Rating: 
Summary: Religion or not,
Review: Religion or not, I found this book really dull. Its just the same old same old kiddie literature that simply goes by the books that came before it. A Wrinkle in Time and Wizard of Oz pop up in my head. Is it so much to ask for that the lead character not having missing parents, or be mad at the world? apparently it is too much to ask. If you want good children's literature read Call of the Wild, f you want good fantasy read The Hobbit, but please don't read this, unless you really want a substitute for a night cap.
Rating: 
Summary: must read
Review: ... this story is about a strange but intesting alternate world is about a girl name Lyra. hint ambraric mean electic. if you liked the merlin series, dragon wings series, wind on fire series youll probably like this (how couldnt you?). its a mysery/adventure/and enchanting book. believe it or not the 2 books get better after this. i know i didint think it was posible either, but its true. in fact the last one sould be sold for a thousand so get them while the sellers are still to blind to realize what they have. though io wouldnt take all of the belifes in this trilogie for a role model.
Rating:
Summary: Mystery. Magic, and Mayhem
Review: The Golden Compass (and the rest of the series) are amazing books that are appropriate for readers of all ages. Lyra's charm, wit, and curiousity for danger all add to the excitement of this novel. Daemon's are the main focus of this book, what is a daemon? A Daemon is a part of the soul, which takes the form of an animal. This is an amazing book that all should read!
Rating: 
Summary: The Golden Compass
Review: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman is one of very few books that I have read that is actually difficult to put down. It is thrilling and suspicious and enchanting. The book tells the story of a young girl named Lyra living in a semi-fantasy version of Oxford. She is eventually sent on a great journey to the north for the rescue of kidnapped children who are being cruelly used for an incredible experiment. It is full of surprises and jokes and all sorts of events that will continually push you off the edge of your seat. Many say that this book is anti-Christian, which I suppose is true. However, I honestly think that no parent should worry about their children reading the book because of this. I didn't even notice it until after I had read it. It really doesn't have any effect toward the reader simply because it is just a fiction book.
I would certainly recommend this book for readers in junior high school and above. - Kevin Connery, 14
Rating: 
Summary: Lame Lame Lame....
Review: I'm not against this because of it's anti-christain bais (which is very much is) but mainly because it's poorly written. The charachters are flat. Lyra especally. She is the last person I would want to have an adventure with. She is a brat and her motivation is poorly realized. I think she was supposed to come across as "spunky" or something but she's just a brat most of the times and then cute at the wrong. I found it rediculous when she fools the bear king. (I thought that they couldn't be fooled. Oh well, just more poor writing) It holds no wonder between it's lifeless pages. Only a group of sterotypical, flat, heartless charichters with a rambling plot. This book is entirely over-rated. Don't waste your money. Go pick up Lewis, Tolkin or even Rowlings before you pick up anything in "His Dark Materials"
Rating:
Summary: You Havn't Lived Unless You Have Read This Book
Review: This book far exceeds any other book that I have ever read. I read many books but not one as captivating and exciting as this one. In my eyes this book is even better than the Harry Potter series. I found myself unable to put the book down. I am a thirteen year-old boy who postponed watching TV just to read this book! The book's plot is constantly changing and throwing new things at you, you cant put it down. The skilled auther Philip Pullman writes this book woth so many secrets being revealed, you just can't wait to find out more. His creativity of making an entirely different world somewhat like ours with such imaginative things as people have their souls on the outside of their body that they can talk to, in animal forms called daemons. You await the explanation of dust throughout the whole book. lyra makes freinds with such enchanting people as Iorek the armored bear and witches. All the time she has a magical device that will tell the truth called the alethmometer. Children are being kidnapped, among them is her best freind. She seeks out her freind, only to find the fate of the missing children is something she can not bear. The twists and turns and unexpected things happening in this book make it worthwhile for children and adults.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: This is one of the very best books.Ever. I started reading it when I was 10 and I'm 12 now. This is kind of like a prelude to the rest of the stories, but you have to read this book to understand the rest. This is even better than Harry Potter! And that's saying something. I definatly recommend the "His Dark Matirials" seris to anyone over 11. When I read it I thought it was a little scary. Overall, Phillip Pullman is my favorite author because he is so decriptive. The story takes place in England (I won't say were)and the main character's name is Lyra Belequa. That is all I will say so as not to spoil anything. I hope you will all enjoy this seris.
Rating:
Summary: It's no Harry Potter
Review: I bought this based on some of the reviews I read which compared it to the Harry Potter series. That's pretty misleading as far as I'm concerned. The problem here is not really with this first book of the series. It's actually pretty enjoyable and well written. The real problems start to develope in book two and then become full blown in book three. If I were interested in blasting these from a religous standpoint, I'd say that portraying god as a senile, drooling idiot incapable of even walking on his own may be in poor taste for younger, impressionable readers. But I will leave that to others to debate. My complaint is that the first book draws you into what appears to be an interesting story and then steadly becomes increasingly boring, confusing, poorly written and just plain stupid through the next two books in the series. Unfortunately, you can't just read the first book on it's own.
Rating:
Summary: Most Imaginative of Its Kind
Review: 'The Golden Compass' is one of this century's most acclaimed and imaginative books of its kind. Philip Pullman's intelligent fusion of science, drama, and fervor bound together creates an interesting read for readers of all ages. His alternate universe of England is anything but bland and it appeals to all. The intricate descriptions of Oxford University as well as Svalbard and Bolvangar are convincing and create vivid images of the settings. The genuine characters and their cryptic pasts give heartbreak, betrayal and loss to the plot. The twists in the plot build up the suspense and charm of it at the most appropriate parts. It's an absorbing novel with a heroine you can realte to and antagonists you love to hate. The developed characters, their unique daemons, suspenseful concepts and detail weave together to create a tapestry of literature that is loved by people of all ages.
Rating:
Summary: Great Start to a Great Trilogy
Review: I got this book for my birthday and... annnnd I just got around to reading it. If I'd have known how good it was going to be, I certainly would have read it sooner!! It's a children's fantasy book and somewhat reminded me of Harry Potter, though it's not about the same thing. I would definitely recommend this series (there are two other books in the 'His Dark Materials' series that I haven't read yet, but will soon) for the Harry Potter lover in your life. It's a bit darker than Harry Potter, but draws you in just the same. It's a magical world of daemons and armored bears, of gyptians and witches. I'd describe it to you, but I really can't do it justice. Just trust me and read it. Five out of five stars. Oh. And anyone that tells you that children's books are only for children is out of their mind. :)
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