The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Wow is about the only word I can use to describe this moving, wonderful book. I didn't expect much out of it, I thought it was just going to be another fantasy book. But boy, was I wrong! Although it takes a chapter or two to get really into it, once you're into it, you can't put it down! Lyra is a great main character who you really learn to like and admire, and as the book went on, I started to truely HATE the "bad guys" and to love the "good guys". I was so moved when I found out what the Gobblers were doing...my mouth dropped open in horror! All I can say is to read this book, trust me, you are really missing out on something if you don't.

Rating:
Summary: The ending does have a point!
Review: I have been reading the reviews that people have written, and I was surprised to see that many reviewers thought that the book was a waste because of the ending or that many things went unanwsered. The "His Dark Materials" trilogy was supposed to be "Paradise Lost" in 1,200 pages. The idea fell in to three parts, the Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. The end of The Golden Compass was a cliff hanger just to make room for the second part of the book, just like a second chapter. If you think too many questions were not anwsered, then I suggest you read The Subtle Knife.

Rating:
Summary: Child like? Not in the least.
Review: I have to tell you, when I saw that this book was classified as "young adult" I was fairly stunned. It's true that younger readers are able to enjoy this novel, but it is truly one that older readers can embrace as their own. I was sixteen when I was given "The Golden Compass" by my uncle, who thought I might enjoy it as much as he did. He couldn't have been more right. I finished this book in record time, mostly due to the fact I could not put it down. The world Pullman creates is very different from anything we know, yet he creates it in such a way that he leaves the reader wondering if such a place really does exist. The reader forgets, if for just that moment, that there is no real "magic" and that bears do not clad themselves in iron that falls from the sky. It sounds a bit strange, I know, but the way these things are presented leaves the reader with the feeling that perhaps a parallel world like this could exist somewhere. The plot is complex, to say the least, and as some of these negative reviews will tell you, does leave quite a few unanswered questions after its cliffhanger ending. Indeed, reading its sequel, "The Subtle Knife," left me even more confused as to who is good, who is bad, and what exactly are these people planning to do? Of course, if all questions were answered there would be no room for its conclusion, "The Amber Spyglass," which I am currently awaiting with much anticipation. Younger people are able to appreciate it too. I gave it to my thirteen year old sister to read and, like me, it quickly became her favorite book of all time. To me, this book is truly the definition of a masterpiece, one that nearly anyone can enjoy. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: THE STARS TELL ALL! THIS IS THE BEST
Review: This book has a great plot and every thing it was the best book I have ever read! It is all about this girl named lyra and her deamon. When she was very young she was seperated from her family and is taken up by the master of Jordon College. When you start the book you start out in jordon college. I left out a lot of detail and if you ever want to find out READ THE BOOK!

Rating:
Summary: This is one of the BEST books ever!
Review: This book was SO great I couldn't put it down... These reviewsmight sound chezzy, but if you want to go on an exciting adventure,read this book! I loved it so much that first thing I did the next day was get the second book! You alomost feel like your there to see the gyptians, and the armored bears, and the witches, and...

Rating:
Summary: Not a fan
Review: Lovers of heavy-duty fantasy stories rejoice in this book, as evidenced by all the positive comments on this site. The rest of us can find any number of reasons not to like this series. When you get beyond the magic of having your own personal daemon, several facts are apparent: the plot is murky, especially due to Pullman's attempts to mix philosophy, religion and politics. Since he never makes it clear what he is trying to say, the effect is lost on the reader. As with many fantasy stories, it's a real slog through all the details needed to build the story. I forced my way through the story only to find out what happened. His attempt to confuse the reader as to what characters are good and bad certainly worked here. I do not consider this an appropriate book for pre-adolescent readers--the plot is too dark and there are several incidents that are quite traumatic, including what is happening to the kidnapped children, and the gory details of a climactic fight between bears. Hand me a copy of Redwall, please.

Rating:
Summary: 'Da Bomb!
Review: This is the absolute BEST book I have ever read! It is my all-time favorite! You have to read it!

Rating:
Summary: Great Cover... Greater Book
Review: Everything about this book spells out adventure and excitement. I have never seen a better book in my life. It is like the adventure inside us all waiting to happen.

Rating:
Summary: The Golden Compass
Review: The Golden Compass was a wonderfully suspensful book. Always making you want to read on. There are no slow points. I strongly recommend this book for anyone that isnt afraid to read. Includes wonderful adventures with witchcraft, other worlds,daemons, and of course the very intrepid girl Lyra. This book deserves a 5 star review.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: The Golden Compass is amazing. I'm twelve years old and was not able to put it down. It has a very complex plot. While I was reading this book it made me long to have a deomon, too. A deamon is a creature that is a part of you. It is a part of your soul and cannot go very far away from you. It can change into any animal it desires. Although once you become mature it cannot change shape any more. It takes the shape of an animal that reflects upon you. For example if you had a deamon and it was a dog then that would mean that you served someone and were loal because dogs are very loal. This book is a masterpiece and I highly recommend it to everyone.