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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Although I'll likely finish the series I don't have a strong opinion of the story or plot or characters of this book. But dang . I think I'm not going to surprise anyone when I say that this series was written as an anti-theist reply to the Narnia series. I say anti-theist instead of atheist because you can't make the Catholic church the villain of a fantasy story without having to admit hatred for the Catholic church. Do I understand why Pullman hates the Catholic church? Absolutely! But I feel there's something very different between hating religion and having no religion. Philip Pullman did well narrating his book.
If you're looking for a fantasy series for the younger crowd I'd go with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children instead of this or Narnia.
Spoiler
Lyra's parents really suckIf you're looking for a fantasy series for the younger crowd I'd go with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children instead of this or Narnia.
Audiobook - trying to get it all in before the HBO series starts. Still as excellent as when I first read the book at 11 years old.
I wanted a magical Christmassy book and decided to read the Northern Lights trilogy again, not realising it was 10 years since I last read them. I can barely remember anything about the story so at least it feels fresh! It’s magical and fast-paced and I love the daemons. Lyra’s prophecy being that she shouldn’t understood her purpose is interesting. I’ll keep reading!
I first read this trilogy in London in 2004, during a long winter of delicious unemployment and travel. I remember spending hours curled up on a spare bed by a window, using the brief hours of sunlight to delve into this mysterious universe of humans with animal daemons/familiars/spirit animals, of gypsies and witches, yet somehow with a twist steampunk as well. Pullman does a great job of bringing together a range of philosophical/theological questions and anchoring them to his plot with a sense of wonder, and my first reading (of all three books) took me a matter of days.
None of the magic was lost in re reading this first book over last summer, not even after the appalling film adaptation of a few years ago. I was more aware of the intricacies of the web of stakeholders in the world of Lyra's Oxford this time, and I found Lord Asriel more disturbing (knowing his motives) than on my first reading. Again, I felt a powerful pang of jealousy at the bond enjoyed by the characters and their daemons. I want one!
It left me hungry for the next two books, but sadly I believe I will be unable to spare the attention for some time yet. This trilogy should be compulsory reading for all teenagers.
None of the magic was lost in re reading this first book over last summer, not even after the appalling film adaptation of a few years ago. I was more aware of the intricacies of the web of stakeholders in the world of Lyra's Oxford this time, and I found Lord Asriel more disturbing (knowing his motives) than on my first reading. Again, I felt a powerful pang of jealousy at the bond enjoyed by the characters and their daemons. I want one!
It left me hungry for the next two books, but sadly I believe I will be unable to spare the attention for some time yet. This trilogy should be compulsory reading for all teenagers.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
One of the most ingenious and well-written alternate-world fantasies I've read.
It was a little difficult to get locked into this book because it gave a lot of information very quickly, but as soon as I was hooked, I was hooked.
Settling into what was an alternate reality, to me, through the eyes of a headstrong child grown in that world was a brilliant way to explore innocence and then the subsequent destruction of innocence. Her initial naivety makes the events of the book much more heartbreaking. Classic themes but done really well and enhanced by the fantasy setting.
Pullman is a brilliant writer if not a little pompous but this book has such an interesting concept, characters and world build.
I will be buying and then inhaling the next book as soon as I can.
Settling into what was an alternate reality, to me, through the eyes of a headstrong child grown in that world was a brilliant way to explore innocence and then the subsequent destruction of innocence. Her initial naivety makes the events of the book much more heartbreaking. Classic themes but done really well and enhanced by the fantasy setting.
Pullman is a brilliant writer if not a little pompous but this book has such an interesting concept, characters and world build.
I will be buying and then inhaling the next book as soon as I can.
Really enjoyable read, overall a heartwarming fantasy story with fun characters - perfect for fans of Harry Potter. I was pushed to finally read it because of the HBO show and all the good things I'd been hearing about the book from friends. I usually prefer to read the book before watching the show and this one seemed right up my alley and I'm glad I did.
It was a strong 5 stars throughout for me but at the end was a bit disappointing - a bit of an unexciting cliffhanger to get you to read the next one. Not sure if I will but am excited to watch the show.
It was a strong 5 stars throughout for me but at the end was a bit disappointing - a bit of an unexciting cliffhanger to get you to read the next one. Not sure if I will but am excited to watch the show.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
stellar opening to the trilogy, really sets up the next two books beautifully. there are some jumpy pacing moments but the imagery of this novel is extremely high given the age of the intended audience
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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:
No