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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
I read this book (and this series) countless times as a kid. It was one of those favourites I always came back to at random times, my comfort read that never failed to please. I decided to re-read His Dark Materials because of La Belle Sauvage and also because, while studying for my British Romanticism Course, I saw many of Pullman's influences, and thought it'd be fun to read now that I've also studied the OG sources in detail.
Reading this as an adult feels weird. I never realised as a kid how FAST this goes. Pullman doesn't waste a scene; there's always tension and the quintessential elements of an adventure. I have to say, this is a unique setting. The world, the names, the people. It may be that I haven't read fantasy extensively, but I don't think I've ever come across another world that gave off a similar atmosphere to this one. I won't spoil it in case there's still people interested in the genre who haven't read this, but it really reads like a real fleshed-out world, which is amazing considering how small this book is. The world-building is astounding considering how much of it is excluded or based on inference. This is something I appreciate immensely in good children's books; being able to set an atmosphere or provide a setting without drowning your narrative in words. Less is more in some cases.
Lyra's story-making is so annoying at times, but she's a good character. I think she's very well-written compared to a lot of other female heroines I can think off. Of course I didn't try to do a close reading of this and suck out all the fun from reading, but, in general, I think this book holds up pretty well and will continue to do so. Reading this made me realise how mediocre La Belle Sauvage is. Not that it's a bad book, absolutely not, but, well, that book should've been a novella, in my opinion. Still, can't wait to finish His Dark Materials so I can read The Secret Commonwealth!
Anyway. I really recommend this book. Give it to your kids, please! As soon as possible. As for adults; why haven't you read this already....plz
Reading this as an adult feels weird. I never realised as a kid how FAST this goes. Pullman doesn't waste a scene; there's always tension and the quintessential elements of an adventure. I have to say, this is a unique setting. The world, the names, the people. It may be that I haven't read fantasy extensively, but I don't think I've ever come across another world that gave off a similar atmosphere to this one. I won't spoil it in case there's still people interested in the genre who haven't read this, but it really reads like a real fleshed-out world, which is amazing considering how small this book is. The world-building is astounding considering how much of it is excluded or based on inference. This is something I appreciate immensely in good children's books; being able to set an atmosphere or provide a setting without drowning your narrative in words. Less is more in some cases.
Lyra's story-making is so annoying at times, but she's a good character. I think she's very well-written compared to a lot of other female heroines I can think off. Of course I didn't try to do a close reading of this and suck out all the fun from reading, but, in general, I think this book holds up pretty well and will continue to do so. Reading this made me realise how mediocre La Belle Sauvage is. Not that it's a bad book, absolutely not, but, well, that book should've been a novella, in my opinion. Still, can't wait to finish His Dark Materials so I can read The Secret Commonwealth!
Anyway. I really recommend this book. Give it to your kids, please! As soon as possible. As for adults; why haven't you read this already....plz
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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:
No
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reread, dragged a bit.
Hard to review this one because I’ve watched the movie a lot as a kid (I know it’s supposed to be terrible but you know how it is when you have certain dvds in your house you’re bound to watch them at least 40 times each). So I kind of always knew what was coming next which isn’t necessarily very entertaining.
Struggled a bit with the writing too which I found a bit cold.
Will definitely continue though as I have literally zero memory of what comes next.
Hard to review this one because I’ve watched the movie a lot as a kid (I know it’s supposed to be terrible but you know how it is when you have certain dvds in your house you’re bound to watch them at least 40 times each). So I kind of always knew what was coming next which isn’t necessarily very entertaining.
Struggled a bit with the writing too which I found a bit cold.
Will definitely continue though as I have literally zero memory of what comes next.
this story is so RICH and the audiobook really brings it to life. the descriptive language is so enthralling. the characters are endearing and i'm fascinated by them and their world and the magic and the bears... i'm so excited to continue with the series.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed the beginning of this book but by the end I was disillusioned. I felt that Lyra did not stay true to her do anything, never afraid attitude. I also felt like the author was at once trying to make her an adult and a child, but the childish parts seemed very contrived and false. I’m also a bit mystified by the Church’s rage over this book… Maybe the rest of the series will clarify the insults and connections.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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