Rating: 
Summary: Masterfully crafted introduction...
Review: Pullman's first installment of the Dark Materials trilogy is perfectin virtually every way. From the intricate details of the parallel Oxford to the sweeping Arctic vistas he paints it is superbly vivid.As Pullman begins the story, casually illustrating this strange new world, the readers have no idea what is in store for little Lyra and her dæmon. But we are dragged along, almost brutally at times, by Pullman's incredible skill as Lyra quickly begins to discover that she is much more than an ordinary little girl. Pullman weaves the beginning of his trilogy perfectly, leading the reader along a variety of twisting, turning, and ultimately ambiguous plot developments. It sets the stage brilliantly for the following two books. Though marketed at younger readers this book, as well as the rest of the trilogy, holds almost more for the older set. While superficially the book seems like well-written childrens' fantasy, there are eddies just below the surface of the intricate and complex story that flow beautifully into the next two books. These currents, sweeping the characters along, sit murkily out of sight until Pullman draws them to the clarity of the surface with masterful skill. Pullman's amazing talent has blossomed with the Dark Materials trilogy and the initial book exemplifies this absolutely. Anyone looking for an engrossingly complex read is advised to pick upthis gem and its brethren; they will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Beginning for a Dynamic Triology
Review: In case you don't know, The Golden Compass is the start of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials Trilogy (The final story came out recently). In this novel, we are introduced to Lyra, a young girl of Oxford who lives in a world similar, but not quite ours. The biggest difference is that they share their souls with daemons, magical creatures who take the shapes of different animals. After a series of unusual events, Lyra is given an strange instrument called the alethiometer, a gadget used to tell the truth. After receiving the gift, Lyra and her daemon suffer numerous tragedies and surprises which lead them to the North where they encounter witches and panserbjorn (basically polar bears in armor). Throughout numerous incidents Lyra is lead through a world of deceit and greed until the final stunning sentence which will change her world forever. If you appreciate good literature, read the book!
Rating:
Summary: Read this book!
Review: This book is VERY well written, with all its fantasy and details, but not too many details so that you get lost. Its a thrilling tale, full of action, and amazing imaginary creatures, yet quiet and peaceful in some places.This book can transport you to another world, and you feel you're there, right in the midst of it! Philip Pullman Pullman has a wonderful imagination, and the sequels to this book are equally enchanting.
Rating:
Summary: A book for anyone and everyone...
Review: The Golden Compass is a wonderful book. The second you pick the book up you can't put it down again. The plot is captivating and is wonderfully fantastical. Lyra(our protagonist) is a very normal child- it seems at first. But soon we learn of a prophesy that shows that Lyra is anything but a normal girl- she's anything but. I learned of this book from a recommendation- and I am now recommending it to you.
Rating:
Summary: Cool Book
Review: This is an enchanting book in which a girl named Lyra finds herself caught up in powers beyond her imagination. I was swept up in it the moment I started reading and loved it a lot. You should definitely read this book if you are looking for a slightly magical tale.
Rating:
Summary: Grandscale Action
Review: This book has adventures on a huge scale. Unlike Harry Potter which I've read and liked as well (though not as much as this book), every adventure is big and not small ones that all lead an apocolyptic battle in the end. The sequel the book (The Subtle Knife) does the same. I definately recommand both. The plot is about a girl named Lyra and her daemon named Pantalaimon who hear about things they shouldn't have. Then they were catapulted into a journey to the north and a battle which concerns Lyra to try to duck out of harm's way while Gyptians, Witches, and an armored bear help her. But the reason why it's called the golden compass is because of the fact that in Lyra's possesion is something called an altheiometer. It is a truth- diving device. Also, there is a mysterious dark matter called Dust that deals with some pretty big issues about creation, souls or daemons and the original sin. Read it!
Rating:
Summary: Awsome!
Review: I have to say, this book is one NOT to be overlooked! Once you start reading it, you become a part of young Lyra's world, and you can imagine everything that is going on. You will have much trouble putting it down, and even dissapointed when the book ends-but not to worry, The Subtle Knife is just as great! I can't wait to read the third book: The Amber Spyglass. You've gotta read these books! (I liked them even better than Harry Potter, which I did indeed enjoy!)
Rating:
Summary: Amazing and Brilliant
Review: I thought that this book was increadable. I got it in 5th grade and I have probably read it at least once a year, and the sequal as well, since then. The story at first may seem boring but as you continue the plot thickens and the story turns into an amazing piece of liturature. I would recomend this book to anyone with a good imagination and enjoys a good adventure/fantasy story. I think that Philip Pullman is a brilliant writer and I can't wait for the third book to come out. I just hope it's as spectacular as the other ones.
Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest...
Review: Philip Pullman's novel "The Golden Compass" (and its sequel "The Subtle Knife") are quite possibly the best novels, fantasy or otherwise, to come out in the past decade. Never have I been so moved, so compelled, as when I plunged into Pullman's world. It's a world where everyone has a daemon -- your own soul in animal form who supports you and defines who you are throughout your life. Here you will meet the panzerbjorn -- armored polar bears who cannot be tricked as long as they remain true to their fierce, honorable natures, and witches both good and bad who ride brooms like winged steeds and shoot deadly arrows at their enemies. You'll follow smart, stubborn Lyra Belaqua as she and her daemon Pantalaimon race to save children from the mysterious Gobblers and uncover the secrets of the sleekly charismatic Mrs. Coulter. The adventure moves at a breathless pace through many intricate plot twists, revealing unexpected depths. Although marketed for children, this novel and its sequels are complicated and profound enough to enchant any adult. At every turn these books address the problem we all face-- what is our true nature? What happens when we deny who we really are? I've loaned these books to friends and been cursed for getting them addicted, especially since "The Subtle Knife" ends on a total cliffhanger.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book EVER!
Review: I don't know how many times I have read and re-read this book and it never ceases to amaze me. The Golden Compass (I read it as Northern Lights) is way too good for just one reading. It follows Lyra and her discovering of Dust, and the horrible things that go with it. She is an incredibly likeable savage, and Mrs Coulter seems to jump off the page, smile seductively and make you think "is she the villain, or not?" Philip Pullman developes the plot with such skill that you cannot help but continue reading.
| 
