Rating: 
Summary: A compelling, solid read
Review: Unlike another infamous young-adult fantasy series that is currently swamping us, Pullman's The Golden Compass takes its readership seriously and doesn't insult your intelligence. I won't rehash the plot as other fans who have reviewed this novel have already done so at length. I will just say that this is an excellent book and a compelling start to the "His Dark Materials" trilogy; also, just because it's billed as fantasy for young adults does not mean that the 16+ reader won't enjoy it. In fact, The Golden Compass and the other books in the trilogy may even be too heavy for the younger set. The characters are quite convincing, the setting - although fantasical - is very well put together, and the storyline is generally gripping. Pullman is a seasoned novelist and it shows. He's very good at his craft. At any rate, if you generally like your fantasy fiction grand, epic and world shaking you should like this.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Pullman creates a believable world in his first few chapters and I enjoyed reading that part of the book. I felt that he had a jumble of good ideas and tried to throw them all in at once. In the end I was confused and while I didn't want to give up in the central character and her bear I ended up finishing the book dissatisfied. Perhaps others will like it more; perhaps I read it too quick.
Rating: 
Summary: The Golden Compass
Review: This is a very good beginning to a triliogy of books about an adventure.The story starts with Lyra, a 11 year old girl who does not have a care in the world. She spends her days climbing and exploring with her best friend Roger.
All this is to change when she secretly overhears a prestentation made by her uncle about Dust, a mysterious substance.
After this her best friend Roger has gone missing, and is thought to of been kidnapped by Gobblers, a group that kidnaps people to perform experiments on them in the north.
Before Lyra can set off the find her friend she meets Mrs. Coulter. Mrs. Coulter takes Lyra in and they both go on an adventure to the north, but for different reasons.
What happens next I can not tell you, so you better read the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure stories, adult or child.
Rating:
Summary: The Golden Compass
Review: This is a very good beginning to a triliogy of books. It is a story about a girl named Lyra and her adventures. In the beginning of the story she leads a carefree life that includes exploring and watching over kids at the college. Her life begins to change after her "uncle" comes to the college to give a presentation but is nearly killed. Lyra overhears the presentation about Dust which is a very mysterious substance. After the whole incidence with her uncle, Lyra's best friend Roger disappears. He is believed to of been kidnapped by Gobblers, which are a group of people that kidnap people to perform experiments on them in the artic. Lyra then goes on an adventure to save Roger. On the way she finds out many things about her family and whats really going on in the world. I would recommend this story to any person who is looking for a good adventure story.
Rating:
Summary: The golden compass
Review: When I began this book I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy it, the fantasy genre is one of which I can easily be bored by. Philip Pullman however has writen this book with just the right balance of realism and fantasy so you are kept interested by the witches, armoured bears, and other magical beings but problems can't be solved by the swish of a wand.
Lyra (the main character in the book) is a typical 11 year old girl, so true to life it feels as if you could actually meet her. She gets caught up with an organization taking children up north and doing research with them. Little does Lyra know but she is the key to the destiny of her planet and numerous others. Early on in her travels she recieves a magical golden compass that can answer questions but only lyra can read it. Lyra has a grand adventure leading her to the north full of danger, excitement, courages acts, and brilliant plans. After things are finally coming together their is one more surprise in store for her, one to big for me to give away in this review. This book is definitely a must read for fantasy lovers and even those who aren't that into fantasy would find it a good read. This book is great for teens and many adults would probably enjoy it also.
Rating: 
Summary: VERY GOOD!
Review: This book was awesome! I'm only in sixth grade and it was like the best book I EVER read! And Your talkin to someone who has read all the harry potter books TWICE! Godd job Phillip!
Rating:
Summary: Majestic
Review: The Golden Compass is an exciting book. It is about a girl who goes on an adventure to save kids and her father in the north. The book starts out as Lyra goes into the retiring room of Jordan College. She saves her uncle who is really her father. After a couple of days she leaves Jordan College with the beautiful Mrs. Coulter. She then runs away with gyptians to find and save her father in the north. Along the way she meets a severed child, witches, and armored bears. The end completely blew me away by what happened.
Rating:
Summary: Imaginary Fantasy
Review: This is the first book of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy. This came highly recommended by a friend and I'm glad I followed his advice and read this book. This is the beginning of the story of Lyra Belacqua and her Daemon, Pantalaimon. It starts with Lyra being innocent of such words as "Dust" and "alethiometer" and "Gobblers" and "armored bears." In fact, not only is she innocent of her destiny but also of her past. Things go amuck after overhearing a conversation with her uncle, Lord Asriel as she is whisked away by a nice, beautiful lady named Mrs. Coulter. It turns out people and things are not as they appear as Lyra travels around the world having some of the most incredible adventures while learning about her past and her future. I really loved this book. While it ends with a big cliff-hanger, this book stands as a masterpiece on its own. This is highly recommended for anybody who enjoys a good fiction or fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: Stand alone greatness
Review: Despite it being the third part of a trilogy, The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights) is an amazing book on its own, and it will stand alone as one of the greatest books for scores to come!
Rating:
Summary: Imaginitive Worlds
Review: This book is the best book I have ever read! From cover to cover "The Golden Compass" is written in amazing detail and great ideas. With this story, Phillip Pullman brings fantasy into reality. This spectacular book makes your mind swim with the magnificent adventures of Lyra and her daemon, Pantalaimon.
This is a wonderful story. I highly recomend "The Golden Compass" to any advanced reader.
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