in words like them. And that is one of the center issues of His Dark Materials. If that bothers you, then don't read these books. But you are missing out on a _wonderful_ read.In The Golden Compass, Pullman creates a world and characters that are so three-dimensional, so completely _whole_ that it is almost hard to believe that they aren't real. And although Lyra and Pantalaimon are _far_ from being perfect, that is what makes them human. Lyra might have a stubborn streak as wide as a state, but you love her all the more because of it. With The Subtle Knife, Pullman brings a new character into play, Will, and deepens the plot. A few chapters into it and things are revealed that I would have _never_ imagined. The Amber Spyglass brings everything to a _startling_ conclusion that simply amazed me. I can't say much without spoiling everything. :p It was simply. . . _amazing_. In short, I have _never_ read any books that so _profoundly_ moved me. Pullman gives a wonderful message through these about what _really_ matters in life. The _humanness_ of these characters is absolutely wonderful, many times I started to cry and other times I was shouting in joy (and recieving _very_ strange looks from other people). You probably won't _ever_ find books this well written and well-rounded. I have recomended these books to _every one_ that I know, and the people I know that have read it agree with me - His Dark Materials are the _best_ books that I have ever read.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Escapist Fantasy
Review: I don't consider myslef a fan of fantasy. Understandaby, I was very skeptical about this trilogy at first; 'Dust' being the key to all truth? Daemons? But to my surprise, I picked up "The Golden Compass" and finished it within a few hours, and promptly did the same with the subsequent two books. The Fantasy is first rate, the characters are well-developed and the read is fun and fast. It's very enjoyable save a few problems. 1. It takes awhile to get into the series. This isn't always a bad thing: take Lord of the Rings, for instance. However, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is not only an amazing fantastical epic, but do well as individual stand-alone novels. the "His Dark Materials" Trilogy works quite well- as an epic trilogy, but the second novel follows the first so closely, that I got the impression that the subsequent two books would be very difficult to understand as stand-alone novels. 2. The author pulls you into his world immediately. Some authors do an incredible job with this (Tolkien, for example). But in this case, it's just confusing. He doesn't explain the little nuances of his universe until much later in the novel; I found myself wanting to go back and reread the first book just for clarification's sake. 3. It's not entirely clear who the bad/good guys are. This is not really a complaint; actually I quite enjoyed this aspect of the books. But for someone who is looking for an easy, uncomplicated read, this trilogy requires way too much concentration. So...if you're looking for something to read that you don't have to think about, do not pick up this series. But if youre looking for a series with a highly detailed Universe (s), and one that goes into great depth and requires a much higher level of concentration than most pleasure novels, this is a great trilogy to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't spend your money
Review: I'd like to identify myself as a liberal Christian. I scoffed at the Religious Right demanding that Harry Potter be banned because it advocated witchcraft. I walked proudly through the picketers to see Scorsese's Last Temptation of Christ, and I found it to be a profound spiritual experience. But I can not stomach Pullman's work. I was given this boxed set as a gift because I enjoy fantasy novels. I'm glad I didn't spend my money to support these works. The first novel seems only to attack the Catholic church. While this is not exactly my cup of tea (I have respect for all denominations), it's not that unusual. Certainly some actions of the Catholic church (from the Inquisition to the recent sex abuse scandal) are reprehensible, although the Catholic beliefs themselves are filled with beauty and spiritual strength. However, by the end of the second book, when it became clear that these books were hate-filled attacks on God, I became repelled and sickened. In case you haven't heard these are not attacks on a god, but God. The Judeo-Christian God. The God that 90% of Americans in polls say they believe in. In my opinion, it's no use bringing up Milton or Blake. Both loved God. Milton was a Puritan, for heaven's sake, and Blake, although a Romantic rebel through and through, loved God and hated the abuses of organized religion. But Pullman hates God! And he has written a book for children that presents this hatred in an exciting, well-written story. This is seductive, sickening, and, yes, evil. I admit that I stopped reading after barely beginning the third book, since it was clear to me where it was going. I suspect that he wraps himself in the tired mantle of "I'm truly spiritual, not religious." But make no mistake, any set of books that attacks the basic belief in a Judeo-Christian God is not spiritual in any sense. Hatred and bigotry are an attack on all spiritual beliefs. Be warned.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as great as I expected
Review: After reading Pullman's obituary, I became interested in reading one of his many books. I picked the trilogy, since it had won several awards and the story looked interesting. I am an avid reader and normally plough through books, but I really had a hard time getting engrossed in this one. I'm not sure whether it's the writing or the character - the main character didn't do too much for me. I felt a little bit disappointed by not feeling completely wrapped up by the story, but I think teen readers would enjoy it nonetheless. I ended up giving my boxed set to my friend's son, who is 11, and he really enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: awesome!
Review: these books were fabulous! i got the first one for christmas when it first came out, and read it about a dozen times waiting for the next two books. i read the other two, and was just as delighted. as usual, with most of my books, i got some friends hooked on them too. unfortunately, we think the third cuts off too soon, and are going to write to mr. pullman to ask him for aanother installation....at least one more book. otherwise, they were great!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: what a let down!!!!
Review: The first book was great. The phsycology behind the children specialy Lira was well develop. I totaly loved the talking polar bears and the shape shiftting companions daemons. It was very imaginative. When I started reading the second book I tought it was going to be as good as the first, mistake from my part. The second book left in a tangent and a book I originaly tought it will be great for kids became a scientific flop, with ideas that for my opinion are to abstract for a child of any age could possibly understand. As my frustration went on, the third book got worst. The children all of a suden started acting like adults I could not pinpoint the ages of Lira and Will. They were acting like 30 year olds instead of pre-teens. It was like reading something writen at the last minute. Every book I buy my nices and nephews, I have to read first, and I will not let them read this set until they are in college and have some undertanding of particle physics, energy, chemistry, and some theology classes because I do not want them thinking this have any bearing besides being a fictional piece of work.
Rating:
Summary: How can i explain my delight in these books?
Review: I can't believe how amazing these books are!! They are writen for young adults but everyone can appricate these books. They are so compleate; the setting, characters and plot are believable while compleatly unique and imaginitive. This is not the kind of series that you can read just one of; they fit together almost like one book. If anyone tells you it ends too sad, don't believe it. the ending is satisfing because nobody can live happily ever after.
Rating:
Summary: Lifechanging
Review: These books have changed my life. Having extensively studied theology, philosophy of Religion and many eastern religions I had found myself coming to my own conclusions about religion, life, the universe and everything. These books will make you question your faith. I am the stronger for it and have finally consigned my church upbringing as an anachronism. Christianity IS a convincing and powerful lie and it is time for us to move on. So much of what the books say makes sense and I was amazed at seeing my own personal beliefs reflected in words so eloquently and persuasively. Strong characterisation, dynamic plot, moving concepts, enlightening ideas. If you are not changed by this you are not human, because these books are about what it is to be alive and conscious and independent. BUY IT No doubt it seriously offends the religious Right though, but what 'Authority' do they have?...
Rating:
Summary: Best I've ever read!!!!!!
Review: Ever since I've read these books I can't get them off my mind. I'm a girl about the same age as Lyra and now I want to be just like her!! These books are about a girl and(in the second and third books) a boy who try to help the battle between worlds. As a frquent reader I can tell you I've never read anything quite like it. For anyone who loves to be sucked into a book with action, adventure, love, hate, mystery, and much,much more, get your hands on these books PRONTO!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent choice for readers who love a good story!!
Review: Don't be put off by the comparisons to Harry Potter or the awards that it has won in the Young Readers community. This is an excellent series; both thought-provoking and entertaining. The characters are well developed, and the premise is refreshingly original. While the books are certainly suitable for younger readers, more mature readers can pick up on the philisophical and theological undertones that your average child might miss. It's nice to read an engaging fantasy that is not a Tolkien or Jordan knock-off. It starts a tad slow, but don't give up. By the middle of the first book, you'll be hooked!
| 
