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on March 1, 2017
The author does a good job of keeping you interested and the story is very exciting. The only reason I didn't give It 5 stars is because I thought the plot was going to be a little different prior to buying.
on July 21, 2005
If I were to list my ten favorite books, "The Golden Compass" would surely be towards the top of that list. With each reading (an annual event) I am reminded of the beauty and mystery that is the fabric of this work. I think of it as a transcendent work in that it far exceeds the usual limits of this genre. Adolescent tales of magical worlds are understandably popular-the target audience is on the brink of enormous change and is feeling quite confined by the circumstances of their lives. These other books are, however, generally limited to fairly superficial characterization and plots which, while often exciting, are really just aimed providing the reader with an emotionally cathartic experience. There is nothing wrong with that; but, as the Golden Compass" shows, so much more is possible.
"The Golden Compass" is a more solid work because it is dealing with essential truths of our life and the nature of existence. While it is a fantasy, it is quite realistic in its portrayal of what it means to be human. At the most accessible level this means that the characters are fully developed. They are consistently portrayed and feel real. They are fully human (even if they happen to be bears or witches!). More profoundly, though, is the feel of the world created in this book. We live in a world of beauty and mystery. For countless reasons, however, we are generally cut off from this aspect of our nature. In this work, however, you can get a feel for this part of the fabric of our being. From the opening scenes at the school or on the streets of Oxford, we feel our grasp on the ordinary world slipping. This is our world-almost. These real people in this slightly altered time and place create a world of wonder. It is as though you looking at the unfolding of events through a shimmering silky black fog. It is not only a mystery in the sense of plot development, but also in the more profound way as we, through Lyra's eyes, let go of our firm holding of our ideas of how things should be.
"The Golden Compass" is a more solid work because it is dealing with essential truths of our life and the nature of existence. While it is a fantasy, it is quite realistic in its portrayal of what it means to be human. At the most accessible level this means that the characters are fully developed. They are consistently portrayed and feel real. They are fully human (even if they happen to be bears or witches!). More profoundly, though, is the feel of the world created in this book. We live in a world of beauty and mystery. For countless reasons, however, we are generally cut off from this aspect of our nature. In this work, however, you can get a feel for this part of the fabric of our being. From the opening scenes at the school or on the streets of Oxford, we feel our grasp on the ordinary world slipping. This is our world-almost. These real people in this slightly altered time and place create a world of wonder. It is as though you looking at the unfolding of events through a shimmering silky black fog. It is not only a mystery in the sense of plot development, but also in the more profound way as we, through Lyra's eyes, let go of our firm holding of our ideas of how things should be.
on November 18, 2015
Well written. I bought the book and listened to it in the car, I drive alot. The voices were great, very good actors. Highly recommend this book.
Great summer read for adults or children or both together. This book can be read over and over and each time is shines anew!
on June 21, 2016
Great summer read for adults or children or both together. This book can be read over and over and each time is shines anew!
on June 12, 2010
"The Golden Compass" is an outstanding read and one of the most thought provoking book's I have ever read. The story takes place in an alternate universe where people's souls are external from their bodies in the form of animal companions called daemons. Lyra an orphan under the care of Jordan College in an alternate Oxford, England is thrust into the adventure of her life in order to save her world and countless others, as well as fulfill her destiny among the very fabric of time and space. Of course this is unknown to her at the time.
I barely ever took a break while reading this novel and loved every bit of it, the characters were very believable, the plot well thought up and interesting enough to cause you to not want to go to bed (I had this problem a lot), and the ability for the material within the story (alternate universes, souls, religion, etc) to force you to continuously reeducate yourself to matters you may think you already know. Out of the many books, and novels I have read so far in my lifetime this one definitely comes out among the top ten. I strongly recommend this book.
I barely ever took a break while reading this novel and loved every bit of it, the characters were very believable, the plot well thought up and interesting enough to cause you to not want to go to bed (I had this problem a lot), and the ability for the material within the story (alternate universes, souls, religion, etc) to force you to continuously reeducate yourself to matters you may think you already know. Out of the many books, and novels I have read so far in my lifetime this one definitely comes out among the top ten. I strongly recommend this book.
on October 17, 2000
Pullman's first installment of the Dark Materials trilogy is perfectin virtually every way. From the intricate details of the parallel Oxford to the sweeping Arctic vistas he paints it is superbly vivid.
As Pullman begins the story, casually illustrating this strange new world, the readers have no idea what is in store for little Lyra and her dæmon. But we are dragged along, almost brutally at times, by Pullman's incredible skill as Lyra quickly begins to discover that she is much more than an ordinary little girl. Pullman weaves the beginning of his trilogy perfectly, leading the reader along a variety of twisting, turning, and ultimately ambiguous plot developments. It sets the stage brilliantly for the following two books.
Though marketed at younger readers this book, as well as the rest of the trilogy, holds almost more for the older set. While superficially the book seems like well-written childrens' fantasy, there are eddies just below the surface of the intricate and complex story that flow beautifully into the next two books. These currents, sweeping the characters along, sit murkily out of sight until Pullman draws them to the clarity of the surface with masterful skill.
Pullman's amazing talent has blossomed with the Dark Materials trilogy and the initial book exemplifies this absolutely. Anyone looking for an engrossingly complex read is advised to pick upthis gem and its brethren; they will not be disappointed.
As Pullman begins the story, casually illustrating this strange new world, the readers have no idea what is in store for little Lyra and her dæmon. But we are dragged along, almost brutally at times, by Pullman's incredible skill as Lyra quickly begins to discover that she is much more than an ordinary little girl. Pullman weaves the beginning of his trilogy perfectly, leading the reader along a variety of twisting, turning, and ultimately ambiguous plot developments. It sets the stage brilliantly for the following two books.
Though marketed at younger readers this book, as well as the rest of the trilogy, holds almost more for the older set. While superficially the book seems like well-written childrens' fantasy, there are eddies just below the surface of the intricate and complex story that flow beautifully into the next two books. These currents, sweeping the characters along, sit murkily out of sight until Pullman draws them to the clarity of the surface with masterful skill.
Pullman's amazing talent has blossomed with the Dark Materials trilogy and the initial book exemplifies this absolutely. Anyone looking for an engrossingly complex read is advised to pick upthis gem and its brethren; they will not be disappointed.
on February 17, 2017
Very light material which is great. Feels nice in your hands. The "secret files of Lord Asriel" logo makes it look a bit like a kid's book but I would say the cover is overall satisfactory.
The story is just amazing. One of the best books I've ever read
The story is just amazing. One of the best books I've ever read
on March 8, 2016
The art style is definitely a bit strange. More reminiscent of a rough Craig Thompson (Author of Blankets), but still a fun journey
I wish it was a bit more detailed. But it's a nice piece regardless
I wish it was a bit more detailed. But it's a nice piece regardless
