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A review by thepaperwitch
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
5.0
This book series is absolutely my favorite. Combining ideas from physics and philosophy, as well as deep character development, intricate story-telling, questioning "authority" and what you are told to believe, the natural sexual development we all go through (and the panic that this causes in others, especially adults), and notions of fate, purpose, and putting what must be done ahead of your own wants. It interestingly intertwines science-mindedness with mystical notions to create a unique story.
As for the final book specifically, the ending was not your classical "happy ending," but it is deeply (though heartbreaking-ly) satisfying. It follows through with the continuing theme of putting the needs of others ahead of your own wants, which also ties onto the thread of fate that has been running through the previous books. There is almost too much to write about because the book(s) speak strongly for themselves. Readers should also keep in mind that this story is meant to be a kind of retold inversion of Milton's Paradise Lost, so being familiar with that story, though it in no way is essential, will offer additional structure and depth to the trilogy. I highly recommend it.
As for the final book specifically, the ending was not your classical "happy ending," but it is deeply (though heartbreaking-ly) satisfying. It follows through with the continuing theme of putting the needs of others ahead of your own wants, which also ties onto the thread of fate that has been running through the previous books. There is almost too much to write about because the book(s) speak strongly for themselves. Readers should also keep in mind that this story is meant to be a kind of retold inversion of Milton's Paradise Lost, so being familiar with that story, though it in no way is essential, will offer additional structure and depth to the trilogy. I highly recommend it.