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cowardlyteaman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.75
I've been very generous with the hig ratings lately, but I can't help it when so many books are good.
It's been a while since I read His Dark Materials, but I absolutely love this return of the universe. It's obvious how Malcolm Polstead influenced Lyra's subconsciousness.
However, I must admit that this book starts off so incredibly with so many amazing areas to explore, and it really raises your expectations on the story-to-come, but in the second half most of these things are pretty much just dropped? The League of St. Alexander, for example, was something I really really liked and wanted more explored in the book.
I have to leave off a note on how amazing the names in this book are, though. I will never seize to fall in love with Pullman's choices on character names. Malcolm, Asta, Asriel, Sophonax, Pantalaimon, Coram van Texel??? So sexy. Not to mention the beautiful image of the Trout you get in the first chapter—with the terrace over the water and the two peacocks.
I absolutely recommend this book.
It's been a while since I read His Dark Materials, but I absolutely love this return of the universe. It's obvious how Malcolm Polstead influenced Lyra's subconsciousness.
However, I must admit that this book starts off so incredibly with so many amazing areas to explore, and it really raises your expectations on the story-to-come, but in the second half most of these things are pretty much just dropped? The League of St. Alexander, for example, was something I really really liked and wanted more explored in the book.
I have to leave off a note on how amazing the names in this book are, though. I will never seize to fall in love with Pullman's choices on character names. Malcolm, Asta, Asriel, Sophonax, Pantalaimon, Coram van Texel??? So sexy. Not to mention the beautiful image of the Trout you get in the first chapter—with the terrace over the water and the two peacocks.
I absolutely recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, Sexual harassment, Murder, Self harm, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, and Stalking
Moderate: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Animal death, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, and Child death
Minor: Cursing
jackie_b's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Good book that was more similar to the feeling of the tv series, his dark materials, rather than the original golden compass books. I would say it moves past the age range of young adult and deals with more adult topics even though the characters are young.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Death, Grief, Murder, Sexual content, and Torture
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