Customer Reviews
Dark Materials Trilogy No Better or Worse Than Narnia Books 
2008-01-13
It is interesting to me to read the outrage over a book trilogy that is unapologetically anti-church. I don't believe Philip Pullman ever made an attempt to disguise his beliefs on the subject of faith nor did I expect his books to reflect anything else. What I find so hypocritical are the people who condemn one series (The Dark Materials Trilogy) for being "propaganda" while completely sparing another series. The Chronicals of Narnia books were, just like the Dark Materials Trilogy, written by a person who made no bones about his beliefs nor about his desire to express them in children's literature. Yet because C.S. Lewis' popular works are pro-Christian they have been spared the censure that has been heaped on Philip Pullman. I've read books in both series and find Pullman's work to be neither better nor worse in "propaganda" than anything C.S. Lewis wrote. I say read both with an awareness of the author's intent and then judge for yourself.
An astounding second book 
2007-12-28
The first book of this amazingly rich story was great, but nothing could have prepared me for the second book where things get more fast paced and the story more fleshed out. Lyra is no longer alone in her quest and her new companion, Will, makes for a great and compelling character.
Disappointing on a number of levels . . . 
2007-12-07
. . . certainly inappropriate for the intended audience.
A DISCLAIMER!!! For the critics who automatically assume that every 1-star review is written by some kook who has not read the books, I can assure you that not only have I read the books, a cursory glance at my Amazon.com profile will show that I have a long history of interaction with many, many fantasy and science fiction authors, and have reviewed many, many works in this genre.
At the time of this writing, there have literally been thousands of reviews regarding the three volumes in Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. Rather than to re-hash what has been previously worked to death, I just wish to offer a few thoughts.
1) As stated in my review of "The Golden Compass", the writing is, honestly, not of particularly high quality. The comparisons some reviewers have made with JRR Tolkien just don't, from a literary perspective, hold water. The quality of writing has fallen dramatically, even from the first volume.
2) The book is agenda-driven. Say what you like (and many reviewers and commentators have) but the book is agenda-driven. This, in and of itself, is certainly no crime (whether one agrees with or approves of the agenda or not) but the suggestions denying an agenda frankly, seem to me to be dishonest. In "The Subtle Knife", the anti-religion agenda is really ramped up. (Some reviewers might note that the "Magisterium" in Lyra's world has significant differences from the Church in our world -- but in "The Subtle Knife" Will comes from "our world" -- and it is clear that what is being attacked; what is being targeted is not merely Christianity in general, but Catholicism in particular.
3) I've mentioned in my review of "The Golden Compass" that, if the focal point of Pullman's attack had been based on Judaism or on Islam, no publisher (or movie production company, for that matter!) would have touched the manuscript with a 10-foot pole. Nevertheless, Christianity, and especially Catholic Christianity remains a socially accepted target for religious bigotry. I find the double-standard to be hypocritical.
4) Finally, another reviewer asked me a legitimate question. He asked me if the series had not been so obviously targeted at the 9-12 age group, would I be as critical of the series. It was a valid point -- and my answer is yes. I would have probably given "The Subtle Knife" two stars.
Regardless of one's religious viewpoint, parents have a responsibility to judge the appropriateness of the reading (and viewing) material of their children. As a father and as an educator, I find "The Subtle Knife" -- like its predecessor -- to be inappropriate for the target age group. As a person of faith, I find "The Subtle Knife" to be thinly disguised, sugar-coated bigotry -- and the disguise and the sugar-coating is much thinner!
Not recommended.
Setting the stage for the final novel 
2007-11-26
The 2nd novel in the His Dark Materials trilogy, I found that the first half of the book didn't quite live up to the expectations created by The Golden Compass. Though, the second half of this book tied everything together well and seemed to be more consistent with the overall feel introduced in the first novel. But, as argued by many for most trilogies, and I agree, this is usually the intention to set up the final act. This was clearly Pullman's intention, as it introduces characters and scientific concepts that seem to be necessary to intelligently explain and conclude the story arc. Also, the book finally breaches the controversial threshold that many consider to be its core ant-religious theme. Personally, despite the the fabric of fantasy Pullman has woven, I can understand why many have been concerned for their indoctrinated children's beliefs. Considering the Hollywood requirement to downplay these anti-religious concepts down, I honestly find that it would be quite difficult to translate this story into a film.
Outside of this I really enjoy Pullman's style and have found the worlds created enticing. It didn't leave the impression on me that The Golden Compass did, but it satisfied my interest and built enough momentum to move forward into the final book in the series.
children kill in this book-BEWARE 2007-11-24
DUSTURBING.NOT for children. books two and three are blatant anti-christian works that will truly disturb the age group these books are intended for. as an adult reader, there are also subtle disturbing hints of inappropriate relationships between adults/children in the text. i do not know if a child would pick up on this, but an experienced reader will surely infer these things.
pg 320 shows how pullman describes God--as a feeble angel that the children in this book kill.
don't listen to others 2008-03-07
This is a good book and a good trilogy. The people that are saying these are anti Christian are being ridiculous. It's just a book. If you don't like to read about other's ideas, DON'T READ BOOKS. If a book can change your beliefs, you are WAY to easily manipulated.
Classic children's fantasy gets better with Book 2 2008-02-29
Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy kicks off with a bang with "The Golden Compass" and shows no signs of flagging with volume II, "The Subtle Knife." Just as "The Empire Strikes Back" elevated the "Star Wars" series into the pantheon of great film series, "The Subtle Knife" builds upon the brilliant foundation of Book I and dives deeper into Pullman's rich tale of courage, love, and the battle for salvation.
Lyra, 12-year old tomboy, was the heroine of "The Golden Compass," and in Book 2 she finds a worthy hero to share the spotlight in young Will, a twelve-year old murderer. Lyra's alethiometer tells her that he's a murderer when they cross paths, and it is due to Pullman's brilliant writing that Lyra takes that as a sign that she can trust Will - and it makes sense. For Lyra is still in grave danger as she struggles to find her father, Lord Asriel, after he murdered her friend Roger in order to advance his own ends, which are known only to him.
All Lyra and Will know is that their worlds have been torn asunder, which is what brings them together. Will occupies a world much like our own, and unlike Lyra, he does not have a daemon flitting about beside him. Lyra overcomes her initial disgust of Will's deformity, and soon they are allies as they explore a new dangerous world, where soul-sucking Specters, angels, and witches vie for supremacy with humans.
Will, like Lyra, searches for his father, but unlike Lyra, Will wants to find his father not for revenge, but for love and answers. Unlike Lyra, whose evil mother Marisa Coulter wants to kill her, Will's mother is defenseless and sick, so Will must shoulder the burden of protecting her as well. Pullman balances these dark storylines - that would crush so many children - with realistic depictions of these two kids. For all their heroics, neither Lyra nor Will ever ring false.
Look for plenty of action, joy, loss, and abject sorrow in "The Subtle Knife." The title comes from another wondrous Pullman creation, a knife that can cut through the fabric in between parallel universes, but only in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. Will and Lyra narrowly escape danger after danger as they proceed toward their common destiny, one that will shake the fabric of all the worlds of creation.
This 10th-anniversary edition is a handsome hardcover edition, but is probably not essential to enjoy the series. It's high-quality, complete with placeholder ribbon and special illustrations in the appendix, but Pullman's story is so darn good that a mass-market paperback would do you just fine. This edition is best-served so you can proudly display this novel on your bookcase so you can introduce your friends to this wonderful series of books.
Atheist Propaganda 2008-02-23
This atheistic diatribe, along with other so-called fiction books like Harry Potter Boxset Books 1-7 and Rabid: A Novel, will destroy the soul of America if not stopped immediately. I call upon Amazon to stop selling them, for they are teaching people that Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does not exist or is not relavant to today. This is wrong! Protect your children from these books!
Beautifully written! 2008-02-12
That as well as the other books in the trilogy are a must read! Awesomely written. Great plot, character development The odd thing is that so many had made reference to this bashing Christianity and I only see that from those who are non-believers. To make the correlation between their religion and our form of Christianity is bashing Christianity in of itself. There is one reference to the Catholic church and that is from a character who is from the same world as Will. I have forgotten her name, but that was in a different world than Lyra and the tyrannical government that ruled her world. It is called Fantasy and not called a Reality based book. I loved it!. I can not think of a better fantasy writer than Philip Pullman. Beautifully written!
A Great Sequel... 2008-02-09
A Great Sequel which follows on from "Northern Lights/The Golden Compass". It features great storytelling, great characters, and keeps you turning the pages to a terrific finale that leads us to the third book, "The Amber Spyglass". A series of books that I have so far enjoyed and I highly recommend to young adults of 13 and upwards and adults too.
