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amaliachimera's review against another edition
3.0
This was probably a 3.5 for me! I found the writing and plot more focused than the last 2 books in His Dark Materials, which helped me enjoy it more. While I didn’t find the first half boring like a lot of other reviewers, I did enjoy the parts going down the flooded river more, especially the more mystical landings. I do wish more was explored on that, similar to the time Lyra spent in the north in the Golden Compass. It seemed like Pullman moves on very quickly from interesting elements, to perhaps fit more in. Once again I think he would benefit from an editor, maybe to steer him into lengthening the interesting sections while still staying focused on the overall story.
whatulysses's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Lacks the magic of the original series - more a slog through plot that happens to expand what we thought we knew about Lyra's world. I think, also, I just wanted The Book of Dust to not be about Special Lyra, but ultimately...it is.
That said, I like the characters we meet, and AM glad to see how the world works beyond what we saw in His Dark Materials. It feels like a story that could have played out in Michigan or Minnesota, rather than England (and actually, I wish we could see what those places were like in this world!).
Content note: This is a darker story than the original trilogy - we see humans abuse their daemons, multiple references to child sexual assault, and violence/murder.
That said, I like the characters we meet, and AM glad to see how the world works beyond what we saw in His Dark Materials. It feels like a story that could have played out in Michigan or Minnesota, rather than England (and actually, I wish we could see what those places were like in this world!).
Content note: This is a darker story than the original trilogy - we see humans abuse their daemons, multiple references to child sexual assault, and violence/murder.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, and Murder
marthegreat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
gringuitica's review against another edition
4.0
I really, really enjoyed this and can't wait to read the sequel!
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.
jessbic's review against another edition
4.0
So first off, this might be the only time I’ve found an audiobook to be a more engaging experience than reading. Michael Sheen does a crazy good job with tension/fear and giving every character a distinct voice and personality.
The characters were great, just two kids trying their best in a horrible, wet, sometimes dream-like scenario. Also loved Alice as a girl who isn’t ashamed to be angry or loud.
A shockingly useless secret society involved; can’t keep their agents alive for shit, and an actually menacing villain with no clear motives except doing fucked-up shit to innocent beings. Surprisingly dark moments too.
The characters were great, just two kids trying their best in a horrible, wet, sometimes dream-like scenario. Also loved Alice as a girl who isn’t ashamed to be angry or loud.
A shockingly useless secret society involved; can’t keep their agents alive for shit, and an actually menacing villain with no clear motives except doing fucked-up shit to innocent beings. Surprisingly dark moments too.
mena_bh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-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