Rating: 
Summary: The perfect book I have been waiting for all my life.
Review: Read this book. I repeat, READ THIS BOOK. If you do not read this book, you can not possibly imagine what you are doing to yourself. But don't forget to read The Golden Compass (Northern Lights) first. When I saw The Subtle Knife in a Half-Price Books store, way back in July 1998, I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought it had an intriguing title, and the cover picture (hardcover) was very nice. I had a good feeling about it. However, I saw it was a sequel, and the store didn't have the first one. So I didn't buy it. But the next time, and the next, I kept looking at it, until when I finally found a copy of The Golden Compass, I snatched it up immediately, not even knowing what it was about. An impulse buy. Little did I know that the books of the His Dark Materials trilogy would become an obsession for me that will probably last all my life. I just finished reading The Subtle Knife for the second time. This time around, I was studying it carefully and taking notes. The books don't finish when you've turned the last page. Far from it. The first time I finished The Subtle Knife, I shut the book, stared off into space for several minutes, and finally got up to wander around my house in a daze, not responding to anyone, unable to tear my mind away from the story. The next day I started doing research. I looked up things in encyclopedias, dictionaries; "daemon" is in there, so is "William Parry". Svalbard is a real place. There's a place in Greenland called Scoresbysund. There are many, many other things to discover--it's incredible. With all these discoveries my admiration for Philip Pullman grew. Eventually I even read Paradise Lost, which I recommend doing if you're obsessed with these books like me. Also visit the official website, where you can sign up for an advance chapter of book three. I've developed theories about what's going to happen in Book 3 when it comes out; I have a particularly interesting theory about Mrs. Coulter. Another reason to read this book. It's being banned. And if it hasn't already, it will be. Fundamentalist Christians are outraged at its "satanic" message. If you want to fight for freedom of speech, read a banned book! And if you're a fundamentalist Christian yourself, read it anyway: don't you believe in testing your faith? No-one says you have to believe what this book says, anyway. Just like when you read a book about Greek gods. No-one's pressuring you into believing this just because you're reading it. Remember that! Besides, if you study it carefully, it may not be blasphemous at all. It is the story of the boy and girl who are caught up in this conflict, and neither side can really be said to be good or evil at this stage. The main people who have problems with this book are those who want everything to be Black And White. I am surprised at all the readers who said they found Lyra became so much weaker in book two. Yes, she is less decisive and more ready to obey Will, but think about what's happened to her, for goodness' sake!! She's just led her best friend to his death--killed by her own father, whom she had admired. She's stumbled into an entirely new and strange world where people don't have daemons, and her beloved Jordan College doesn't exist. Wouldn't you be willing to let someone else take control at this point? Wouldn't you feel just a little bit insecure? I know I would. Lyra's not perfect. If you're a mature person who is not afraid of thinking deeply (ouch!!) and questioning your beliefs, read the His Dark Materials trilogy. You will not regret it. Hey everyone, stop putting one star "just so people will read your review"! We've got to push this book back up to the five-star rating it deserves! If you're a fan, write a review, even if all you can say is "I love this book!" and let's get this book back up to five stars!
Rating:
Summary: Awsome book! A Must Read!!!!
Review: The Subtle Knife was one of my all time favorites.That and The Golden Compass(The Northern Lights).This (or these) books are one of the best ever! I coulden't put them down. And I'm still waiting for the next one(The Amber Spyglass). Phillip Pullman is a very talented author, and I want to thank him for writing these books. For every one who hasn't read them, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I recomend this book to young and old readers. Readers of all ages will enjoy Pullman's talent.
Rating:
Summary: A really page turning book!
Review: Wow! Philip Pullman surprised us once again with this great ability to write. Though I believed that the Subtle Knife wasn't as exciting as the first book, The Golden Compass, it still keeps the reader locked into the book!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful,smart, and endlessly intruiging
Review: In my opinion, the Subtle Knife was a sucess on all counts. Despite what others have said, I beleive that Lyra remained true to herself and to Pan. The carefully planned polt made the reader incapable of putting the book down, with so many "Ohhhs," and " so THATS the man from the cocktail party" instances. I would recommend this book highly to anyone. To young people, because they can so easily relate to Lyra's plight, and we can all see a little of the belligerent Will in ourselves. And for adults, it is a glimpse into not only the adolescent brilliance of the two main charachters, but also in the intelligence thay have, and in the deft way they use it to their advantage. They never question their resources, and they never condescend. They use what is needed,and maintain their pace,and in so doing, never let the reader catch their breath
Rating: 
Summary: It was very good, although the ending left me unsatisfide.
Review: I really liked the Golden Compass and the Subtle Knife. I'm really bummed that the next book gets out so late. I liked almost all of The Subtle Knife as much as the Golden Compass, but the ending, I think, wasn't very good. When I was finished reading The Subtle Knife I was a little depressed. The ending was not something I expected. Philip Pullman has a unique style of writing, where not everything always turns out okay. When I was done with The Subtle Knife I was discouraged to read the next book, but I'm sure Mr. Pullman will end the trilogy with a bang.
Rating:
Summary: a beautifully written sequel
Review: This was a great book for people who love to read about fantasies that they feel could actually come true someday.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but disappointing after "Golden Compass"
Review: "The Subtle Knife" was good, but for some reason Pullman really is not comfortable with strong girls. Lyra was absolutely wonderful in "Golden Compass," but as soon as she meets Will she becomes a pathetic puddle. Her strength and humor completely vanishes. Blech. It is to be hoped that the third part of this trilogy goes back to having Lyra being strong, but since it is already written, just not published, I guess it does no good to hope, the deed is done.Lyra was so enchanting, I can't believe Pullman would pulverize her character in this second book. Will is a nice, appealing kid, but doesn't hold a candle to the Lyra of "Golden Compass." In the "Ruby in the Smoke" trilogy Pullman did the same thing. The heroine was great and spunky in the first book, then fell apart in the second two and had to be rescued by wonderful men. What is Pullman's problem? His female characters start out great and end up as dweebs. I still recommend both of these books, the concept is great, and "Golden Compass" is so fun you want to find out what happens.
Rating:
Summary: This is a real page-turner!
Review: After reading The Golden Compass, I was set to read The Subtle Knife. I absolutely loved it! It is one of the best books that I have ever read. Philip Pullman realy shows his skills as an author in this book. I give it two thumbs up!
Rating:
Summary: Why do you like the golden Compass more??/
Review: This book was TONS better!! C'MON, LETS PUSH THIS BOOK UP TO FIVE STARS
Rating:
Summary: WOW!!
Review: This book is GREAT!! I read it in only one day, so it MUST be a quick read. I really like Will and Lyra. I am making up stories about them. First, there was SOOOOO much action. It really got you crying when Will got hurt like that. I also liked how Lyra was really smart. It was funny in the first chapter when she did not know about Earth!
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