His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass) (His Dark...

His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass) (His Dark Materials) | Philip Pullman | Brilliant!

books:

His Dark Materials...

	His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass) (His Dark Materials) Philip Pullman Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2007 - 1312 pages average customer review:based on 1079 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

FOR THE FIRST time, the hardcover editions of Philip Pullman's awardwinning His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass) with the original, classic covers by Eric Rohmann, will be available in a boxed set.

Great series

His Dark Materials is a really good series of books. I've never been much for fantasy, nor have I read a lot of children's books. Harry Potter looks boring, so I've stayed away. My draw to these books started with a an e-mail forward last Christmas, one of those alarmist e-mails trying to convince me to boycott the movie due to its "atheist themes."...I wanted to see what all the controversy was about, what could rile up the e-mail mob.

Pullman's story is fascinating. Yes, his story does challenge authoritarianism and dogma. He does so in a way that not only entertains, but provokes thoughts, forcing the reader to challenge his beliefs on human nature. The story isn't necessarily anti-God, as much as it deconstructs the mythology we've created around the worship of God. This theme isn't in any way heavy handed...the story is also one of two children growing up and developing their own worldview.

Despite all the symbolism and controversy, these are 3 very good books that were fun to read.

for more information click here

Brilliant!

I loved the trilogy! I couldn't stop reading, Pullman's story-telling talents are intoxicating! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read and to be entertained.

Mesmerizing!

I've always loved the classic fantasy works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, LeGuin and most recently, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. However, my absolute favorite is His Dark Materials. Not only is it a bold interpretation of Paradise Lost, another one of my favorite reads, but it's full of completely new ideas, characters, and theories; not to mention it's coming from a completely different philosophical perspective. The idea of parallel universes was enough for me to get hooked. The Golden Compass is probably the slowest reads of the series, but it serves the purpose as being an introduction. Once you read the the Subtle Knife, you will be completely mesmerized; not to mention this series has one of the greatest and most heartbreaking endings ever in the Amber Spyglass. Pullman is a master story-teller and I will never get over the fact that he chose to use a young girl as the main hero - and is able to write her perspective brilliantly.

for more information click here

Imaginative fantasy

This is one of the most original fantasies I have read in a long time. I found it a good read. The first book is by far the best of the three. However, I think parents should read them first before deciding to give them to their children. These are very dark stories. The first book alone includes murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, torture, and betrayal. It is hard to know who is the good guy, and who is the villain. It is also openly anti-church (not that I had a problem with that, but some people might).
It is interesting that Pullman, an atheist, has written a trilogy that is actually profoundly spiritual. The positive themes (yes, there are some) include friendship, loyalty, honor, cleaning up messes ( both the ones you have made and those of others ), keeping your word, and generally trying to do the right thing. Pullman presents a different concept of "soul" than has previously been explored.
All in all this is a thought-provoking work, and worth the read, but I would say NOT suitable for younger children.

for more information click here