linksthesun's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
abender21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
waitenathan's review against another edition
4.0
Great, engaging story throughout. Very engaging. I thought all the anti-church, original sin stuff would be on some obscure allegorical level, but nope, it spells it all out there quite literally. The last couple chapters seem rather out of place, like the author was just weaving the whole tale to get to his little personal diatribe. I'll be intrigued to read the next one.
saluki's review against another edition
5.0
His Dark Materials deserved its third place on the BBC Big Read (2003) of The Nation's 100 Best Loved Books... and, of course, I voted for the book back then even though I'd only read about a third of the list at that point.
So, fifteen years after the first read, does it still strike such a responsive chord in me?
Yes! And then some. There are so many themes and big ideas explored in Northern Lights yet Pullman still delivers a fantastic adventure story so the book can be read on many levels. Initially it's a story about sinister happenings as children are disappearing at the hands of the Gobblers. Lyra's friend Roger disappears which incites Lyra to rescue him and her journey will teach her things about humanity and the world that will shape her life irrevocably.
Pullman's creation of Daemons is so imaginative and easy to direct in the mind though sadly not on the big screen although I have higher hopes for the BBC TV series with Jack Thorne adapting the books. Expected to air in autumn 2017 and being produced in Wales too... Woot! I'll be watching that.
Daemons as creatures are the outward manifestation of a human soul and an inseparable part of being. Lyra's Pantalaimon represents her soul perfectly changing his creature forms depending on situation, circumstance or emotions. Daemon's eventually keep a fixed form in adulthood and it's interesting which creatures are paired with older characters. Still, it is the existence of daemons and the mystery of Dust, or dark matter, that is most significant in the plot but adds lots of layers of magical, philosophical and scientific thought. And then there is the Aurora Borealis and parallel worlds or universes. Big ideas and seamlessly written. But, it's still Lyra and Pantalaimon with their interactions and mix of innocence and guile that initially attracts... simply great characters. The story starts in a Victorian inspired Oxford setting and the world building is a phenomenal development which expands in subsequent books.
I meant to revisit this trilogy when I bought these tenth anniversary editions five years ago. It was great to get reacquainted with some favourite characters especially Iorek Byrnison, an armoured bear, and mercenary balloonist Lee Scoresby, among others. The new notes in this edition by Lord Asriel from the Jordan College library is a fun addition too.
I'm sure I'll read this book again at some point. And, Pullman is currently working hard on getting The Book of Dust finished. I want it... like, yesterday!
kcoccia's review against another edition
2.0
I tried... I really did. Read about 140 pages and decided I couldn't do it anymore. So I skimmed and then looked up what happens.
I might have outgrown these books or something.
I might have outgrown these books or something.
bookshop_b's review against another edition
2.0
I reckon I would have enjoyed this book a whole lot more if I was 12 years old
theatomicpirategirl's review against another edition
4.0
Though tagged as a childern's novel, The Golden Compass is an intriguing read for adults who are not afraid to think outside of their own ideology to view that of another. Pullman's writing is simple and to the point, but at the same time, laced with mystery of Lyra's world and what lies beyond what she (and we as well) know.
jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition
5.0
This is an incredible book. Lyra and her England are forever burned into my memory. There are such great characters in this book and the main premise is fascinating. I read it a few years ago and had to read each of the other books right away. I hope the movie turns out well and brings more "His Dark Materials" fans with it!
deliriah's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Animal cruelty, Child death, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, and Gun violence
f4rhana's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5