annebennett1957's review against another edition
5.0
I loved His Dark Materials series and this, its prequel, is off to a sensational start. I was so wrapped up in the chase and the adventure. The ending though cut me off at the knees. When will the next book be published? I really think readers should start with The Gold Compass, the first book in the initial series.
laura_here's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
soinavoice's review against another edition
4.0
Seems Philip Pullman is working his way through the classics of Early Modern English literature--not content with writing a trilogy based on Paradise Lost, he's written a prequel based (appropriately enough) on the Faerie Queene. And I guess my issues with this book are similar to my issues with the Faerie Queene: namely, this book is all over the place.
I mean, it's wonderful, don't get me wrong. Incredibly engaging--Pullman's characters and world building are good as ever. It's just that halfway through, the book changes from a kind of historical thriller--the protagonist is an eleven year old boy who gets caught up in the world of intrigue between the church and the secret organization opposing it--to a bizarre, Spenserian Odyssey, almost without warning. Which, don't get me wrong, both parts were great, but what I'm left with at the end of this novel is... wtf just happened? It was as if Pullman spent the first half of the book diligently setting up the backstory to His Dark Materials and then decided, 'eh, enough of that, I'm going to do what I want,' and what he wanted was, apparently, The Faerie Queene.
That's why this is a four star novel rather than a five, for me. Too many strings left untied, and while I recognize that was probably a deliberate choice, I'm left feeling unsatisfied, and in a way I'm not sure the next books in the series will help.
But you should definitely read it anyway. I know I'll be coming back to it.
I mean, it's wonderful, don't get me wrong. Incredibly engaging--Pullman's characters and world building are good as ever. It's just that halfway through, the book changes from a kind of historical thriller--the protagonist is an eleven year old boy who gets caught up in the world of intrigue between the church and the secret organization opposing it--to a bizarre, Spenserian Odyssey, almost without warning. Which, don't get me wrong, both parts were great, but what I'm left with at the end of this novel is... wtf just happened? It was as if Pullman spent the first half of the book diligently setting up the backstory to His Dark Materials and then decided, 'eh, enough of that, I'm going to do what I want,' and what he wanted was, apparently, The Faerie Queene.
That's why this is a four star novel rather than a five, for me. Too many strings left untied, and while I recognize that was probably a deliberate choice, I'm left feeling unsatisfied, and in a way I'm not sure the next books in the series will help.
But you should definitely read it anyway. I know I'll be coming back to it.
ashleigh's review against another edition
3.0
edit: two years later, I'm still not cool with what happens at the end. it was just.... very unnecessary. I'm disappointed because I know Pullman is a better writer than that.
this was pretty weird and i think i have to marinate on it for a while before i rate it! i will say that the first half is sllloooowwwww but the second half makes up for it, pace-wise.
this was pretty weird and i think i have to marinate on it for a while before i rate it! i will say that the first half is sllloooowwwww but the second half makes up for it, pace-wise.
wiebkii's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
denalee94's review against another edition
5.0
I read the His Dark Materials series last year (?) and fell in love with the world it created, so I had to read the prequel! I had high expectations and did not disappoint; the writing style was consistent with the original trilogy, the plot held my attention consistently throughout and I found myself looking forward to when I could read more. I'm going to re-read His Dark Materials now so I can read the new Book of Dust volume 2, which is set after the original trilogy!
harry_gl's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the story, but there was a lot of animals being hurt in this book which dropped it from 4 stars to 3 for me.
jamesgoux's review against another edition
3.0
Not unlike the Hobbit to the HDM trilogy. Simple, youthful, a bit magical in a mysterious way.