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The Amber Spyglass The Amber Spyglass is the final book in Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy. I felt that it continued the trend away from the action of the first book, towards a Miltonesque saga, which leaves me even more confused as to who the readership of the books is supposed to be. Possibly Pullman expected his readers to grow up as the books were published, so the first is more (although not totally) suitable for children. That is all very well, but now that they are all available, it makes it hard to recommend the trilogy as a whole (which is how it needs to be read) to any particular readers. The book is slower to get started than the previous two, with multiple threads to follow, but there's still plenty of Pullman's unique inventiveness, and his mixing of magic and science. Finishing off a trilogy like this is no easy task, and I thought that Pullman did pretty well, although I was a bit confused about Mary Malone and Lyra's temptation, which seemed to be what the book was leading up to. I would say that if you like a good story and don't mind Pullman's strange take on various subjects then you should give these books a try.
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Paperback
544 pages
ISBN: 0440418569
Salesrank: 80629
Weight:0.75 lbs | | Published: 2003 Yearling | | Amazon price $7.50 | | Marketplace:New from $2.24:Used from $0.01 |
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| Amazon.ca info
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Paperback
544 pages
ISBN: 0440418569
Salesrank: 93936
Weight:0.75 lbs | | Published: 2003 Yearling | | Amazon price CDN$ 9.99 | | Marketplace:New from CDN$ 2.14:Used from CDN$ 0.01 |
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| Buy from Amazon.ca |
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| Product Description
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The Amber Spyglass brings the intrigue of The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife to a heart-stopping end, marking the final volume of His Dark Materials as the most powerful of the trilogy.
Along with the return of Lyra, Will, Mrs. Coulter, Lord Asriel, Dr. Mary Malone, and Iorek Byrnison the armored bear, come a host of new characters: the Mulefa, mysterious wheeled creatures with the power to see Dust; Gallivespian Lord Roke, a hand-high spymaster to Lord Asriel; and Metatron, a fierce and mighty angel. So, too, come startling revelations: the painful price Lyra must pay to walk through the land of the dead, the haunting power of Dr. Malone's amber spyglass, and the names of who will live--and who will die--for love. And all the while, war rages with the Kingdom of Heaven, a brutal battle that--in its shocking outcome--will uncover the secret of Dust. Philip Pullman deftly brings the cliff-hangers and mysteries of His Dark Materials to an earthshattering conclusion--and confirms his fantasy trilogy as an undoubted and enduring classic.
From the Hardcover edition. |
| Disappointed ** |
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I enjoyed both the first and second books. By comparison, the "Amber Spyglass" is inferior - almost amateurish in its storytelling. There are several story lines that are not resolved satisfactorily. The conclusion is hardly as epic as the earlier story hyped it up to be. The connections to Eve and rebirth are tenuous at best. One can sort of see what Pullman was attempting, but it just did not work out. It's almost as if a different author wrote this book.
If this had been the first book, I would have given up reading the rest of the trilogy on the spot. |
| An action-packed end to the trilogy **** |
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| Whew! This was an exhilarating conclusion to the trilogy "His Dark Materials"! Talk about action-packed. Let me preface this review by saying I liked "The Golden Compass" and "The Subtle Knife" very much (and the second book a bit more so than the first actually). In this third and final book in the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, Pullman has impressed me yet again with his ability to deftly weave together so many moving parts--storylines, characters, themes/motifs (yes, including the theological ones, which are very prominent by the way)--and create a thrilling and cohesive fantasy novel. I very much enjoyed his development of all the central characters, especially Will and Lyra. The reason I cannot give this one five stars is two-fold. First, I thought the pacing or the first third or so of the book was 'off-kilter' somehow, and I didn't really get 'grabbed' by the story until about page 200 (and from then on, I could hardly put the book down!). Second (and warning: slight spoiler alert ahead if you read into it), I am just enough of a romantic that the end of the book really did bother me! But overall, I really did enjoy this novel. I would recommend it to young adults and adults who have already read and liked the first two books in the series and are yearning for more of Lyra and Will's adventures and discoveries! |
| Brimming with memorable, inventive landscapes ***** |
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| Though this third and final volume garners 4 stars, my rating here is really for the entire series. To be honest, finishing the series left me somewhat bereft, like when you were a kid during the Thanksgiving holiday and the last group of relatives has just departed for home. At the risk of sounding sappy, I read the last page and just sat there with a lump in my throat. The ending was absolutely heart-breaking! The novel brimmed with memorable, inventive landscapes: the land of the dead, the world of the "mulefa," the apocalyptic battleground of the Heavens. This series will stick with me for a very long time. I have to admit to being a little troubled by reviewers who give the series a low rating simply for its anti-Christian slant. Isn't a trait of great fiction the ability to challenge the status quo without resorting to didacticism? Perhaps faith that is so easily shaken by a story of fiction ought to be reassessed. |
| Forget everything else; It's a good story -- plain and simple **** |
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This is the final book of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. As I have mentioned in The Subtle Knife review, nobody can deny that Pullman has such a huge talent in capturing a reader's attention through his engaging characters and the very intriguing and interesting plot. I would definitely recommend this series to others.
Having said that, I think I should mention it that though this was meant to be a work of fiction; subversive literature, there are definitely hidden agendas and meanings here and there about Christianity and the like. But before you think, C.S. Lewis, I'll say now that Philip Pullman is actually quite the opposite. Though both writers are extremely talented, they have such different hidden meanings and agendas.
Truthfully though, even if there is so much controversy to this trilogy, I really didn't mind. Why? Because it was a good story. It was exciting, strange, and unique. I loved the characters of Will and Lyra most especially. Although there are some loose ends and less than satisfactory conclusions, I still consider it ONE of the great fantasy books around. That seemed to be enough for me. |
| A Worthy End to an Honorable Series ***** |
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"The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman is one of the greatest fictional stories I have ever read. Indeed as I was reading through the entire series (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass) I had thoughts and feelings which I have only experienced when reading books of supreme quality and worth such as Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey series, or Stephen Baxter's Xeelee Sequence. I stopped at nothing to explore and educate myself about what I was reading as I finished all three books in record time and found myself greatly appreciative of Mr. Pullman's ability to write as well as sad that the adventure had to end.
Will and Lyra complete the task set out to them through even harder trials then they previously encountered. Just like many other fans I have found myself saddened by the ending as Will and Lyra have to make a choice which will affect them for the rest of their lives. Though the reader is given a glimmer of hope which makes you understand just as the characters do that it's all for the best. I hope that I come across books again in my life which radiate with the same vigor and adventure as "The Amber Spyglass."
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| The best of the trilogy, and an astounding achievement in storytelling. ***** |
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I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, but positively relished the third. It is rare for me to read a tomb like this so quickly, but I simply could not put it down until I had finished it. The sense of adventure of the first novel is back, but now fully embedded in a series of philosophical (and physical) battles between Authority and various groups and individuals pursuing simple truths about a satisfying life.
I understand that this trilogy (and this book in particular) is criticised by religious leaders, and - having read it - I can see why this would be the case. It is not, however, a novel that is anti religion - filled as it is with battles between various groups of angels, witches, humans and beings from the 'world of the dead'. It is, to me at least, an exploration of what religion has become, and what it might be if it was progressively reformed. There is, as in all the best writing, no fudging the battle of ideas at the heart of ethical debates, and the obvious hypocrisy of corrupted church institutions intent on acquiring total power. The only firm positions taken in the book, therefore, are a fierce anti-authoritarianism, justified by the primacy of freedom of inquiry, and support for passionate loving relationships as the basis of building a 'republic of heaven'.
This book is an astonishing achievement on many levels, and at times I was on the edge of my seat, and and other times moved to tears. There were several aspects that stood out. The rethinking and reshaping of death is explored in the most imaginative and exciting way. Secondly, the final battle scene between Authority and its alternative is worthy of any battle scene in Lord of the Rings. Lastly, the ending is as full of hope as it is tinged with tragedy. No stereotypical happy-ending here, but one that still leaves the reader filled with positivity about the potential of people in human societies to live richly rewarding and ethically guided lives.
Outstanding. Astounding. |
| Serious messages, but still excellent escapism ***** |
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Philip Pullman has a talent for telling stories with a social message and with morals and insight. The final novel in His Dark Materials Trilogy is thought provoking if you read into the messages it gives but mostly it's good addictive fantasy fun. We get a lot of answers in the third and a lot more action than the last. However, you must pay attention to fully understand the storyline. Lyra and Will are thrown amongst the action, different world's come together in a exciting and emotional climax.
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| Somewhat disappointing end to the trilogy *** |
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| The concluding part of the trilogy had a suitably epic feel, though I did not enjoy it as much as the other two, especially the first one. The plot was rather opaque and buried rather too deeply in places under layers of wanderings through different worlds. I found the final resolution of the crisis affecting all the worlds unsatisfactory (giving away no spoilers), though suitably sad in its consequences. The most moving parts were those set in the Land of the Dead with the pathetic ghost children. |
| joseph's reveiw of the amber spyglass ***** |
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I love this book because it is such a brilliant mixture of magic, imagination and modern day. It is very gripping as it makes you always want to find out what happens next as there is a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter that seems even more thrilling than the one before! I have read the whole trilogy and believe that this is a great way to end the series keeping readers interested even though it is 548 pages long ( Although I have read bigger). I still can't believe that there will not be another book to take me to a world that I have never even dreamed of!
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| The End of the Trilogy **** |
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| I have arrived at the Dark Materials a decade late but better late than never. I really enjoyed the Northern Lights and the Subtle Knife and really wanted the trilogy to end on a high. I have given the book 4 stars but 3.5 is a more accurate score. My view is that Philip Pullman has tried to cram to much in this final book, there are to many subplots that it lacks the cohesion of the first 2 books. It just felt a bit disjointed. I felt the final battle chapters between Lord asriel forces and God? where rushed and needed more explanation. It is a good book but i was hoping for a much better finale after the excellent first and second book. |
| An end to a series I didn't want to stop ***** |
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I was surprised by how much I enjoyed His Dark Materials trilogy - the Amber Spyglass, in fact, was a book that kept me on edge almost the entire time I was reading it. It was a page turner, there are multiple plot lines that have been building over the series that converge as the struggle for freedom of will grows tantamount.
The ideas introduced in The Subtle Knife are expanded on in this book, growing more unique and poignant. The series does have a moral - a wonderful one. And while in some cases that may seem trite, it left me personally with more gratification than I imagined.
While considered a children/teen book, this by NO means detracts it from being a hugely in depth, fascinating, and complex read. There are facets that children wouldn't understand, it has lots of complex ideas that link science, religion and fantasy together.
Loved the book, would read it again - and I was sad when I finished it (like I am with any good book!). |
| Brilliant and disappointing **** |
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| This book, the last of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, was disappointing in that it didn't, to me, show the big picture clearly. However, the smaller stuff - Mary's back story, Will meeting Iorek - was excellent and just having finished the book, I can say that I will remember the characters for a long time. |
| The Temptation of Lyra *SPOILER* *** |
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I thought I agreed with everyone that this last book in the series was a complete disappointment. BUT....hear me out, I'm sure I'm not the only one that put down the book in order to really think for a moment(or threw it, as seems to be the case in many reviews since it seems to abrubtly stop without a hint of resolution). Perhaps the last book is so subtle compared to the first two and Pullman actually has a point that isn't spelled out and repeated over and over as many of his ideas in the writing are (the diamond shaped bodice of the mulefa....seriously, did any of you NOT miss that point? ). So, here is what I have deciphered as a coherent meaning to the end of The Amber Spyglass:
Mary Malone's role with the Mulefa IS important because it helps her to regain that feeling that she once had as a child falling in love (through her experimentation and understanding of Dust). She is led to the opening for the dead and is reminded to "tell them stories" which leads her to share this notion with Lyra. Lyra in turn has a "door open inside of her that she never knew existed" which causes her to acknowledge her love for will. That moment becomes the pebble that changes the course of the river (or whatever metaphor you prefer) and Dust, as a concious substance, uses that moment in time as a foothold to save itself. Shaky, yea...but it works. As for the whole "fall" comparison....Just as Adam and Eve are cast out of Eden at the realization of themselves to a life committed to finding a way back into Heaven, Will and Lyra are unable to stay in their "Eden" (being together) after their realization of love and are cast back into their worlds to a life committed to building the Republic of Heaven.
Now, I must say that this is by far a disappointment when compared to the other two books, but only in the sense that where Pullman has been anything but vague or subtle anywhere in the first two books; all of a sudden when you are expecting this amazing battle and armageddon, the death of the creator, resolution, etc. There's silence. Instead, he gives us a moment. One moment that this entire trilogy builds to. Over and over we are reminded that the different worlds exist because at one time when something happened in one, chances caused something different to happen in another and by that moment, caused another world to come into existence. The moment where Will and Lyra fall in love seems like a complete disappointment when in fact it is the only act that changes the course of everything. Anticlimatic, you bet. Annoying, to me at least. Pullman, however, does manage to end things and not leave you hanging you just have to read a little deeper than you had been.
So, I still think the book was a complete disappointment, but only because I desperately wanted a different ending. I wanted more of the characters I had grown to love, I wanted an amazing battle, resolution between Lyra and her parents, Will and his mother, etc. The book itself could never stand alone, yet you need to read it to come to your own terms about the trilogy. |
| A huge disappointment * |
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I loved the Golden Compass and the Subtle Knife but this book disappointed me terribly. I was outraged. To much ranting about Dust, 'we have to seal all the holes' 'oh but then we cant see each other any more'
really, who cares!? Lyra and Will falling in love was terrible, ruined the plot with nonsense |
| The real value of this book is not to be found as a standalone, but rather as the conclusion of an outstanding triology... *** |
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"The amber spyglass" is the third and last book in Phillip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" triology. It is good, but not nearly as engaging as the previous two books in the series, "Northern lights" (or "The golden compass", the name given to that book in USA) and "The subtle knife". I must say that I didn't love "The amber spyglass", but I'm glad I read it.
The books in "His Dark Materials" are the kind of books that make you happy someone taught you how to read. They are full of magic, interesting characters and weird events. In a nutshell, they make you dream, and awake your imagination, whether you are extremely young or already an adult.
From my point of view, that is extremely important, and that is the reason why I recommend "The amber spyglass" to you, even though I only give it 3 stars. Truth to be told, the real value of this book is not to be found as a standalone, but rather as the conclusion of an outstanding triology that is already a classic. Recommended!
Belen Alcat |
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