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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
I'd been waiting to read this series for such a long time, and it was worth the wait. I feel like I'm torn between two really great fantasy series at the moment – His Dark Materials and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time.
I did have some trouble getting into the universe, mostly because I felt there was no set up for how different-but-similar the world of Northern Lights is. Once I got used to it, I found myself involved in the plot more and more. It became one of those books that I absolutely must sit down and finish within the day because I couldn't bear not finishing it before the night.
My only regret is that I didn't buy the second book at the same time I bought Northern Lights.
I did have some trouble getting into the universe, mostly because I felt there was no set up for how different-but-similar the world of Northern Lights is. Once I got used to it, I found myself involved in the plot more and more. It became one of those books that I absolutely must sit down and finish within the day because I couldn't bear not finishing it before the night.
My only regret is that I didn't buy the second book at the same time I bought Northern Lights.
I really expected more out of this book. It was just okay to me.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Firstly, this audiobook features an outstanding array of voice actors - not sure who played Iorek Byrnison, but he was AMAZING. Gruff, loveable with dry humour.
As for the story, I am most definitely in the minority as I found the delivery of it to be mostly meh - the beginning and end were terrific but the body was so-so. Yeah it has a lot to say about religion and science, freewill and destiny - all good things to challenge the mind and would normally keep me interested, but for me personally, it was missing something. I think it may have been that I found it tonally all over the place; it feels like a childrens' book that has YA themes but adult violence? I understand the author wasn't thinking of age group when he wrote this - much respect to him to write freely without that parameter. But that didn't work for me. Having said that, I cannot deny that I am more than a little curious what this author has install for us in books #2 and #3 - the ending of this book was cracking! Just wish the book had more of that page turning excitement throughout the book and not just at the beginning and end. I have been told to persevere with the series as books #2 and #3 are better than book #1... We'll see.
PROS: I did however care about what happened to the children and I liked that this author didn't hold back indoing the unpopular thing of killing off characters like Billy Costa and Roger.
I think the fact that this book has become somewhat of a beloved classic may have given me the impression I was in for a brilliant ride and it frankly fell short for me. And if a marvellous cast can't pique my interest then this book ain't for me. But gosh why did the ending have to be so good?!
As for the story, I am most definitely in the minority as I found the delivery of it to be mostly meh - the beginning and end were terrific but the body was so-so. Yeah it has a lot to say about religion and science, freewill and destiny - all good things to challenge the mind and would normally keep me interested, but for me personally, it was missing something. I think it may have been that I found it tonally all over the place; it feels like a childrens' book that has YA themes but adult violence? I understand the author wasn't thinking of age group when he wrote this - much respect to him to write freely without that parameter. But that didn't work for me. Having said that, I cannot deny that I am more than a little curious what this author has install for us in books #2 and #3 - the ending of this book was cracking! Just wish the book had more of that page turning excitement throughout the book and not just at the beginning and end. I have been told to persevere with the series as books #2 and #3 are better than book #1... We'll see.
PROS: I did however care about what happened to the children and I liked that this author didn't hold back in
I think the fact that this book has become somewhat of a beloved classic may have given me the impression I was in for a brilliant ride and it frankly fell short for me. And if a marvellous cast can't pique my interest then this book ain't for me. But gosh why did the ending have to be so good?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol
adventurous
lighthearted
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
I read this book when I was young but ive really enjoyed rereading it now. lyra is an amazing child filled with spirit and love and her adventure was fantastic. mrs Coulter and lord asrial can go to hell, specially after that last conversation. lyra deserves so so much better