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The Golden Compass

'The Golden Compass' (or 'Northern Lights' as the version I read was titled) is the first book of Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. It's the story of Lyra Belacqua, who spends most of her time playing around the Oxford college where she lives. But her playmates are being kidnapped, and her decision to rescue them draws her into much wider conflicts. Pullman shows such inventiveness in creating a new world for his story that it's sometimes hard to put the book down. But Pullman's books haven't had the same kind of bestselling success as some other books of a similar genre. I think part of the reason for this is that Pullman isn't really sure who he is writing for.

Lyra is around twelve years old, and the action in the book suggests that this is sort of age it is aimed at. But Pullman seems to have a negative take on a lot of things - religion, science, parenting, and I think this would make me wary of giving it as a gift to someone of that age. There's also a lot of nostalgia for a bygone age, implying an older audience. I think if I had read it when I was twelve then I would have found it very confusing. But if you are an older reader who has realised that some children's books don't seem so childish after all then you should give Pullman's work a try.

Amazon.com info

Mass Market Paperback 368 pages
ISBN: 0440238137
Salesrank: 273178
Weight:0.25 lbs

Published: 2003 Laurel Leaf

Amazon price $7.50

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Amazon.co.uk info

Paperback 416 pages
ISBN: 0590660543
Salesrank: 13737
Weight:0.66 lbs

Published: 1998 Scholastic Point

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Amazon.ca info

Mass Market Paperback 368 pages
ISBN: 0440238137
Salesrank: 64518
Weight:0.25 lbs

Published: 2003 Laurel Leaf

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Product Description
Lyra Belaqua is content to run wild among the scholars of Jordan College, with her daemon familiar Pantalaimon always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle—a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armored bears. And as she hurtles toward danger in the cold, far North, young Lyra never suspects the shocking truth: She alone is destined to win, or to lose, this more-than-mortal battle.

Product Description

Lyra Belaqua is content to run wild among the scholars of Jordan College, with her daemon familiar Pantalaimon always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle—a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armored bears. And as she hurtles toward danger in the cold, far North, young Lyra never suspects the shocking truth: She alone is destined to win, or to lose, this more-than-mortal battle.

An Amazingly Crafted Fantasy for Children and Adults Alike *****
My interest in the His Dark Materials series stemmed from watching the movie adaptation of the first book, The Golden Compass. And while I was biased because I saw the movie before reading the book, the book turned out to be far better than the movie ever was. Pullman creates a fantasy world that instantly engages the reader, and keeps them wondering, What will happen (and what CAN happen) in a world like this? The story follows a young girl as she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime through a world full of unique creatures, intricate subplots, and enough mystery to keep the reader wanting more. Some might think that this book is just an extended child's fairy tale, but I disagree. The Golden Compass (along with The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass) delivers enough fantasy to entertain a child and enough philosophical food for thought to entertain an adult, making it an enticing story worthy of both audiences, large and small. While this book can stand on its own (without books 2 and 3), I highly suggest reading the entire trilogy - it's worth it. One other item I would like to mention is the story's discussion of Dust, the Authority and religion. While the series does create a very strong distate for religion, this distate stems only so far as the religion defined in the book (the Magisterium). I'm sure many will argue that the His Dark Materials series insults and rebels against Christianity and other modern religions, but they are wrong. This book is a fictional fantasy tale that emphasizes a corrupt religious group solely for the purpose of the main character's difficult quest. Pullman has no intentions of turning readers against religion with his stories. The Golden Compass (along with the other His Dark Materials books) is nothing more than a unique fairy tale crafted up by the amazing and talented mind of Philp Pullman. Any reader who believes the books to be "blasphemous" is merely too insecure with their own religious beliefs to enjoy a good fairy tale.

An Amazingly Crafted Fantasy for Children and Adults Alike *****

My interest in the His Dark Materials series stemmed from watching the movie adaptation of the first book, The Golden Compass. And while I was biased because I saw the movie before reading the book, the book turned out to be far better than the movie ever was.

Pullman creates a fantasy world that instantly engages the reader, and keeps them wondering, What will happen (and what CAN happen) in a world like this? The story follows a young girl as she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime through a world full of unique creatures, intricate subplots, and enough mystery to keep the reader wanting more. Some might think that this book is just an extended child's fairy tale, but I disagree. The Golden Compass (along with The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass) delivers enough fantasy to entertain a child and enough philosophical food for thought to entertain an adult, making it an enticing story worthy of both audiences, large and small. While this book can stand on its own (without books 2 and 3), I highly suggest reading the entire trilogy - it's worth it.

One other item I would like to mention is the story's discussion of Dust, the Authority and religion. While the series does create a very strong distate for religion, this distate stems only so far as the religion defined in the book (the Magisterium). I'm sure many will argue that the His Dark Materials series insults and rebels against Christianity and other modern religions, but they are wrong. This book is a fictional fantasy tale that emphasizes a corrupt religious group solely for the purpose of the main character's difficult quest. Pullman has no intentions of turning readers against religion with his stories. The Golden Compass (along with the other His Dark Materials books) is nothing more than a unique fairy tale crafted up by the amazing and talented mind of Philp Pullman. Any reader who believes the books to be "blasphemous" is merely too insecure with their own religious beliefs to enjoy a good fairy tale.

Parallel world with armored Polar bears? ***
As an anti-religious theme book about an alternate reality world it has to be compared to C.S. Lewis's Narnia tales/ series. In that case the characterizations of the children come up short and the talking animals (Bears) may be better? The coming of age of an illegitimate child in a world that has theology in place of science and is ruled by a church committee, is both awkward and adventurous. A strange woman she has never met takes an interest in her: her uncle deserts her for his scientific and exploration of a new fundamental particle called "Dust" that is attracted to adult humans on this world. All the people on this world have daemon familiar spirits like witches. Most of the book centers around the kidnapping of children of the poor by the Gobblers and the finding of the church/ government sponsored experimental station where they are being processed. The rescue operation of which Lyra is a part consists mainly of aquatic gypsies called gyptians. The"Golden Compass" is an instrument like a watch that is called an alethiometer that can be used to ask and answer questions. The book has Lyra finding out about herself in bits and pieces in a journey of self-realization. She meets death and great hardship along the way. The great disappointment is that this novel just sets up the adventures of the sequel in the series? C.S. Lewis always made his novels as nearly complete as he could and still have them part of a continuing series? In alternate worlds where magic takes the place of natural law ( of which there are quite a number) this book doesn't really stand out as being much more than ordinary.

Parallel world with armored Polar bears? ***

As an anti-religious theme book about an alternate reality world
it has to be compared to C.S. Lewis's Narnia tales/ series.
In that case the characterizations of the children come up short
and the talking animals (Bears) may be better?
The coming of age of an illegitimate child in a world that has theology
in place of science and is ruled by a church committee,
is both awkward and adventurous. A strange woman she has never met takes an interest in her: her uncle deserts her for his scientific and exploration of a new fundamental particle called "Dust"
that is attracted to adult humans on this world.
All the people on this world have daemon familiar spirits like witches.
Most of the book centers around the kidnapping of children of the poor
by the Gobblers and the finding of the church/ government sponsored experimental station where they are being processed.
The rescue operation of which Lyra is a part consists mainly of
aquatic gypsies called gyptians.
The"Golden Compass" is an instrument like a watch that is called an alethiometer that can be used to ask and answer questions.
The book has Lyra finding out about herself in bits and pieces
in a journey of self-realization. She meets death and great hardship along the way. The great disappointment is that this novel just sets up the adventures of the sequel in the series?
C.S. Lewis always made his novels as nearly complete as he could
and still have them part of a continuing series?
In alternate worlds where magic takes the place of natural law
( of which there are quite a number) this book doesn't really stand out as being much more than ordinary.

Poor writing *
Given the rating, I assume that most people are going to think that it's due to me having some vendetta against Pullman's views. From the outset, I'd like to say that Pullman's depiction of the perversive aspect(s) of religeon was actually one of the book's strengths. However, it is a strength that is overshadowed by numerous shortcomings. Speaking broardly, the novel's main drawback is that it's simply impossible to feel engaged with the world or the people in it. It becomes clear to the reader that the world depicted is not ours, that like many parallel universes in fiction, it has similarities and differences, the two often going hand in hand. However, we never get a full sense of the world, only glimpses at it. The nature of the world is portrayed throughout the story. Now this could arguably be a strength, that Pullman doesn't go off on a tangent of world building, focussing instead on the story. While reading the novel however, it felt like a weakness. There were many oportunities to further flesh out the world and it felt like Pullman missed them every time. We recieve some info, but only in bits and pieces. Surely it wouldn't be too hard to expand on them a bit? The characters are another matter. The issues with them aren't as succinct as the world they inhabit, but they still feel like shadows of what they could be. Lyra is one such example and to be honest, I think that the fact that the story is written through her POV as opposed to a more omniescent style contributes to the world building problem. An eleven-year old can only understand so much, and by the end of the novel, she's changed little. She's still some little girl who's barely developed emotionally. Granted, it's a trilogy, but surely SOME progress could have been made? The rest of the characters also have the problem of conforming to stereotypes. Iorek the strong, Asriel the mystic, Coulter the evil witch-lady, etc. There's at times something more deeper to them, such as Asriel's true colors coming through and his discussion as to the nature of man, but it's really just a spark in a pool of shallow character development. And obeying the laws of nature, that fire is extinguished by the volume of water. Northern Lights indeed has strengths, as mentioned above. But there's so much overshadowing them that the novel is near unreadable and it's easy to miss them. And since books are primarily about writing, an aspect which fails so spectacularly in this case, I have no choice but to give it one star.

Poor writing *

Given the rating, I assume that most people are going to think that it's due to me having some vendetta against Pullman's views. From the outset, I'd like to say that Pullman's depiction of the perversive aspect(s) of religeon was actually one of the book's strengths. However, it is a strength that is overshadowed by numerous shortcomings.

Speaking broardly, the novel's main drawback is that it's simply impossible to feel engaged with the world or the people in it. It becomes clear to the reader that the world depicted is not ours, that like many parallel universes in fiction, it has similarities and differences, the two often going hand in hand. However, we never get a full sense of the world, only glimpses at it. The nature of the world is portrayed throughout the story.

Now this could arguably be a strength, that Pullman doesn't go off on a tangent of world building, focussing instead on the story. While reading the novel however, it felt like a weakness. There were many oportunities to further flesh out the world and it felt like Pullman missed them every time. We recieve some info, but only in bits and pieces. Surely it wouldn't be too hard to expand on them a bit?

The characters are another matter. The issues with them aren't as succinct as the world they inhabit, but they still feel like shadows of what they could be. Lyra is one such example and to be honest, I think that the fact that the story is written through her POV as opposed to a more omniescent style contributes to the world building problem. An eleven-year old can only understand so much, and by the end of the novel, she's changed little. She's still some little girl who's barely developed emotionally. Granted, it's a trilogy, but surely SOME progress could have been made?

The rest of the characters also have the problem of conforming to stereotypes. Iorek the strong, Asriel the mystic, Coulter the evil witch-lady, etc. There's at times something more deeper to them, such as Asriel's true colors coming through and his discussion as to the nature of man, but it's really just a spark in a pool of shallow character development. And obeying the laws of nature, that fire is extinguished by the volume of water.

Northern Lights indeed has strengths, as mentioned above. But there's so much overshadowing them that the novel is near unreadable and it's easy to miss them. And since books are primarily about writing, an aspect which fails so spectacularly in this case, I have no choice but to give it one star.

Good plot - thematic writing ****
Creative plot - good points for the story which is quite interesting. Points off for thematic writing - Pullman constantly goes into irrelevant and elaborate descriptions of the surroundings which come across as thesaurus exercises. Typically the details he describe are never of any impact on the plot. In book one this didn't bother me, but over time I found it extremely thematic with these excessive descriptions. Other points off for the stupid - only suitable word - writing that Pullman applies to "less educated" individuals. The flawed syntax and spelling is only annoying. It really takes away from the story - no value is added by this half-baked cockney English. Total score should be three but the plot is so creative that it gets four stars. BTW, pox on the publisher for changing the title - I am painfully aware that many of my fellow Americans are less than enlightened but books are supposed to lift us up, not perpetuate issues.

Good plot - thematic writing ****

Creative plot - good points for the story which is quite interesting.

Points off for thematic writing - Pullman constantly goes into irrelevant and elaborate descriptions of the surroundings which come across as thesaurus exercises. Typically the details he describe are never of any impact on the plot. In book one this didn't bother me, but over time I found it extremely thematic with these excessive descriptions.

Other points off for the stupid - only suitable word - writing that Pullman applies to "less educated" individuals. The flawed syntax and spelling is only annoying. It really takes away from the story - no value is added by this half-baked cockney English.

Total score should be three but the plot is so creative that it gets four stars.

BTW, pox on the publisher for changing the title - I am painfully aware that many of my fellow Americans are less than enlightened but books are supposed to lift us up, not perpetuate issues.

Much better than the movie. *****
More depth and better storyline than the movie. This books reads quickly and a good way to expand your vocabulary. It has an imaginative story that's hard to second guess. You'll want to order the second volume early so you can continue the epic.

Much better than the movie. *****

More depth and better storyline than the movie. This books reads quickly and a good way to expand your vocabulary. It has an imaginative story that's hard to second guess. You'll want to order the second volume early so you can continue the epic.

A decent but difficult children's book - (No Spoilers) ***
To justify my score, I am reviewing this book as A CHILDREN'S BOOK and so its appeal to adults will not be considered in the review. Secondly in the Roger Ebert tradition I have tried to place the score acordingly in the correct context. Thirdly my personal oppinion is a factor. The score is a 3.5 (a 7/10). Anyway... lets get started. The Good: -Imaginative Ideas and Concept:- Philip Pullman's ideas and concepts are easily the highlight of this book (and subsequent sequels) with some truly fantastic thoughts in here. This should get children's imaginations going haywire. However a lot of his "terminology" like Naphtha and Anbaric will probably confuse children. -Some solid characters -Flowing narrative with adequate amounts of action -Engaging Storyline:- The story has a solid destination reached by the end of the book and the goal or "quest" (I love that word) of the protagonist is made fairly early on in the book which is good. The Not-So-Good: -A few weak characters: Roger is a good example -I didn't like Lyra:- Infact I think Philip Pullman should have called her "Lie-ra" seeing that that is pretty much the only natural talent she is shown to possess in the course of this book. -Lots of Descriptive writing:- This isn't a bad thing if you are reading adult fantasy like Lord of the Rings but this is a children's book. -Humor (or lack thereof):-I wasn't expecting the next A.A. Mille but considering the target audience....anyway Pullman's humor was lacking in both quantity and quality. -Its sequels are better (particularly "The Subtle Knife" which is much more focused) and there are much "faster" paced children's books out there. -Hard to understand:- Children will not get references to peoples and locations in the real world (Svalbard, Tartars, etc). In Dracula (an adult's book) it tells you what Tokay is in the glossery, in this book it doesn't (there is not even a glossery). The only thing that makes this a children's book really is the fact that the protagonist is a child. But do I recommend this book? Yes I do, and as I said, Pullman's ideas are really something and many children will love it. On the other hand its a pretty difficult book with all the crazy terminology readers have to learn (no glossery), its quite difficult to read and it is slightly lacking in areas. The best is to come though, the Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass are better.

A decent but difficult children's book - (No Spoilers) ***

To justify my score, I am reviewing this book as A CHILDREN'S BOOK and so its appeal to adults will not be considered in the review. Secondly in the Roger Ebert tradition I have tried to place the score acordingly in the correct context. Thirdly my personal oppinion is a factor. The score is a 3.5 (a 7/10).

Anyway... lets get started.

The Good:
-Imaginative Ideas and Concept:- Philip Pullman's ideas and concepts are easily the highlight of this book (and subsequent sequels) with some truly fantastic thoughts in here. This should get children's imaginations going haywire. However a lot of his "terminology" like Naphtha and Anbaric will probably confuse children.
-Some solid characters
-Flowing narrative with adequate amounts of action
-Engaging Storyline:- The story has a solid destination reached by the end of the book and the goal or "quest" (I love that word) of the protagonist is made fairly early on in the book which is good.

The Not-So-Good:
-A few weak characters: Roger is a good example
-I didn't like Lyra:- Infact I think Philip Pullman should have called her "Lie-ra" seeing that that is pretty much the only natural talent she is shown to possess in the course of this book.
-Lots of Descriptive writing:- This isn't a bad thing if you are reading adult fantasy like Lord of the Rings but this is a children's book.
-Humor (or lack thereof):-I wasn't expecting the next A.A. Mille but considering the target audience....anyway Pullman's humor was lacking in both quantity and quality.
-Its sequels are better (particularly "The Subtle Knife" which is much more focused) and there are much "faster" paced children's books out there.
-Hard to understand:- Children will not get references to peoples and locations in the real world (Svalbard, Tartars, etc). In Dracula (an adult's book) it tells you what Tokay is in the glossery, in this book it doesn't (there is not even a glossery). The only thing that makes this a children's book really is the fact that the protagonist is a child.

But do I recommend this book? Yes I do, and as I said, Pullman's ideas are really something and many children will love it. On the other hand its a pretty difficult book with all the crazy terminology readers have to learn (no glossery), its quite difficult to read and it is slightly lacking in areas.

The best is to come though, the Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass are better.

Lifes too short! *
After the amazing reviews this book has received I was really excited to start reading it and it started off really good. However, I found Lyra a very unconvincing character and not particularly likeable and it was this character that really finished my reading of the book. I gave up about fifty pages before the end as really life is too short to waste on such a boring book.

Lifes too short! *

After the amazing reviews this book has received I was really excited to start reading it and it started off really good. However, I found Lyra a very unconvincing character and not particularly likeable and it was this character that really finished my reading of the book. I gave up about fifty pages before the end as really life is too short to waste on such a boring book.

If you're put off by this book's "for all ages" tag, don't be, it's a classic *****
Firstly I have to admit I'm not a fan of books aimed at both adults and children. I've never read a Harry Potter book and have no inclination to, I just find these types of books wander too much into the realms of fairy tales and corniness for my liking. So it was with some trepidation that I decided to read this book. Despite its rave reviews, I was a little worried that a storyline that included daemons and talking animals, etc. may not be to my taste. All I can say is I'm so glad I ignored my misgivings and decided to read it! From the opening chapters it became obvious this was a story full of depth, imagination, twists and turns, plus a good dose of excitement. Northern Lights is set in a kind of 'alternative Earth'. It's similar to our own world, but with some important differences that make it obvious this is also a world alien to our own. The most obvious manifestation of this is the 'daemon' companion that every person has. A daemon is an enchanting creature that is bonded to a human from the day they're born and remains that person's lifelong soul mate. Everyone has one, and the thought of being parted from a daemon is unthinkable, it just never happens. But suddenly the unthinkable starts happening, and a terrifying organisation nicknamed "The Gobblers" starts kidnapping children to carry out cruel experiments on them and their daemons. Lyra is a young girl who lives a very sheltered life at Jordan College amongst all the scholars. Her life is very sedate and contented, but all that changes when she eavesdrops on her Uncle Lord Asriel giving a presentation to fellow scholars, seemingly suggesting he has proof of a possible gateway into another world. This proves to be extremely controversial and destabilising to all concerned as it undermines the foundations that many powerful institutions are built on. Soon events start to take a dramatic turn. Lord Asriel suddenly goes missing, the Gobblers kidnap one of Lyra's close friends, and Lyra herself is put under the responsibility of the mysterious Mrs Coulter. Lyra takes it upon herself to escape from her unwanted new guardian and takes shelter with a group of tough but kind people known as The Gyptians. The Gyptians themselves have lost many of their children to the Gobblers, so when Lyra speaks of her determination to track down the Gobblers, the Gyptians lend their considerable resourcefulness to her cause and join her quest to locate the Gobblers. From here Lyra and the Gyptians embark on an amazing journey to the North where they encounter all manner of adversaries, and allies. The excitement never lets up, and the story itself becomes more and more intriguing as we gradually learn more about the unfolding events, as well as about this fascinating world that Pullman has created. This book is a fantastic read, full of plot twists and enigmatic characters, both human and non-human, and a storyline that will keep you guessing and guessing. A must read!

If you're put off by this book's "for all ages" tag, don't be, it's a classic *****

Firstly I have to admit I'm not a fan of books aimed at both adults and children. I've never read a Harry Potter book and have no inclination to, I just find these types of books wander too much into the realms of fairy tales and corniness for my liking. So it was with some trepidation that I decided to read this book. Despite its rave reviews, I was a little worried that a storyline that included daemons and talking animals, etc. may not be to my taste. All I can say is I'm so glad I ignored my misgivings and decided to read it! From the opening chapters it became obvious this was a story full of depth, imagination, twists and turns, plus a good dose of excitement.

Northern Lights is set in a kind of 'alternative Earth'. It's similar to our own world, but with some important differences that make it obvious this is also a world alien to our own. The most obvious manifestation of this is the 'daemon' companion that every person has. A daemon is an enchanting creature that is bonded to a human from the day they're born and remains that person's lifelong soul mate. Everyone has one, and the thought of being parted from a daemon is unthinkable, it just never happens. But suddenly the unthinkable starts happening, and a terrifying organisation nicknamed "The Gobblers" starts kidnapping children to carry out cruel experiments on them and their daemons.

Lyra is a young girl who lives a very sheltered life at Jordan College amongst all the scholars. Her life is very sedate and contented, but all that changes when she eavesdrops on her Uncle Lord Asriel giving a presentation to fellow scholars, seemingly suggesting he has proof of a possible gateway into another world. This proves to be extremely controversial and destabilising to all concerned as it undermines the foundations that many powerful institutions are built on.

Soon events start to take a dramatic turn. Lord Asriel suddenly goes missing, the Gobblers kidnap one of Lyra's close friends, and Lyra herself is put under the responsibility of the mysterious Mrs Coulter. Lyra takes it upon herself to escape from her unwanted new guardian and takes shelter with a group of tough but kind people known as The Gyptians. The Gyptians themselves have lost many of their children to the Gobblers, so when Lyra speaks of her determination to track down the Gobblers, the Gyptians lend their considerable resourcefulness to her cause and join her quest to locate the Gobblers.

From here Lyra and the Gyptians embark on an amazing journey to the North where they encounter all manner of adversaries, and allies. The excitement never lets up, and the story itself becomes more and more intriguing as we gradually learn more about the unfolding events, as well as about this fascinating world that Pullman has created.

This book is a fantastic read, full of plot twists and enigmatic characters, both human and non-human, and a storyline that will keep you guessing and guessing. A must read!

I want a daemon *****
This book is un-put-down-able; when you start reading, you can barely put it down. I read it in about a week reading two or three chapters on a school day and five chapters on a weekend. The book has 23 chapters of approximately 15 - 30 pages. Every page is exciting and adventurous and not one page is badly written - this book is brilliant! It is among my favourite books; I look forward to reading the other two books in the `His Dark Materials' trilogy. Phillip Pullman has written many books, a lot of which, I have read but this book is 10 times better than all of them (I am not saying those books are bad). The story is about a girl called Lyra whose friend, Roger, gets caught by Gobblers. She has many adventures on her way to finding him and when she does, she finds out he is not the only one to be rescued... This book has been turned into a movie called `the Golden Compass' - that was the book's original title.

I want a daemon *****

This book is un-put-down-able; when you start reading, you can barely put it down. I read it in about a week reading two or three chapters on a school day and five chapters on a weekend. The book has 23 chapters of approximately 15 - 30 pages. Every page is exciting and adventurous and not one page is badly written - this book is brilliant! It is among my favourite books; I look forward to reading the other two books in the `His Dark Materials' trilogy. Phillip Pullman has written many books, a lot of which, I have read but this book is 10 times better than all of them (I am not saying those books are bad). The story is about a girl called Lyra whose friend, Roger, gets caught by Gobblers. She has many adventures on her way to finding him and when she does, she finds out he is not the only one to be rescued...
This book has been turned into a movie called `the Golden Compass' - that was the book's original title.

Love it then and love it still *****
I first read this book when I was around 10 years old. I distinctly remember taking it out of the library, and then returning it 2 weeks later, having only read the first 2 pages. A few months after that, I saw it again, and you could say I was drawn to it, and I borrowed it again. This time I read all the way through, and I am so glad that I did. I don't know if I can really capture the feeling I had, reading this book at that young age. I was around the age that Lyra was, perfect to imagine myself as her, a strong spirited wild child running riot around Oxford and the North, and having these amazing adventures. The books also started my fascination with the Aurora Borealis, which has persisted to this day. It's a wonderful book, one that I loved when I was 10, and still immensely enjoy reading now, over 10 years later. It's full of everything you could ever imagine as a child - witches, armoured bears, daemons, fights, action and adventure. And there's also a good dollop of love, betrayal, joy and sadness. It is indeed a world you can get totally lost in, and I'll bet most who read the book secretly long to know their daemon, fly with the witches and sail with the gyptians. I still read the whole "His Dark Materials" set at least once a year. And although I have read many books since, these are still my all time favourites, and this seems unlikely to change. I hope that when I have children, they will treasure the stories also. PS Just as a side note, I didn't really like the movie either. For an example of how it really should have been made, they should have looked at the absolutely amazing Peter Pan movie (2003), and its excellent balance of action and emotion.

Love it then and love it still *****

I first read this book when I was around 10 years old. I distinctly remember taking it out of the library, and then returning it 2 weeks later, having only read the first 2 pages. A few months after that, I saw it again, and you could say I was drawn to it, and I borrowed it again. This time I read all the way through, and I am so glad that I did. I don't know if I can really capture the feeling I had, reading this book at that young age. I was around the age that Lyra was, perfect to imagine myself as her, a strong spirited wild child running riot around Oxford and the North, and having these amazing adventures. The books also started my fascination with the Aurora Borealis, which has persisted to this day. It's a wonderful book, one that I loved when I was 10, and still immensely enjoy reading now, over 10 years later. It's full of everything you could ever imagine as a child - witches, armoured bears, daemons, fights, action and adventure. And there's also a good dollop of love, betrayal, joy and sadness. It is indeed a world you can get totally lost in, and I'll bet most who read the book secretly long to know their daemon, fly with the witches and sail with the gyptians.

I still read the whole "His Dark Materials" set at least once a year. And although I have read many books since, these are still my all time favourites, and this seems unlikely to change. I hope that when I have children, they will treasure the stories also.

PS Just as a side note, I didn't really like the movie either. For an example of how it really should have been made, they should have looked at the absolutely amazing Peter Pan movie (2003), and its excellent balance of action and emotion.

A clumsy introduction to a great trilogy ***
While I am just wrapping up book two, I have to say that The Golden Compass was, in itself, the more diluted book. I understand he's setting up the world(s) and characters, but some parts were dull and dry. In this, the book loses focus of some of its subtler elements, but the series jumps back into the fray and focus of them in its sequel, The Subtle Knife. The characters, however, are all quite unique and don't fall to cliché as often as other books. I like that he doesn't child-proof this for a generation intent on keeping their children bubble-wrapped "for their own good."

A clumsy introduction to a great trilogy ***

While I am just wrapping up book two, I have to say that The Golden Compass was, in itself, the more diluted book. I understand he's setting up the world(s) and characters, but some parts were dull and dry. In this, the book loses focus of some of its subtler elements, but the series jumps back into the fray and focus of them in its sequel, The Subtle Knife.

The characters, however, are all quite unique and don't fall to cliché as often as other books. I like that he doesn't child-proof this for a generation intent on keeping their children bubble-wrapped "for their own good."

This is the first book in the Dark Materials story. *****
It is not worth reviewing or reading the reviews of "The Golden Compass" (British title "The Northern Lights") until one has finished the complete story of "Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman. As with any genre the author is trying to express a concept or make a point. By using the genre, whether it is westerns sci-fi or historic peace, the author envelops the concept in a palatable story. Sometimes the envelope completely masks the purpose of the story; at other times the purpose is so blatant that one doesn't even know why anything was being enveloped. This is one of those rare stories that polarize readers from one extreme to the other. We recognize and other phenomena about this story. In many stories the reader rule look at the antagonists are protagonist and once in awhile can sympathize but never recognizes themselves as the protagonist. In Philip Pullman's his "Dark Materials" it seems that everybody recognizes themselves with an "if the shoe fits attitude" whether it is really them or not. Now dark materials, book one "The Golden Compass." Lyra who ran wild around Jordan Collage at Oxford is now hiding in a closet in the Retiring Room. There she sees that the Master is about to poison her uncle Lord Asriel. Now Lyra must figure out who are the good guys from the bad, if there are good and bad guys. In the process she fund find and fulfill her destiny without fully realizing what that destiny is. The people and creatures around her know more of her destiny than she does. Soon she must leave Jordon College and is given a beautiful golden instrument with pictures and arms that resemble a compass. What she is supposed to do with it is not clear at first.

This is the first book in the Dark Materials story. *****

It is not worth reviewing or reading the reviews of "The Golden Compass" (British title "The Northern Lights") until one has finished the complete story of "Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman.

As with any genre the author is trying to express a concept or make a point. By using the genre, whether it is westerns sci-fi or historic peace, the author envelops the concept in a palatable story. Sometimes the envelope completely masks the purpose of the story; at other times the purpose is so blatant that one doesn't even know why anything was being enveloped. This is one of those rare stories that polarize readers from one extreme to the other.

We recognize and other phenomena about this story. In many stories the reader rule look at the antagonists are protagonist and once in awhile can sympathize but never recognizes themselves as the protagonist. In Philip Pullman's his "Dark Materials" it seems that everybody recognizes themselves with an "if the shoe fits attitude" whether it is really them or not.

Now dark materials, book one "The Golden Compass." Lyra who ran wild around Jordan Collage at Oxford is now hiding in a closet in the Retiring Room. There she sees that the Master is about to poison her uncle Lord Asriel. Now Lyra must figure out who are the good guys from the bad, if there are good and bad guys. In the process she fund find and fulfill her destiny without fully realizing what that destiny is. The people and creatures around her know more of her destiny than she does. Soon she must leave Jordon College and is given a beautiful golden instrument with pictures and arms that resemble a compass. What she is supposed to do with it is not clear at first.

I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book ****
I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book, even though it's supposed to be part of a children's series. The story moves at a fast pace and there are quite a few darker element to this story, so I would probably recommend it for grades 6 and up. The Golden Compass which is the first of 3 books known as Phillip Pullmans "his dark Materials" is also supposed to be released as a movie this year. Can't wait to see how they capture it on screen. The story revolves around Lyra Belacqua who ends up on a dark adventure trying to find her friend Roger who was kidnapped by The Gobblers. She meets many interesting people on her journey, including witches and armoured bears. The story takes part in a world very similar to ours, except in Lyra's world every human being has a daemon, which is essentially their soul in animal form. I can't wait to see where the journey leads us in "The Subtle Knife".

I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book ****

I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book, even though it's supposed to be part of a children's series.
The story moves at a fast pace and there are quite a few darker element to this story, so I would probably recommend it for grades 6 and up. The Golden Compass which is the first of 3 books known as Phillip Pullmans "his dark Materials" is also supposed to be released as a movie this year. Can't wait to see how they capture it on screen.

The story revolves around Lyra Belacqua who ends up on a dark adventure trying to find her friend Roger who was kidnapped by The Gobblers. She meets many interesting people on her journey, including witches and armoured bears. The story takes part in a world very similar to ours, except in Lyra's world every human being has a daemon, which is essentially their soul in animal form.
I can't wait to see where the journey leads us in "The Subtle Knife".

One of those books that you simply must read if you are a science fiction fan, or even if you just love well-written books... *****
"The Golden compass" is the first book in Phillip Pullman's "Dark Materials" triology. From my point of view, this is one of those books that you simply must read if you are a science fiction fan, or if you simply like a well-written book... However, take into account that reading this book means that you will also have to read the other two books in the series, if you want to know how the story continues. The "Dark Materials" triology takes place in a world similar to our own, that is at the same time very different. In that world, each person's soul can be seen, is called a "daemon" and takes the form of an animal. The daemons of children change their appearance constantly, but once the children become adults, their daemons choose only one form. Pullman's alternate world has other differences, too, for example the fact that it has different kinds of magic, and that witches and armored bears coexist with human beings. The result is that the world he builds is exotic, strange but at the same time familiar. On the negative side, the writer also plays with an institution we are familiar with, the Church, using its name but leaving behind its essence, in order to talk about a world ruled by tyrannical ecclesiastical authorities. I didn't like that, and probably you won't like it either, but keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, and as such, its purpose is to entertain, not to be taken seriously. All the same, if you think your sensibilities will be offended, or that you won't be able to separate reality from fiction, don't buy this book. You will be losing a lot, though. Regarding the plot of "The Golden compass", the main character is an orphan girl named Lyra, that lives in the Jordan College of Oxford. Her life involves no more responsabilities than playing in the grounds (and roofs!) of the College, and making mischief with her friend Roger and her daemon, Pantalaimon. But all changes when Lyra hides in a closet and hears her uncle, Lord Asriel, talk about some weird things that are happening in the North Pole to some scholars. Lyra wants to go there with him, but is not allowed to do so. However, soon afterwards her dear friend Roger and many other children disappear, and when all clues point out to the North Pole, Lyra will start a journey to rescue them. That journey will take her to many places, allow her to meet lots of different people, and help her to discover new things about herself and others. If you want to share all that with Lyra and Pantalaimon, just read this book :) After reading "The Golden compass", I realize it deserves its reputation as a masterpiece of science fiction, and I regret not having read it before. On the whole, I think that this book is a treat teenagers and adults will enjoy, but I believe it may be too complicated and somber at times for children. Provided you take that opinion and my previous comments into account, recommended... Belen Alcat

One of those books that you simply must read if you are a science fiction fan, or even if you just love well-written books... *****

"The Golden compass" is the first book in Phillip Pullman's "Dark Materials" triology. From my point of view, this is one of those books that you simply must read if you are a science fiction fan, or if you simply like a well-written book... However, take into account that reading this book means that you will also have to read the other two books in the series, if you want to know how the story continues.

The "Dark Materials" triology takes place in a world similar to our own, that is at the same time very different. In that world, each person's soul can be seen, is called a "daemon" and takes the form of an animal. The daemons of children change their appearance constantly, but once the children become adults, their daemons choose only one form. Pullman's alternate world has other differences, too, for example the fact that it has different kinds of magic, and that witches and armored bears coexist with human beings. The result is that the world he builds is exotic, strange but at the same time familiar.

On the negative side, the writer also plays with an institution we are familiar with, the Church, using its name but leaving behind its essence, in order to talk about a world ruled by tyrannical ecclesiastical authorities. I didn't like that, and probably you won't like it either, but keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, and as such, its purpose is to entertain, not to be taken seriously. All the same, if you think your sensibilities will be offended, or that you won't be able to separate reality from fiction, don't buy this book. You will be losing a lot, though.

Regarding the plot of "The Golden compass", the main character is an orphan girl named Lyra, that lives in the Jordan College of Oxford. Her life involves no more responsabilities than playing in the grounds (and roofs!) of the College, and making mischief with her friend Roger and her daemon, Pantalaimon. But all changes when Lyra hides in a closet and hears her uncle, Lord Asriel, talk about some weird things that are happening in the North Pole to some scholars. Lyra wants to go there with him, but is not allowed to do so. However, soon afterwards her dear friend Roger and many other children disappear, and when all clues point out to the North Pole, Lyra will start a journey to rescue them. That journey will take her to many places, allow her to meet lots of different people, and help her to discover new things about herself and others. If you want to share all that with Lyra and Pantalaimon, just read this book :)

After reading "The Golden compass", I realize it deserves its reputation as a masterpiece of science fiction, and I regret not having read it before. On the whole, I think that this book is a treat teenagers and adults will enjoy, but I believe it may be too complicated and somber at times for children. Provided you take that opinion and my previous comments into account, recommended...

Belen Alcat

Loved It! *****
I would recommend this book to anyone regardless of age. I felt the story was very original and highly interesting. I had to read all the books in the series because I was so involved in the lives of the characters. I loved the setting of the book and the idea of it. This was the first multi-demension book that I have read that pulled of the fantasy genre so well. The little nuances in the book are fun and give the reader something to contemplate.

Loved It! *****

I would recommend this book to anyone regardless of age. I felt the story was very original and highly interesting. I had to read all the books in the series because I was so involved in the lives of the characters. I loved the setting of the book and the idea of it. This was the first multi-demension book that I have read that pulled of the fantasy genre so well. The little nuances in the book are fun and give the reader something to contemplate.