Reviews

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition

3.0

I didn't quite enjoy this as much as the first two books, but as an ending to the trilogy it's a fine send-off that doesn't really dissapoint in too many respects. It looses some of the magic of the first books, but then that's part of the point of the ending. Beautiful, sad, and amazing all at the same time. I read these in their mass-market paperback form geared towards adults. I never knew they were supposed to be children's books. This is really what children need - a book that takes them seriously as readers and challenges them. Hell, we ALL need that from time to time. It's a quick read with a lot to say.

ttomassini's review against another edition

5.0

This was not my first read-through of the trilogy, but it was my first reread in well over a decade. And I loved it even more than I did the first few times I read it. It breaks your heart and makes you hopeful and wistful.

I love it so much.

gabicita's review against another edition

4.0

*4.5*

Pase la mejor noche de mi vida con este libro, a pesar de que me costó un buen terminarlo debo decir que no me arrepiento. Es increíble como tiene la valentía de juzgar y señalar a la iglesia considerando las fechas en las que se publico la trilogía.

Toda la picha que le mamaron a Harry Potter deberían mamasela a esta saga jajajaja.

#TeamLyra

vstewart76's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.25

naysayerofthenorth's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.5

elegancesicy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

cinnamonkat's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring 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

enbyglitch's review against another edition

5.0

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

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

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.