His Dark Materials (Trilogy)

canadian_right writes: "Philip Pullman has written a great fantasy adventure that children and adults will enjoy. A richly detailed alternate universe is presented in The Golden Compass, and we are introduced to the heroine of the three books, Lyra Belacqua. The story starts off quickly and holds your interest with a series of engaging and imaginative adventures for the length of the three novels. Philip Pullman pulls you effortlessly into these alternate worlds, and holds your attention with a wealth of detail that brings to life the sights and sounds of these new worlds. Some worlds are just a bit different from our own, while others are completely new." Read on for his brief review of the books in this trilogy. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass author Philip Pullman pages (See each) publisher Knopf rating 8 reviewer canadian_right ISBN (See each) summary A trilogy written for kids but deep enough for adults to enjoy.

Lyra soon finds herself at the centre of world shaking events, but unlike so many fantasy books, Philip Pullman has come up with a series of astounding, interlocking adventures, full of wonders, creatures, and worlds that will keep you guessing for the full length of the trilogy. All the main characters in the three books are fully fleshed out, with distinct personalities and motivations. There is a fairly large cast of characters, but the author deftly weaves their stories together, often to great dramatic effect.

This trilogy is marketed as children's literature, but this is a much more intense series than Harry Potter is. Battles are deadly, not glorious; good people that you have come to care about die. Certain unfortunate events unfold with ruthless logic. Organised religion is presented in a very bad light, which will turn off some readers. I wouldn't recommend this series to children under 12, but I enthusiastically recommend His Dark Materials to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

The Golden Compass

Lyra is a resourceful and vivacious young girl who lives at Jordan College -- left there by her rich and powerful Uncle, Lord Asriel. Lyra lives a carefree life doing pretty much as she pleases, but she loves adventure and is continually getting into trouble. Then she overhears a conversation about Dust -- a strange substance mysteriously associated with people. Something about Dust is causing great consternation with the Church and other powerful people. At the same time the gobblers are stealing children. Soon Lyra is propelled into the midst of a great conspiracy that takes her far from the comforting halls of Jordan College, and face to face with terrible danger. Lyra's resourceful optimism makes you want her to succeed, and the world she travels through evokes the wonder of things new, and events unknown.

The action will keep children enthralled, and the imaginative twists and turns will surprise and delight adults and children alike. Various peoples and cultures are met throughout the story, and all find a part to play in the epic battle that builds up over all three books.

The Subtle Knife

The Subtle Knife starts off in our familiar world, and introduces a new character: Will. Will is much more serious than Lyra, but their fates are soon intertwined. Will has lived a much more troubled life looking after his mother after his father's disappearance. Someone badly wants something of his father's, and Will's efforts to protect it quickly lead him from home and entangle him in the events started in the Golden Compass. A great war is brewing and Will is destined to play a key role, along side Lyra, in this conflict. A weapon is discovered that will tilt the balance in this war, and Will's search for his father lands him in the middle of the conflict.

Once again the story pulls you into the believable worlds so artfully drawn by Phillip Pullman. Adventure abounds, betrayal, heroic deeds, and dark conflicts drive the story forward.

The Amber Spyglass

The third book in the series draws the story to a satisfying end. Unlike some series, which seem to never end and leave you hanging at the end of each book in search of another sale, the Amber Spyglass reveals the mysteries alluded to throughout the story, and resolves the final conflict. But not before leading you through another set of breathtaking adventures, unforeseen turns, and an epic battle between good and evil.

I highly recommend this series to anyone over the age of 11 who enjoys excellent fantasy. This is a superior children's series that adults will also enjoy for its well-drawn characters, detailed worlds, and intricate plotting.

You can purchase The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber SpyGlass from B&N. Want to see your own review here? Just read the book review guidelines, then use Slashdot's handy submission form.

Comments

Re:These books are really...

[redhatbox]

and in related news, it was revealed today that the popular character "Big Bird" is actually a covert operative dedicated to educating our youth on the immorality of processed lunch meat products.

yes... it's a joke... ;)

Better book review?

[NMerriam]

Could this be a little more vague? I still have honestly no idea what the heck these novels are about in any way whatsoever.

Saying "the character goes on adventures and meets new people in amazing places" describes about 75% of the books in existence.

"It's a great fantasy book about characters that do things!" I'm not asking for the Cliffs Notes version of the book, but even the blurb on the back dust cover could have told me more about why I'd like to read it that this "review".

Re:Better book review?

[theCURE]

This book review looks like EVERY book report i ever did in high school, since i would never read the books :)

"Uhh The protaganist played an important role in this book because he/her was necessary for plot development and allowed the story to unfold to the maximum ability of the writers imagination!"

detailed alternate universe

[totallygeek]

This is an interesting term, and I would suggest other geek reading that hits closer to our own universe. I recently read The Guns of the South, and I must say that it was really an interesting read. It is a detailed alternate universe were the Confederate states beat the Union in the Civil War. Basically, some guys sympathic to the south come back from the future and bring unlimited ammunition for the AK-47's they provide Lee's troups.

Turtledove has long been talked about on Usenet's alt.history.what-if and is known for his meticulous detailing of historical events. Other books he has out discuss alien invasions in the height of WWII, Columbus finding apemen in the new world, and alien colonization. Check him out -- I picked up all his books at Half Price Books for under $25.