stuhlsem's review against another edition
5.0
It seemed so revolutionary the first time. Making war on God--killing God. Mrs. Coulter lying with her entire life in order to do one good thing. Lord Asriel adn Mrs. Coulter finally united, eternally falling. That's a terrifying concept. Will and Lyra's plight was more heartbreaking this time, which isn't much of a surprise really.
All the powerful, intelligent adults are so impressed by Lyra and Will. They respect and love these children--they're what, twelve?--to what seems an absurd degree. Do there exist children like that?
"We must build our own republic of heaven wherever we are." The ending message is beautiful and poignant. Even though it's a fantasy book, with witches, angels, talking bears, the ending message is universal, practical, true. We should work to increase kindness and wisdom, happiness and patience. Which is the them of every major religion and an honorable pursuit whether you're religious or not.
All the powerful, intelligent adults are so impressed by Lyra and Will. They respect and love these children--they're what, twelve?--to what seems an absurd degree. Do there exist children like that?
"We must build our own republic of heaven wherever we are." The ending message is beautiful and poignant. Even though it's a fantasy book, with witches, angels, talking bears, the ending message is universal, practical, true. We should work to increase kindness and wisdom, happiness and patience. Which is the them of every major religion and an honorable pursuit whether you're religious or not.
kurasuta's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
steds's review against another edition
3.0
phew, a bit long overall - but i was incredibly impressed with the worlds pullman weaves by drawing on the gnostic christian gospels, lesser known apocalypses and then turning them on their head to make his not so subtle 'religion is dead' argument. almost glad i read this as an adult, made me appreciate it more. above all that, an enjoyable and compelling exploration of what is consciousness/humanity and what we will fight and die to defend, destroy or create.
dragonaion's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent ending to a fantastic series about growing up and following your own path. This trilogy is staying in my collection.
From a theology standpoint, this story is not anti-Christian (although there are a lot of negative ties and perspectives with the church that will bother some) and in fact encourages the core structures of the faith in a new (and arguably) healthier perspective. This is the one life we get, and to help others and our loved ones grow and surpass the previous generation, we should live it with kindness, joy, curiosity, and love.
From a theology standpoint, this story is not anti-Christian (although there are a lot of negative ties and perspectives with the church that will bother some) and in fact encourages the core structures of the faith in a new (and arguably) healthier perspective. This is the one life we get, and to help others and our loved ones grow and surpass the previous generation, we should live it with kindness, joy, curiosity, and love.
deborahplace's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
I don't know where to start. As we saw in The Subtle Knife, Pullman continues to make bold, polarizing decisons I don't think I like. The hardly mentioned or fleshed out villains (Metatron, the President, Father Gomez), the all of a sudden change of hearts (Mrs. Coulter, Lord Asriel, Bathalmos), Mary Malone's mostly tedious arc, the world of the dead story line... As part of the mythology and symbolism, I enjoyed these elements, but in the story itself, I really struggled or feel torn.
And the ending... That is where I am torn most of all. What a tragic, yet hopeful ending. I'm a sucker for things like this. But as I mentioned in my last review, I felt Will's presence to dominate Lyra's in many cases. I like Will and I understand his importance, but some times, I feel Pullman's authorial hand too much and it doesn't feel organic as I would like it to be. However, I love Pullman's direction. It's very conflicting.
What a journey it has been reading the entire trilogy in 2 weeks. I loved crying on public transit more times than I'd like to admit while reading these books. I'm nervous about The Book of Dust and The Commonwealth College (is that what's it's called??), but I already miss this.
I don't know where to start. As we saw in The Subtle Knife, Pullman continues to make bold, polarizing decisons I don't think I like. The hardly mentioned or fleshed out villains (Metatron, the President, Father Gomez), the all of a sudden change of hearts (Mrs. Coulter, Lord Asriel, Bathalmos), Mary Malone's mostly tedious arc, the world of the dead story line... As part of the mythology and symbolism, I enjoyed these elements, but in the story itself, I really struggled or feel torn.
And the ending... That is where I am torn most of all. What a tragic, yet hopeful ending. I'm a sucker for things like this. But as I mentioned in my last review, I felt Will's presence to dominate Lyra's in many cases. I like Will and I understand his importance, but some times, I feel Pullman's authorial hand too much and it doesn't feel organic as I would like it to be. However, I love Pullman's direction. It's very conflicting.
What a journey it has been reading the entire trilogy in 2 weeks. I loved crying on public transit more times than I'd like to admit while reading these books. I'm nervous about The Book of Dust and The Commonwealth College (is that what's it's called??), but I already miss this.
alfspoilerspren's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0
motheralwayssad's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
dylanpeace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
existentialghost's review against another edition
5.0
"Every atom of me and every atom of you" literally shaking and sobbing. Phillip, you have made an enemy of me. For the rest of my life, every midsummer at noon, I will be manifesting negative energy in your general direction.
"Build what?" "The republic of heaven" IKTR!! lyra my beloved, I'll love you forever
"Build what?" "The republic of heaven" IKTR!! lyra my beloved, I'll love you forever
tsiekie98's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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? N/A
5.0