Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
(3 to 3.5 cannot decide)
knew going into this i would appreciate the world more than the story itself and thats about where i am after finishing reading. it is still a childrens book at the end of the day and i am very much reading this outside of the recommended age but i do admire some of its qualities
the only real point of concern i have with the golden compass on its own is that it very much suffers from being the first book in a series. the first half of the book is just lyra being passed from group to group with a forboding "shes important" said at some point by each party. if you had asked me to tell you the plot at that point i wouldve only said smth about daemons and nothing else. i just think there couldve been some fat trimmed somewhere; it still was not at all boring to read, i was just confused as to why it was taking so long for anything to happen
the aforementioned admired things: the great fated destiny of lyras is honestly a sort of complex one for a kids book and i think it is pretty neat to tell the truth (if maybe also needlessly vague at the same time?) its a nice change of pace from others of this genre ive read idk. i also did come to like lyra more than i initially was. her age was sort of offputting to me just because. Am Adult. but i do think she is a good fun child and i honestly like reading how she deduces shit and snarks. she IS a kid but not in a bad way at all esp compared to other protags . idk shes neat id catch frogs with her or let her start a child gang in my neighborhood or something who knows. i do like how this book does not dwell on its own lore at all either it just throws shit at u and is like. Take It. makes stuff baffling sometimes but its not terrible imo.
ultimately i think my initial thoughts are mostly still correct, but i am so far liking the story more than i thought i would so thats dope . im sure i might have more to say at a later point but quicker points to state: bear murder cool. dont like that monkey. her parents suck. the country of texas. theres not a single compass in this book.
knew going into this i would appreciate the world more than the story itself and thats about where i am after finishing reading. it is still a childrens book at the end of the day and i am very much reading this outside of the recommended age but i do admire some of its qualities
the only real point of concern i have with the golden compass on its own is that it very much suffers from being the first book in a series. the first half of the book is just lyra being passed from group to group with a forboding "shes important" said at some point by each party. if you had asked me to tell you the plot at that point i wouldve only said smth about daemons and nothing else. i just think there couldve been some fat trimmed somewhere; it still was not at all boring to read, i was just confused as to why it was taking so long for anything to happen
the aforementioned admired things: the great fated destiny of lyras is honestly a sort of complex one for a kids book and i think it is pretty neat to tell the truth (if maybe also needlessly vague at the same time?) its a nice change of pace from others of this genre ive read idk. i also did come to like lyra more than i initially was. her age was sort of offputting to me just because. Am Adult. but i do think she is a good fun child and i honestly like reading how she deduces shit and snarks. she IS a kid but not in a bad way at all esp compared to other protags . idk shes neat id catch frogs with her or let her start a child gang in my neighborhood or something who knows. i do like how this book does not dwell on its own lore at all either it just throws shit at u and is like. Take It. makes stuff baffling sometimes but its not terrible imo.
ultimately i think my initial thoughts are mostly still correct, but i am so far liking the story more than i thought i would so thats dope . im sure i might have more to say at a later point but quicker points to state: bear murder cool. dont like that monkey. her parents suck. the country of texas. theres not a single compass in this book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was absolutely sensational. Although it was my first time reading it felt so nostalgic and like a beautiful adventure. I found myself really believing everything that was happening at every turn. The universe that was constructed something that I fully believe exists and I cannot wait to delve into more in the following books. I think the characters are so lovable and it doesn’t stay in one plot point too long. I would definitely recommend the audiobook. It is read by the author alongside a full cast. I think that it is emotional adventurous and the perfect children’s books that trusts a child and an adult to take care of his world and his Beloved characters
Library book had to be returned... too much work... I still love you Lyra
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Northern Lights (also published as The Golden Compass) is an extraordinary introduction to the richly imagined universe of His Dark Materials. As the first book in the trilogy, it carries that special magic of discovery—of a new world, new rules, and deeply original ideas. Pullman’s universe, where every human’s soul exists outside their body in the form of an animal “daemon,” is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting. The concept is not just novel—it adds layers of symbolism and psychological insight that elevate this book far above standard fantasy fare.
At the heart of the story is Lyra, a fierce, curious, and deeply loyal protagonist whose journey takes her from the cloistered halls of Oxford to the icy reaches of the North. Along the way, she meets a cast of unforgettable characters—armoured bears, witches, scholars, and rebels—all of whom add depth and richness to her adventure. Her relationships, especially with characters like Iorek Byrnison and Farder Coram, bring warmth and resonance to the narrative.
Pullman balances action and introspection with remarkable skill. The story is full of movement—escapes, battles, betrayals—but also filled with philosophical undercurrents and moral questions. As a child, it’s easy to get lost in the magic and adventure. As an adult, the subtleties of its societal critique, its commentary on institutions, and its questions about consciousness and free will come to the forefront.
While the trilogy as a whole is outstanding, there’s something especially powerful about this first instalment—the thrill of entering an entirely new world, the beauty of its mythology, and the emotional depth of Lyra’s journey.
A book that grows with its readers, Northern Lights is as rewarding on a first read as it is on a revisit years later. Thoughtful, imaginative, and hauntingly beautiful, it’s a true classic of modern fantasy.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-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
4/5
I think I tried to read this years ago, but I struggled to get into it. The same sort of situation happened, but once I got into it, I was too intrigued to stop. I will finish the series.
I think I tried to read this years ago, but I struggled to get into it. The same sort of situation happened, but once I got into it, I was too intrigued to stop. I will finish the series.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No