Reviews

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

jackpep's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book is where the series really takes off—and in several ways. It moves settings rapidly and while the tone of the first doesn’t change, the almost rigid plotting of the golden compass is completely changed into a multi-POV, multi-world, crazy but somehow functioning plot in this book.

Pullman’s world-building skills are incredible and there were several moments that had me shaking my head in disbelief at the scope of it all.

sumayyaha's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This definitely suffers from second book syndrome as in it had a ton of build-up - which I understand - for the next book and I can't wait. So although it was a little slow, Pullman introduces a new beloved character that I can't help adore.

kalkwiese's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

talon1010's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense 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

5.0

As with its predecessor, and triply: my life would have been different with access to this book. I do not know how, but this children's novel is the one work which most resembles Kill Six Billion Demons.
It handles magic in the most fundamental way: how do you link the mind and reality? A fundamental particle that explains dark matter?? It handles the truest plot: a pilgrimage, not by, but around the pilgrims. And it offers the initial stages of the Universal War, the war against god.
And for a final kick, there's an ad for the upcoming book, Eragon, in the back, the book that did, in fact, inform me fundamentally.
A better recommendation couldn't have been made.

denniswiersma's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

mishabow's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

savaging's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I don't know how I'm feeling about the introduction and prominence of The Boy, but at least he's nice to cats?

Also I will confess in my brain Lyra and Will are black. It makes the books better. If they make the films again, Quvenzhané Wallis should play Lyra.

ccaitlinranae's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

3.5/4

nassimd's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

4.0

kspeckl's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5