Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed!
Review: I loved the Golden Compass and Subtle Knife took my breath away because there were so many twists. I waited patiently for this book and now that it is here ... I am not too happy with it. Everything and everyone in the book seem so contrived! I'm really sorry to say this because I love the concept of His Dark Materials. Yes, it would have been a wonderful parallel to Paradise Lost but Pullman does not succeed--it's a poor parody. I feel (like many readers) that Lyra's parents go into unbelievable personality changes and that really spoiled it for me. Some sections are so long and overblown while other parts are unclear. It's also a lot darker than the other two and I have to smile when I think what the Christian Right will make out of this. :) I am fine with questioning God's motives and Autnority but Pullman doesn't manage to pull these ideas off. Sorry, but I didn't fall for the 'finale' and ending either. Lyra as Eve of a New World and Eve in love? I think not. The love between Will and her is too sudden. Not enough of Lyra and P together (they used to finish each other's thoughts) though I do like the final animal he becomes.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the Greats
Review: Pullman follows goes above and beyond THE GOLDEN COMPASS and THE SUBTLE KNIFE with THE AMBER SPYGLASS. This is a forte of the science fiction/fantasy world. It is, in fact, one of the best books I have read in my life. Pullman begins where THE SUBTLE KNIFE left off, and gets into the action right away. He keeps various plots and sub-plots separate untill the thrilling climax, a tragic ending to a tragic trilogy. Thilling imagery, spine tingling suspense, and over all genius sets this book apart from the rest. A must read for all lovers of books and science fiction/fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: oh yes...
Review: Ever since I read The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife I wondered how Mr Pullman could ever tie all the lines together, but now i know. It took a genious. It makes me hopefull, since there are so many bad fantasy and science ficton books released nowadays, and allways have been, that His Dark Materials has been released. It is as if Pullman is writing in his own language, his own style. It is so different, so wonderful. I can see how some people would not like the end, but Pullman did it so wonderfully elegant that it didn't really matter. Well done Pullman! A masterpiece!
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Conclusion to A Stunning Triology
Review: The Amber Spyglass, Philip Pullman's final book in the His Dark Materials Triology, is truly well-written and a satisfactory ending to the saga of Lyra, Will, and the friends. The action alternates throughout the book switching from the experiences of Will and Lyra (which include the Land of the Dead. I can not explain without ruining the book), Dr. Mary Malone, who meets creatures who can see the elusive particle dubbed DUST, and the crusades of Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter. New characters are also introduced and old ones are brought back to finish the story. However, the end might just tear your heart out. I honestly couldn't stop thinking about the book after I read it. Though Mr. Pullman sometimes stretches the believability of his story, it remains to be a member of three of the most well-written and stunning pieces of literature ever created.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: This is one of the most brilliantly-complex stories I have ever read. The trilogy forces you to examine (or re-examine) the way you view yourself, your world, and your religion. I find it interesting that The Amber Spyglass (as well as its two prequels) are considered young adult; just because a book is about young characters doesn't necessarily make it a book for appropriate for all children. Warning: those of you who have read the first two books know that Pullman does not make things easy for his characters just because he created them. Events in these books can be difficult to take, regardless of age.
Rating:
Summary: The Amber Spyglass
Review: This book is so unbelievably good. It made me cry so much (which isn't all that bad) but it really affects a person and makes them think. I'm glad that the author doesn't have any big message besides the fact that actions are good or bad not people. And I hope that he doesn't get any holy rollers throwing a big stink over the whole concept that in the book there is no god. It was just SO GOOD. It is so descriptive,and so imaginative. Even if you aren't a big fantasy fan, it's not really like reading fantasy. It's more about the people,and what they go through (fantasy parts) is there to show how they act and react, and it's about the people, not about the parallel worlds they live in or about the places they go. And the ending is so good. It's the part that really disturbs me, and it's one of those things that you think about for a the first dayor two after reading it,wishing that it could be different but knowing that it wouldn't be as perfect any other way. Kind of like Gone With the Wind. You almost wish that there was more to the story and that things would work out (disregarding the sequel since it's written by a different author), but inside you know that some of the magic would be lost.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, yet not up to expectations
Review: The Golden Compass created the universe in which the series begins. The Subtle Knife(My favorite) complicated the plot and kept you on the edge of your seat. But alas, The Amber Spyglass falls short of expectations. True, Pullman's writing here is more describtive than ever, to an extent as which you feel like you are living in the book. You will be unable to not compare Lyra's adventures with everyday life. However, as far as story goes, what did you expect? How could Pullman tie up the infinitely complicated plot of the first two and leave everyone satisfied? Many plot lines are not resolved, and the ending will almost make you wonder why Pullman left us so coldly. Some pieces of the story feel that they should have been left out intirely, as the parts with Mary Malone and those strange animals almost put me to sleep. Nevertheless, I couldn't stop thinking how badly I wanted a better ending and about the characters long after I had finished. A good book to be sure. Go ahead and buy it, but you will no doubt be left wanting so much more.
Rating:
Summary: very stunning and powerful
Review: Pullman definitely surpasses his previous two books with this masterpiece. It is a beautiful conclusion to his action-packed and emotional The Golden Compass and the Subtle Knife, but somehow is better. It not only succeeds in that it awes and amazes the reader- it is so much more surreal. Before this trilogy, my favorite fantasy book(s) was Tolkiens classic Lord of The Rings. This trilogy definitely surpasses Tolkiens in scope, not just in grandeur, but in being both powerful and subtle. The way the ending sneaked up on me left me stunned. Normally when i finish a book (particularly a trilogy), I think about it for a while afterwards... this book left a deep impression on my mind with the images near the end. I would definitely ask Pullman to follow up on this because the ending was so heart-rending.
Rating:
Summary: The Amber Spyglass
Review: A great book. I have read many books in the same genre, and this in my opinion book is the best written of any I have read. This book is similar in writing style to other books such as Through The Ice, (Plot twists, interesting characters, descriptive language, and an amazing world. And it caps off a extraordinary series and the worse part of this book is that it ends. The Amber Spyglass is full of intersting new characters as well as the old characters such as Lyra, Will, Pantalaimon, and Iorek.that have made the trilogy so amazing. The characters change and grow in a seamless fashion, and interact as well as any other book's characters. Truthfully how can one read a book as well written as this and not agree it is a extrodinary book, you must not be a fan of the genre.
Rating:
Summary: Paradise Lost- Our Common Humanity Regained
Review: From page 479: "...She said that all the history of human life has been a struggle between wisdom and stupidity. She and the rebel angels, the followers of wisdom, have always tried to open minds; the Authority and his churches have always tried to keep them closed." Pullman shows us the common humanity of our consciousness, love and freedom; as matter cherishes dust, we must honor our own lives and respect each other. Writing with confidence and purpose, the author brings every plot and foreshadowing to a successful, though not always joyous, conclusion. Read this with your children- this is not a Harry Potter trifle- but a mature work of literature that raises themes that can change lives- children will have many questions that require careful consideration and discussion. It is chilling to read the first edition of a book that will certainly be a classic and read eagerly by many generations. How soon before the Authority tries to ban this book in school libraries? We are fortunate to have this series. Thanks Mr. Pullman.
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