[identity profile] spikiegirl.livejournal.com


The Subtle Knife & The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, Books 2 & 3)
by Philip Pullman


Synopsis: Not putting any since they contain spoilers ^^'.


My Opinion: I loved loved loved this series.
You can read my review about the first book HERE.

I think I already mentioned how scared I am when I read series that the next installment won't be as good as the previous one and I'll end up so disappointed. It was the case with His Dark Materials because I really loved the first novel and couldn't see how it could be better. Verdict: the rest were even better... yes, they are.
I already wrote in my previous review how rich and original the world created by Philip Pullman is but I was far from it. I was really carried in a universe so magical, incredible, complex, fascinating that I never had enough it.
The characters are also diverse, interesting and lovable. I dare anyone to not fall for those two kids. And may I talk about Lyra's parents? They are the perfect examples of why we shouldn't judge characters too quickly because everything isn't black or white... I'll leave it at that since I don't want to spoil the books.
As for the plot, what can I say? It is even more smart, gripping and reflexive than expected.

All those elements make His Dark Materials a wonderful series for both youngsters and adults. I don't know the other Philip Pullman's novels but if I were to judge him based on those three books, I'd say he's a fantastic story-teller. I'll make sure to try his other children's books.

To summarize: totally recommended!!
[identity profile] spikiegirl.livejournal.com


The Golden Compass or Northern Lights (His Dark Materials, Book 1)
by Philip Pullman

Synopsis: "Lyra's life is already sufficiently interesting for a novel before she eavesdrops on a presentation by her uncle Lord Asriel to his colleagues in the Jordan College faculty, Oxford. The college, famed for its leadership in experimental theology, is funding Lord Asriel's research into the heretical possibility of the existence of worlds unlike Lyra's own, where everyone is born with a familiar animal companion, magic of a kind works, the Tartars are threatening to overrun Muscovy, and the Pope is a puritanical Protestant. Set in an England familiar and strange, Philip Pullman's lively, taut story is a must-read and re-read for fantasy lovers of all ages. The world-building is outstanding, from the subtle hints of the 1898 Tokay to odd quirks of language to the panserbjorne, while determined, clever Lyra is strongly reminiscent of Joan Aiken's Dido Twite." (From Amazon.co.uk)


My Opinion: An extraordinary and wonderful adventure.

Usually, I'm not a reader of this kind of fantasy but I decided to read it after watching the movie and let me tell you that this novel is so much better than the adaptation of it.

Set in a well-written, rich and original world, The Golden Compass is a fast-paced, fascinating, intriguing fantasy novel led by a young but mature, courageous, determined girl and her daemon.
We follow Lyra Belacqua in her quest to deliver her friend Roger and all the other kids from the "Gobblers". Along the way, she'll be helped by all kind of fantastic characters but she'll also have to face great dangers.
Lyra and all the other characters are greatly written, interesting, lovable but some are also hateful and repulsing.

All the mystery surrounding the Dust and the daemons are what set that novel apart. I devoured it looking for answers, trying to understand this world, how it works, discovering what would happen next to our heroine and her friends. Only when tiredness was too strong, was I able to put down that book.

Philip Pullman was able to write a brilliant piece that is not too complex so it can be read by kids/teenagers and not too simplistic that adults can fully enjoy it.

I can't wait to read the rest of Lyra and Pantalaimon's adventures in a quest to change their world.



To summarize: Totally recommended!!

Profile

Mimi's Bookcase

December 2013

S M T W T F S
1234 567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    

Syndicate

RSS Atom

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated May. 19th, 2025 11:05 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios
OSZAR »