Customer Reviews

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass

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The finest piece of work I've read in 40 years. I, at first, had no idea what the author was talking about. Then the lightbulb turned on. It totally captivated me and had me in its thrall. I cannot compare it to Tolkein or LeGuin as it came from a totally unique perspective. Comparisons fail as to works of art. We only add our own perspectives and prejudices. As said in interviews with the author, this is a story of children moving from innocence to experience.

This series was designed to cast doubt in a person's faith in God. It also contains child sexuality and homosexuality.

Book one is also a movie. The movie was far more tame than the book. The series is well written to draw the reader in and then you realize his agenda. The second book introduces the plan to kill God who the series claims is actually an angel but since he was the first one formed he tried to control all of the others. There is sexuality in the series as well. Two important angel characters are homosexual and it mentions multiple times how in love they are (in books 2 & 3) and then in book 3 the two children mature and begin making out and fondling etc. Their love making saves the planet they are on at the time by creating more "Dust" the particles with intelligence. Watching the movie with fuzzy bears did not represent what these books are really about. I am so glad I got them from the library and read them first. My young kids will not be reading them. This series is for older teens & adults (and only those who are secure in their beliefs). Gifted youngsters who read at higher levels should avoid this book series.