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mozzare11a's review against another edition
4.0
First half > second half because of the multitude of dropped plot points. Justice for Hannah!
allison_reader's review against another edition
3.0
This started out really good but then petered off and I found it harder to sustain interest, hence taking a while to finish. The flood section of the novel had too many similar suspense moments with convenient saves punctuated by a couple random supernatural situations that just didn’t make sense as to why they were included. I guess this is a younger-leaning novel, but the Golden Compass was so well done it makes this in comparison a little disappointing. I still want to read the rest of the series, although I didn’t really get from this installment what the series is ultimately about (oh wait, Dust- but why?) - the majority of this story was about protecting Lyra from people who want to take her away and getting her to Jordan College (where we find her at the beginning of the Golden Compass). Hopefully the next book will be more involved, detailed and answer some of the questions hanging from this book.
elodie_stj's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
bustyphillips's review against another edition
4.0
Very good but so far this series is no His Dark Materials. Nor is any other series ever written, to be fair!
toc's review against another edition
3.0
A fun book. Very reminiscent of The Golden Compass. Which won't come as a surprise because it takes place in Lyra's world. Lyra is even a character throughout most of the book.
And it's a fun world, no doubt. Sort of our same time frame but with enough of a different historical path to make it interesting. And Malcolm is quite the little boy! Smart, honest, hard-working, surprising.
I think you'll enjoy this adventure. I can wait for the next one but will anticipate it. (because you know this is just the first in a trilogy)
And kudos to Mr. Sheen for his excellent voice work and characterization! I'm sure it was immensely more enjoyable because of his effort.
And it's a fun world, no doubt. Sort of our same time frame but with enough of a different historical path to make it interesting. And Malcolm is quite the little boy! Smart, honest, hard-working, surprising.
I think you'll enjoy this adventure. I can wait for the next one but will anticipate it. (because you know this is just the first in a trilogy)
And kudos to Mr. Sheen for his excellent voice work and characterization! I'm sure it was immensely more enjoyable because of his effort.
literary_reference's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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? Yes
5.0
kluthek's review against another edition
4.0
It's nice to be able to return to the world of Lyra's Oxford and this is definitely a story for adult fans of the original series. Like, I'm shocked how much violence, pedophilia (!!), and rape are in this book? It's 100% not for kids.
Anyway, I would have liked the story better if it was completely separate from the original trilogy. I don't think anything was added to the original trilogy by having a prequel.
Anyway, I would have liked the story better if it was completely separate from the original trilogy. I don't think anything was added to the original trilogy by having a prequel.
big_dreamer's review against another edition
4.0
E' stato bello tornare nel mondo di Queste oscure materie, nel mondo di Lyra. Solo che qui Lyra è una neonata di pochi mesi ed è già sotto l'attenzione del Magisterium, che la ritiene molto importante. Adesso però sono curiosa di sapere cosa ne sarà di Malcolm,
Spoiler
visto che nella saga principale di lui non c'è tracciaizzyniccraith's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
fitheflea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I think I preferred the second half? The whole canoe odyssey was fun and all but Bonneville felt like a manufactured villain who could follow them impossibly persistently and also his whole deal wasn't really explained. The first part felt more dynamic with more characters and scenes and plotlines. The priory rescue was the most exciting bit of part 2!