Rating: 
Summary: Not bad for a fantasy novel
Review: I was given this book to read along with The Subtle Knife by a friend of mine who read the Golden Compass aloud with friends as something to pass the time during a college field trip. I was looking for something with a good story and easy to read to pass the time between Potter books and Tolkein. I'm not usually a fantasy reader, but this year seems to be a bit of a return to the genre for me.I very much enjoyed this first novel in the trilogy, and was glued to the page to follow the adventures of Lyra and see what each twist and turn would bring next. Philip Pullman keeps your interest through almost all of the book. He tackles some big ideas related to religion and alternate dimensions in this novel in a way that is non-threatening and quite intriguing. Many of the scenarios and characters could easily be handled poorly by lesser writers, such as bands of gypsies ("gyptians" in the book), animal "daemons" that are attached to each human (like a soul and conscience on the outside), armored bear clans, and witches (I honestly had a hard time accepting the witches). The only reason I give the book 4 stars is that there are a couple of weak moments of dialogue and a couple of questionable plot developments. My copy of the book advertises the Terry Brooks introduction, but I have yet to find it. It must be an older copy. By the way, I immediately read through the second book, The Subtle Knife, and could barely stand it, but felt I owed it to myself to see the plot through.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely amazing
Review: Of all the books that I have read, this makes it into my top ten favourite along with other books by Philip Pullman. This book is so amazing and takes so many twists and turns and Lyra is one of the most developed and interesting characters I have ever read about. In my opinion, Philip Pullman is one of the greatest authors and writes wonderful books. This book is amazing and anyone who reads this will keep your eyes glued to this book, you won't put it down. I recommend this book for anyone. I can't say enough that this book is a fantastic work of literature.
Rating:
Summary: Soo Stunned I can hardly speak.
Review: I read this book and I loved it so much I am almost speachless. Let me tell you that you better have some cash after you read the first cause you are going to want to run out and buy the Subtle Knife book #2 IMMIDIATLY. Though I did dislike how the ending was all religious but thats only a small part Read this book it's definatly worth it!
Rating:
Summary: How Can Someone Not Like This Book?
Review: This is the best book I have EVER read. The plot is a twisting and twirling roller coaster ride. Characters that someone can actually believe in. Lyra and Pan have all the adventures every kid would dream of having. It has all the magic one can imagine to be in Rowling's "Harry Potter" and Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", I seriously excepted Harry Potter to come flying out on his Firebolt with Serafina at his side, well, not really. Pullman sets a high standard for himself to make the rest of "His Dark Materials" just as good, which he does wonderfully, just like he does with the Sally Lockhart books. "The Golden Compass" has a wonderfully crafted ending that makes you run out of your chair, go to the nearest bookstore, empty your coffee money to buy the "Subtle Knife" Which is exactly what I did.
Rating:
Summary: COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!
Review: My firend Becca told me to read this book. At first I did not want to, but she told me it was better than the Wind Singer so I began to read it. In the beginning I did not understand it but as I got into it I loved it. It's about a girl named Lyra Who's best firend was stolen. She runs away to find him and finds out many things about her childhood.When she finds Roger they must find a way to escape and Lyra must be prepared what lies ahead for her and her future.I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read!
Rating:
Summary: Dust and Daemons and Bears... Oh my!
Review: Follow the travels of Lyra Belacqua (aka Lyra Silvertongue) in this fantasy-like novel. Lyra is a young girl from a world that is slightly different than the one we know. Bears can talk and the human soul is personified in a personal daemon in shifting (children only) animal form for everyone. Nearly from the beginning of Lyra's tale at Jordan College in Oxford, we can see that she is destined for something important. The story builds as she is captured and escapes and captured and escapes again. We also find out she has a talent to read the "golden compass" that is in fact a rare truth-teller that speaks in cryptic symbols. The primary focus of the novel is "dust", which is an elementary particle that is interpreted differently by different factions. However, in the end, we find that there is another world "attached" to Lyra's world that is believed to be the source of the "dust". A VERY good novel for children even with the portions that alter the passages of The Bible. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read Rowland's Harry Potter series or Lewis' Narnia books. It reads quickly and is quite entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: LOVED IT!!
Review: This book is amazing!!! I got in b/c it looked really good and I love fantasy, and I was definetly not dissapointed!! It is definetly the best of the three and after reading it, I bought the next two the next day and read them both. Lyra is soooo cute and I think its sooo cool with all the daemons and stff. Its like this book created a whole new world.. You should definetly readit!!!!
Rating:
Summary: My personal favorite
Review: This is the best book i have ever read. For two reasons. One, it is a beautifully written nnovel, filled with action, suspense, and other good words that can be said about good books. Two, it is the first in a trilogy that has inspired me to become a writer myself. While reading this book, you can't help but fall in love with the plucky heroine, Lyra, and her lifelong companion, Pantalaimon. Other great carachters include the aeronaut Lee Scoresby and the paradoxical nemesis, Mrs Coulter. The thought provoking adventure will keep you awake reading, so plan your days accordingly. And read the sequels.
Rating:
Summary: if there's no Harry Potter....
Review: What do you do when there is no Harry Potter on the horizon? It's time to find great authors like Richard Pullman who have the writing skills to develop complex fantasy plots and interesting characters and worlds. Young teens, 9-12 year olds and even those adults who loved getting a new Harry Potter are ready to do more reading! This series will provide a new set of challenges and characters to care about and follow through their adventures. The hard copy versions are worth the investment.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, but a warning to parents on the trilogy
Review: I first enjoyed The Golden Compass by itself, and found it to be a compelling, well-developed story. I later read the second and third books in the trilogy and was both impressed by the detailed world created by Pullman and shocked by some of the apparent bias of the author. Although I am a strong advocate for free-speech and I am happy that I read these books, I am also an adult who enjoys comparing differing religious viewpoints. For those who hold strong Judeo-Christian beliefs, this can be a very disturbing series. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDER 14 READ THESE BOOKS BEFORE THEY BUY THEM FOR THEIR CHILDREN. In my opinion, the books are a direct, literal attack on "God", and will likely raise questions that I believe should be discussed by families. I am also upset that the author's bias does not appear until the second book, allowing readers (i.e. parents and teachers) to read the Golden Compass and determine it to be acceptable, referring young readers to it who then go on to The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass on their own, without adult guidance on the issues raised. Lyra's world is amazing, and it is great as literature. I just don't want parents caught unaware when their child asks tough questions after reading this trilogy.
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