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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I really liked the ending, but overall the book was too much. Too many interconnected yet disparate threads.
It's a wonderful ending to a wonderful series.
It has the same quality as the other two in the triology: wonderful, sophisticated world building; compelling and psychologically complicated characters; and cleverly interwoven philosophical and political statements. I like to see the entire series as a coming of age tale for Lyra (also to Will but a lesser extent). The climax was tense - lots of fighting that I felt tempted to skim but didn't, and it really paid off in the ending.
I will try my best to remain spoiler free, but I do believe that the best way to enjoy this series is to walk into it completely blind, so skip the rest if you want to retain that experience.
The great things that stood out for me in this book in particular was the stunning setting of the mulefa world. I love the mulefa world and Mary's work there - it was fine anthropological work, I've always been interested in that field and know great field anthropologists when I see one. Another was how Mrs Coulter went through great character development in this book. She was already a delight to read about despite her great cruelty in the first two books, and here the way she changed and remained consistent was really wonderful. Then the ending. I know it's been talked about a lot, but I love this ending. It's sad but not in a crushing, unfair way. It feels like we're being rewarded for sticking to the end, but not completely indulged in bliss. And finally, I love how the book subtlely conveyed bold political statements against religion and the way Pullman views the meaning of life. It's really powerful stuff and would do wonders to teenagers (target reader of the series) and adults alike. It consolidates my beliefs and I feel like I'm not alone in this.
It has the same quality as the other two in the triology: wonderful, sophisticated world building; compelling and psychologically complicated characters; and cleverly interwoven philosophical and political statements. I like to see the entire series as a coming of age tale for Lyra (also to Will but a lesser extent). The climax was tense - lots of fighting that I felt tempted to skim but didn't, and it really paid off in the ending.
I will try my best to remain spoiler free, but I do believe that the best way to enjoy this series is to walk into it completely blind, so skip the rest if you want to retain that experience.
The great things that stood out for me in this book in particular was the stunning setting of the mulefa world. I love the mulefa world and Mary's work there - it was fine anthropological work, I've always been interested in that field and know great field anthropologists when I see one. Another was how Mrs Coulter went through great character development in this book. She was already a delight to read about despite her great cruelty in the first two books, and here the way she changed and remained consistent was really wonderful. Then the ending. I know it's been talked about a lot, but I love this ending. It's sad but not in a crushing, unfair way. It feels like we're being rewarded for sticking to the end, but not completely indulged in bliss. And finally, I love how the book subtlely conveyed bold political statements against religion and the way Pullman views the meaning of life. It's really powerful stuff and would do wonders to teenagers (target reader of the series) and adults alike. It consolidates my beliefs and I feel like I'm not alone in this.
adventurous
dark
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
adventurous
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
This was one of my favorite book series growing up. It broke my heart then and it still breaks my heart that Lyra and Will could not be together. Such a wonderful story about love, loss, and growing up. It had a significant impact on my life.
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes