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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Holy world-building, Batman. It's been so many years since I read this that it was like reading it for the first time, and I enjoyed it so much! The way the complex world is worked so seamlessly into the action-packed plot is so impressive, and all of the characters are vivid and compelling. There's a reason this book is so widely beloved!
This book is a fantastic example of so many elements I love:
I love stories that are well written from a child's perspective. Lyra is a balanced blend: smart enough to hold conversations with adults, observant enough to pick up adult cues or dialogue not meant for her, but childish enough to get into trouble.
I love fictional universes extremely similar to human Earth, especially when writing for young adults. It keeps the new information to a digestible level while still adding magic, and it's easier to picture yourself in the fantasy. The daemons are a perfect idea. I wish I had one, I like to think it would settle as a fox.
Many fantasy universes cast other species or populations as overly anthropomorphized or too typical. I love stories with legitimately different (and often extremely dangerous) adjacent character groups; they keep the story moving in unexpected directions, because their actions don't have to be believable from human motivations.
The dragons of Earthsea are my favorite example, but the armored bears here are a close second, and the witches are great as well.
Typically I don't like audiobooks with multiple voice actors. For a single narrator to maintain multiple voices, they need overly dramatic, almost cartoony aspects to keep each voice distinct. Using a cast of actors removes that need, and the result often feels more like watching a movie with your eyes closed than being read a story. This cast kept the storytime in their voices, despite mostly being one character per actor, and I loved it all the more for it. Iorek Byrnison is a top-5 all time character voice.
This book is a great example of one clearly written as the first in a series while not feeling underdone. It has every element a story needs, it just doesn't have a satisfying ending - that's what propels me into the next book.
I love stories that are well written from a child's perspective. Lyra is a balanced blend: smart enough to hold conversations with adults, observant enough to pick up adult cues or dialogue not meant for her, but childish enough to get into trouble.
I love fictional universes extremely similar to human Earth, especially when writing for young adults. It keeps the new information to a digestible level while still adding magic, and it's easier to picture yourself in the fantasy. The daemons are a perfect idea. I wish I had one, I like to think it would settle as a fox.
Many fantasy universes cast other species or populations as overly anthropomorphized or too typical. I love stories with legitimately different (and often extremely dangerous) adjacent character groups; they keep the story moving in unexpected directions, because their actions don't have to be believable from human motivations.
The dragons of Earthsea are my favorite example, but the armored bears here are a close second, and the witches are great as well.
Typically I don't like audiobooks with multiple voice actors. For a single narrator to maintain multiple voices, they need overly dramatic, almost cartoony aspects to keep each voice distinct. Using a cast of actors removes that need, and the result often feels more like watching a movie with your eyes closed than being read a story. This cast kept the storytime in their voices, despite mostly being one character per actor, and I loved it all the more for it. Iorek Byrnison is a top-5 all time character voice.
This book is a great example of one clearly written as the first in a series while not feeling underdone. It has every element a story needs, it just doesn't have a satisfying ending - that's what propels me into the next book.
adventurous
hopeful
this book absolutely terrified me as a child and now at the ripe age of almost 30 I can safely say: I was right it is fucking terrifying lol
3,5. Det kunne snildt have været fire stjerner, hvis ikke hele midten var så dødkedelig. Slutningen var skøn!
I had to read this classic not just because the movie is coming out ok. Anyway it is a stunning page turner. So much so that my boyfriend said "I'm getting a little worried about you and that book." If you are looking for a big adventure with a great female main character check this one out.
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Classism
Moderate: Child death, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Religious bigotry
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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
I can see why this book was immensely popular, but it really wasn't for me. I just didn't jive well with the main protagonist as I found her to be quite annoying. The story and plot were decent, as were the other characters, and the book wasn't lacking in content. I do recommend the book, but it's target audience was definitely children.