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A review by billyjepma
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
5.0
“The Subtle Knife” confirms my theory that it is, in fact, impossible for me to read children’s literature without being emotionally devastated in some way.
While I enjoyed “The Golden Compass” a lot—rich cast, great world building—its sequel blew it right out of the water. It still has a few pacing problems, mainly in the opening chapters, but once the two protagonists cross paths the story kicks into high gear and doesn’t waste a single moment. This is a thrilling, fantastical, at-times frightening, and consistently rich story that I got irrevocably lost in.
In many ways, this feels like “The Empire Strikes Back” in terms of how it balances fantasy and darkness. There are some genuinely disturbing moments in this book, but Pullman approaches them all with a level of honesty that enriched the story tremendously. This is a “children’s book,” but there’s not a single moment that talks down to the reader. “The Subtle Knife” delves into heavy themes and subject matter with care and aplomb, making this a far richer reading experience than “The Golden Compass” was.
This book is bold and exciting and thoughtful and I was heartbroken when it ended. I’m going to be thinking about it for a long time.
While I enjoyed “The Golden Compass” a lot—rich cast, great world building—its sequel blew it right out of the water. It still has a few pacing problems, mainly in the opening chapters, but once the two protagonists cross paths the story kicks into high gear and doesn’t waste a single moment. This is a thrilling, fantastical, at-times frightening, and consistently rich story that I got irrevocably lost in.
In many ways, this feels like “The Empire Strikes Back” in terms of how it balances fantasy and darkness. There are some genuinely disturbing moments in this book, but Pullman approaches them all with a level of honesty that enriched the story tremendously. This is a “children’s book,” but there’s not a single moment that talks down to the reader. “The Subtle Knife” delves into heavy themes and subject matter with care and aplomb, making this a far richer reading experience than “The Golden Compass” was.
This book is bold and exciting and thoughtful and I was heartbroken when it ended. I’m going to be thinking about it for a long time.