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His Dark Materials Trilogy
After the first book I was enthralled and couldn't wait to read the rest. The second book isn't great, but the middle book of a trilogy never is. The third book, however, made me so angry at the time I wasted reading the others. It was not some "anti-religious" aspect that made me angry- it was poor writing, creating a whole useless world in the last book and then making the major conflict resolution at the end weak and pointless. The "anti-religious" controversy was probably trumped up to boost sales; it barely figures into the meandering conclusion. So upset, so upset was I that I wasted all that time reading this series.
His Dark Materials Trilogy
Very good book. Very fast pace. Keeps you wanting to read more. I am reading Book 2 now. It is just as good.
His Dark Materials Trilogy
I first read His Dark Materials trilogy when I was in 7th grade and had to endure an entire year before the third one finally came out when I was in 8th grade. They have remained my absolute favorite books throughout the last ten years, and I can't wait to see the movie in December. :~)
His Dark Materials Trilogy
I am a big, long time fan of fantasy literature, particularly that written for young adults. Based on the reviews of this trilogy, I was expecting, and hoping, to find a really enthralling work that would measure up to The Dark is Rising and the Harry Potter books. I was disappointed. Unlike many of the other reviewers, I found Pullman's writing style a bit forced and contrived. It took me quite a while to feel engaged with the characters, and I don't think I ever really felt sympathy with Lyra, the main character.I didn't find the existential premise troubling, in fact, I think it was the most original and best part of the book. The multiple worlds premise was interesting, but I didn't find the alternate worlds all that believable.In the end, I would say that the books were entertaining, but probably would not read them again. To those considering these books, I would recommend books by Susan Cooper or Lloyd Alexander instead.
His Dark Materials Trilogy
I started out really liking the books, and what religious confusion I had, I expected to be resolved at the end as most novels are, and at least impartial, but I found that what pullman says about religion, well, basically christianity, in these books very disturbing. Pullman's "God", the Authority, is portrayed as a rather tyrranical ruler who has grown old to the point of death, with the protagonistic angels being against God, and the antagonistic angels are power-hungry and rule creation. Also, some elements of this book are not things i would tell a child to read, such as the evil of the protagonist's demented parents. It has children turning away from what is supposed to be good, and one has killed people. I think the only thing a child could derive from these books is that God is bad, many disturbing thoughts, and moral confusion. It also has a disturbing theory of hell, which everyone goes to and lives in fear and misery for all eternity. In all, this prevented me from properly enjoying a series that was otherwise very well written and exciting.
His Dark Materials Trilogy
The Golden Compass was absolutely scintillating. The guy's a great writer. However, in the Amber Spyglass, the truth comes out. Yahweh (Jehovah, God Almighty), is just one of a pantheon of sencient dark materials in a strictly material creation.I love Sci-Fi and Fantasy. But not one that assaults my Christianity. The comparisons to Tolkien and Lewis are not deserved.This is a childrens series?If I were an athiest, I'd undoubtedly love this series. However, I'm not, and the unfinished trilogy went out in today's garbage.