The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials)

Philip Pullman

This is book starts one of the greatest series told by man in the last century. Filled with...more

This is book starts one of the greatest series told by man in the last century. Filled with mystical creatures, daemons, and armored bears; this book is a journey worth taking. I've loved this book since I finished the first chapter, and I still feel it is my favorite book of all time. The story evolves from Lyra's adventure out of the University into the real world she has never really seen before. Poverty, gypsies, all you can imagine roam the streets as she meets up with my favorite character from a book, ever, the armored bear. She befriends the bear and continues a journey that not only takes her to the ends of the world, but also through 2 more fantastic novels written by a pure genius. Seriously pick this one up, and read it before the movie comes out. Because this book can never truely be show in all it's graduer on the big screen, you must imagine it yourself, only then will you see the true power and deepness of this series and this magnificent story told by Philip Pullman. Bobby Crossen   hide

In the opening chapter, Pullman gives the reader shock treatment, by simply landing you in the...more

In the opening chapter, Pullman gives the reader shock treatment, by simply landing you in the middle of this world he’s created, and almost leaving you to fend for yourself, most notably with this concept of a “daemon,” the shape-shifting, physical manifestation of your soul. Soon, this “culture-shock” gives way to a classic “quest” story—strangely devoid of cliché—with themes of power and self-consciousness playing out amid Pullman’s enjoyable style and prose. I was impressed at the development of the characters—particularly rebellious Lyra, the powerful and intelligent armored bear Iorek, and the chillingly bewitching Mrs. Coulter—and the fast-paced intrigue of the plotline. Fantasy has become en vogue these days, thanks to HP books and the LOTR films, and this novel will not disappoint fans of that trend with its fantastic settings and witches, armored bears, zeppelins and other technological anachronisms.    hide

I can’t believe how much I enjoyed this book, even though it’s supposed to be part of...more

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”.   hide

~More Magical Fun~ For those of you, and I know there are many, who have found the delight of...more

~More Magical Fun~ For those of you, and I know there are many, who have found the delight of magical books such as Harry Potter, then you are sure to love the Golden Compass. First of a three part series, it is about a young girl named Lyra. She is extremely adventurous, brave, and just, well, a kid. However, when children start disappearing, Lyra is put to the test as she becomes entangled with finding the kids. Obviously it goes past that, but I do not want to give it away. Trust me, it is a terrific and cannot put it down book. Read the whole series if you like, but definitely try the first one. (07/07/03)   hide

I wanted to read this book before the movie came out this fall, since movies tend to gloss over so...more

I wanted to read this book before the movie came out this fall, since movies tend to gloss over so many of the details that make books so great. It was also highly recommended to me by several of my friends (and my mom, who has impeccable taste in books). So I started reading, and it took me several days to read the first few pages. I was confused and not all that interested. Were it not for the personal recommendations, I would have stopped right there, and I'm glad I didn't stop. Once the action started, I was hooked and finished the rest of the book in just a couple days' casual reading and went to get the other two books from mom. It could have started much better, but it couldn't have ended any better.   hide