Reviews

What a sequel - 4*

Honestly, I think the last 50% could have made this 5* but I think the first part moved a little bit slowly, especially after the high intensity drama of Northern Lights.

I was a bit unsure of Will at first but I would now definitely protect him with all my life. I adore Lyra but I think the last 50 % of the book had the shock factor. I just kept going, "No way! What? Really? Noooo. I can't believe it." To be honest, I'm still shocked and I think I'll need a bit to process all the drama.

(Please note: it did not take me a month to read this book but I have been super busy with work and only just had time cause it's the HOLIDAYS!)

ivyloaf's review against another edition

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3.0

This is one of those books that I read in large chunks on accident. I check it out from the library, put off reading it until 2 days before it is due, then speed read and can't put it down, but then have to return it before I am done. Then 6 months pass and I remember that I need to finish it, and then finish it the same day. In short: it is a book I never look forward to reading, but eat up like candy when I do. I love the style of writing and ease of world building and boy did I forget how high the stakes were.

leila17's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

rhganci's review against another edition

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2.0

Pullman’s disdain for God soars in this volume, but is perhaps offset by some heavy fantasy elements, not the least of which is the subtle knife itself. But the undercurrent of hating religion, and more disturbingly, God, is so prevalent. Pullman goes so far as to name the god-figure in his series as “The Authority” and through pieces of dialogue obviously written for the purpose of establishing his villainy, refers to the story as a sort of “sequel” to Paradise Lost in which this time, heaven loses the war. And his operating assumption that God = The Church is expressly stated when a character (I can’t remember which) says that the Authority must be overthrown for the things that the Church has done in His name. And there you have it: the basis for Pullman’s books. The ironic thing that comes forth, however, is that despite Pullman’s “thesis,” Christ’s example shines through one of the most interesting characters: Lee Scoresby, from the country of Texas. He gives his life, willingly and unafraid, for Lyra out of the unconditional love he has for her. That echo of the Great Commandment must have been accidental, and not intentionally ironic, out of Pullman’s desire to add some drama and emotion to the conclusion of his book, therefore referencing God’s greatest example of what love looks like (lest we forget). What does one make of such a faux pas? Hard to say. But it sure makes for an interesting contrast between the one who gives his life and the “hero” of the story, Lord Asriel. If anything, it’s a lovely moment that reminds the reader of how powerful the true “authority” is, and how God’s grace and truth extend even to the darkest places, the ones where He has even been expressly and visciously attacked. Guess that first war in heaven wasn’t such a loss after all.

butteredgarbage's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.25

magaramach's review against another edition

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5.0

Will Parry the most caring and violent 50-year-old man hiding in the body of a 12-year-old boy of all time. and Lyra Silvertongue the smartest most manipulative little girl of all time. I love them so much.

phaedraismyusername's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

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