Reviews

What an absolute joy this trilogy was. Granted - parts were slow and sometimes it felt like the fantasy elements were a little underused. But ultimately this trilogy delivers incredible fantasy and a perfect message: Enact and build the change you want to see in the world.

Pullman conveys this message as going against the desires of the Church, which is why the books have been banned in many places. Frankly, I agree with his position; The notion of unquestioning Catholic obeisance to authority stands directly in the way of individual enlightenment, and therefore of self/societal improvement.

Can't recommend this series highly enough

kat1776's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lucyblack's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The last long tale about Lyra and Will. Too much of this book was journeys and war planning, battles and political intrigue. I still enjoyed it though, particularly scientist Mary and the gay angels. I could write a whole essay about sex and these books.

cherub__'s review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Amber Spyglass is by far the strongest book of the series. It finishes with a bang what The Golden Compass started. More thoughtful, more reflective, and darker both literally and figuratively than its predecessors. I can see why people of devout religious faith hated this book when it came out; there's some actual, honest to God heresy in here in ways not so blatant in the earlier books. Delightful!

booksnthreads's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

bewildered_fox's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

3.25

crystal_reading's review against another edition

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3.0

Not my favorite. After the first book the series went downhill. Tooooo much detail. Argh.

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