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The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)

The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)

List Price: $20.00
Your Price: $13.60
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Criticism is not Censorship; It's Free Speech
Review: The book itself is only a fair member of the fantasy genre. Forthe sheer creativity and totality of the worlds Pullman creates, Iwould give it a 5. But the writing is only fair and seems to drive the story rather than the other way around. Nonetheless, it is one of the more original and compelling stories I've read recently, and I eagerly await the next volume.

All that being said, I find myself disturbed by some of the reviews here that seem to equate criticism of this book based on theological reasoning with censorship. At the end of TSK, the reader is left with two clear impressions: 1.) Asriel is planning to wage war against God with the help of the rebellious angels from before the Fall. 2.) The rightness or wrongness of this action is still in doubt.

I am reserving judgement about the author's intent until I read the final installment of the series, but I readily understand why this would upset readers whose world-view is informed by one of the monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.). The book seems to target one of the core tenets of all three religions (one upon which almost all other aspects of the faiths are derived from). Of course, there are legitimate reasons for disagreeing with this interpretation of Pullman's work and I have enjoyed reading the well-reasoned reviews that do so.

However, none of the reviews I have read on this board that take exception to the religious implications of the book have advocated banning or burning it. They are simply registering their low opinion of the book and urging others not to read it, something that book reviewers do on a regular basis.

There has been a marked tendency in this country lately to automatically dismiss any viewpoint informed by traditional religions as somehow intolerant. Saying a book should not be read is not the same as saying it cannot be read. Let's accept others' opinions as a way of showing respect for free speech. Let's express our objections to others' opinions as our way of contributing to free speech . But let's not use the banner of free speech as a club to batter the opinions of others without contributing new thoughts to the marketplace of ideas.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: GRRRRREAT!
Review: I just got done reading this book for the second time! I loved it! Pullman twists and manuveres the plot beautifully. One of his best works. Will is an excellent and strong new character. He fits in beautifully:)

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: AN EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!!!!!!
Review: The Subtle Knife mainly focuses on the two main characters, Will and Lyra, but on a grander scale, it intertwines the beauties and mysteries of the universe--northern lights, dark matter, parallel worlds--to create a fantasy that's simply compelling. Personally, I've never heard of anything like northern lights before, but after reading this book, it really sparked my interest in finding out more about what they are in real life. Anyway, I'm getting a little off topic here. Overall, The Subtle Knife is an excellent book with a great plot and interesting characters. Angels, daemons, witches (not the scary looking ones on Halloween, these witches are good and extremely beautiful), Specters, Shadows, and many other strong characters help to make this book an unforgetable experience.

P.S. Maybe it's just me but it took me a really long time to notice there was a tower on the cover of this book...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Wonderful Book, a must read! (spoiler below)
Review: This trully is fantasy at its best. I have glanced at many of the reviews and find one concept contained within the book that no one has discussed, and that is friendship. The friendship between Will and Lyra toward the end of the novel is so heart moving. Both of them would do anything for the other. Remember that at the end of the Subtle Knife, Will cares nothing about the coming war, and instead all of his thoughts are on the Kidnapped Lyra. If ever there were soul mates these two children fit the discription of them. My only wish was that it had not taken the last 3 years for the book to be published (Now we have to wait until October maybe November for this book to come out). I am sure it will be worth the wait though.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Thrilling Sequel
Review: I recently finished reading THE SUBTLE KNIFE, and I starting shrieking when I got to the last page, the worst cliffhanger I've ever encountered (remember, with a cliffhanger, worst is good!)

This book stars Lyra from THE GOLDEN COMPASS, and also Will Parry, a fierce boy from our world of computers, cars, and Burger King, as well as many other characters from the previous book. The plot is intricate and thrilling, with danger at every turn, as Will and Lyra (and don't forget Pantalaimon!) travel back and forth to seperate worlds with the help of the Subtle Knife and the Alethiometer. All the while, they are unaware of just how important they are in the scheme off the universe, and that numerous bands of peple-friend and foe alike- are searching for them.

I read THE GOLDEN COMPASS a long time ago, and so I do not remember it clearly (apparently, it is time to check it out of the library again!) I don't know if this one was better than THE GOLDEN COMPASS, but it surely was enthralling and exciting. I couldn't keep my eyes off the page!

P.S. I want a daemon!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Must Read ALL!
Review: Ah! I am about to die waiting for the ASG! These books are probably some of the best I have ever read! You just have to read them. But, The Subtle Knife is not as good as TGC. My English teacher first suggested it to be cause I like fantasy and all, but I though he was just giving me something to stop bothering him. Was I wrong! I write fantasy too, and really enjoy reading Pullmen's books.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Go read it!
Review: I like the books because of the peoples names like Pantalimon,Serefinapekela and Yorek Burnenson I also like it because of 2 veryspecial people Will Pari and Lyra Balaqua.They are special because of2 materials: Wills is a knife ,Lyras is an alethyamator I also like it because it is exciting and also it has lots of mysteries. Camille age 8 3rd.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Not as good as The Golden Compass
Review: I actually think that the Golden Compass was more fascinating. It kept you more on the edg of your seet, and I liked hearing about Lyra and her side of the story. On the audo cassette, I liked how the characters were played by the same people.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A book to twist and turn from plot to plot. Excellent!
Review: The Subtle Knife, along with the Golden Compass was a great read. Pullman threw plenty of twists into this book. Almost uncomparable to any Fantasy/Sci-Fi out there. Definitely deserves appraise!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Even better than the Golden Compass!
Review: I loved this book even better than the first one. I couldn't put it down! All the characters I loved in the old book are back and some great new ones are introduced. He gives tantalizing glimpses of the future and it looks like the thrid book will be really exciting. I can't wait!


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