estherdb's review against another edition
4.0
At this point in the series, I feel like A LOT of backstory still needs to be unravelled. There is so much going on in this book: kidnappings, a magic "compass" (aka alethiometer), animalistic personifications of the soul walking right beside you (aka dæmons), Bear royalty issues that need to be solved, weird parental decision making (), the Dust mystery, some talk of parallel universes (which I still don't quite get ), and let's not forget about panserbjørne, witches, cliff-ghasts.
Don't get me wrong, I really loved reading this book - it was fun to be able to lose myself in a world full of wonder and magic -, but like I said, there was a lot going on! (Which, at the same time, doesn't leave you any time to get bored and makes you really want to continue reading.)
Looking forward to unravelling more info in the next instalment!
One thing thoug: Lyra - in my opinion - sometimes feels a little too rational and cunning for a 12-year-old. (Which sometimes got me saying "I'm not buying it" to myself.)
P.S.: who would not be intrigued by the idea of having a dæmon?! I have been thinking about what shape my dæmon would have settled in non-stop.
P.P.S.: all the religious shizzle and discussion surrounding this book? I don't see the issue. (Then again, I'm an atheist.)
Spoiler
And here I am looking at you, Lord "madcap" Asriel and Mrs "downright evil" Coulter.Spoiler
, that bridge spanning two universes was the stuff LSD trips are made ofDon't get me wrong, I really loved reading this book - it was fun to be able to lose myself in a world full of wonder and magic -, but like I said, there was a lot going on! (Which, at the same time, doesn't leave you any time to get bored and makes you really want to continue reading.)
Looking forward to unravelling more info in the next instalment!
One thing thoug: Lyra - in my opinion - sometimes feels a little too rational and cunning for a 12-year-old. (Which sometimes got me saying "I'm not buying it" to myself.)
P.S.: who would not be intrigued by the idea of having a dæmon?! I have been thinking about what shape my dæmon would have settled in non-stop.
P.P.S.: all the religious shizzle and discussion surrounding this book? I don't see the issue. (Then again, I'm an atheist.)
minireader's review against another edition
5.0
So many twists and turns! Because it's like our world, but it isn't. I love this book!
katofalltrades's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Easy listen, fun adventure
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
basic_lit_24's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sidtrass's review against another edition
5.0
I have now completed this entire series, so I feel I can leave an honest review. I LOVE this series. I went into it relatively excited, as it sounded quite good and I always wanted to get to read it as a child, and wasn't able to.
While I am sad that younger me missed out, I am partially excited I got to read this as and adult, and probably get more out if it.
I am not sure why those of Catholic Faith find this so offensive, I don't think it mocks any religion. In fact, I think it is a great series that helps children see what religion SHOULD be vs. what if CAN BE when abused. I would think that is a very important lesson anyone would want their children to be aware of.
The writing is phenomenal, the character development is done well and the world building is quite nice. I was so invested in Lyra and her daemon and the journey they went on. Upon finishing each book, I couldn't get to the next one fast enough. I blew through this series, and I cannot wait to now watch the HBO show on it and see this story play out visually.
I will recommend this series forever, I would encourage anyone to have their children read it, and I will likely read this again in a few years to live it all again. I loved it. It will forever be one of my favorites.
While I am sad that younger me missed out, I am partially excited I got to read this as and adult, and probably get more out if it.
I am not sure why those of Catholic Faith find this so offensive, I don't think it mocks any religion. In fact, I think it is a great series that helps children see what religion SHOULD be vs. what if CAN BE when abused. I would think that is a very important lesson anyone would want their children to be aware of.
The writing is phenomenal, the character development is done well and the world building is quite nice. I was so invested in Lyra and her daemon and the journey they went on. Upon finishing each book, I couldn't get to the next one fast enough. I blew through this series, and I cannot wait to now watch the HBO show on it and see this story play out visually.
I will recommend this series forever, I would encourage anyone to have their children read it, and I will likely read this again in a few years to live it all again. I loved it. It will forever be one of my favorites.
dreyesbo's review against another edition
5.0
Great book. Good story, keeps you invested in the protagonist. The daemons, as portrayed here, are a great addition to fantasy lore.
kindlereads's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book! I'm sorry I drug my feet in deciding to read it. Magical realism at its best. Wonderful characters, solid plot, the absence of black and white among the bad guys. Death of favored characters, terrible things happening but in a way that doesn't fully touch the real world so you can watch, feel their pain but not have it be icky in a real world kind of way. The only part that made me very unhappy was that it ended on a cliff hanger.
anastasiaadamov's review against another edition
3.0
I had trouble reading this book in the start. Later on it fascinated me with the plot progressing. There were some confusing moments and the motives were intriguing enough.
I remain undecided should i continue with this book series...
I remain undecided should i continue with this book series...