The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials #1)

Upon reading Philip Pullman’s "The Golden Compass" my first thought was that I have to find me an armored bear. My second thought was how this book is jam packed with such high concept ideas for a young adult book.

First there’s the whole issue with religion in Pullman’s world. The Church is way out to get everybody, and I imagine some people have had issues with this in the past. Pullman never implies that all religion is this way. Instead he sort of relives how the church acted during the Spanish Inquisition. I’m sure some people got their feathers all ruffled up by this though.

The next detailed concept is that of essentially having a physical manifestation of your soul in the form of an animal that is invisibly linked to your being. At face value, these daemons could be looked at as just a fun pet that goes everywhere with you, but they’re so much more than that. The final form your daemon chooses reflects overriding characteristics within yourself, for example people within the service industry tend to have dogs as their daemons with their intense loyalty to serve a master.

That brings up the whole class issue that’s consistently present within this book. The book has a middle of the 20th century feel to it, with clear distinctions between who and what an individual with power, money and influence should look like. This might go over the heads of younger readers, but it’s so there! This really resonates with the 1% theme that is present in American politics.

Finally, the most detailed and confusing yet utterly fascinating concept of all is that of Dust. Scientifically, Dust consists of elementary particles that can’t be broken down into any simpler form. The Church is convinced that Dust is the source of sin, but it’s clear that Dust also has a part to play in the connection between a human and his or her daemon. Pullman’s description of just what Dust is remains confusing throughout the novel until the very end, and I’ve heard a lot of complaints about that. I think, however, this confusion only increases the mystery of the particles as readers are just as in the dark as main character Lyra is about Dust, and we only find out more concrete details about these particles when Lyra does.

While some people find it off-putting, I think it’s the intricate detail of Pullman’s world in "The Golden Compass" that makes Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy so unique. And despite whether or not we can grasp the concept of Dust, we’ve all wondered just what our daemon would be. (I’m keeping my fingers crossed for puppy or koala bear).

It is rare for a genre YA book in recent years to wield language with the sensibility and virtuosity of the 19th century writers, but Pullman has that gift, as natural to him as water running downhill. Enter a world unlike any other, connect with the endearingly flawed and independent Lyra Bellaqua, and cheer for her as she battles against two of the most compelling villains of recent times - her own parents.

Reader reviewed by Ched28

The Golden Compass is the first book in a trilogy written by Phillip Pullman. In it, you have the courageous, lion-hearted Lyra, her daemon Pan, and a whole bunch of mischief turned adventure. When Lyra first hears the word Dust, she has no idea of how much her life will revolve around such a concept.

In The Golden Compass, she sets out merely to save a friend, but the journey she takes lasts a lot longer than even she will realize. With antagonists such as Lord Asriel, Mrs. Coulter, and the The Gobblers, Lyra's life will never be the same.

Her story travels across time, and worlds, as Phillip Pullman puts together a story that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It's a book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.

If it makes you jump for the book faster, it cane definitely hold it's own against the Harry Potter series.

Reader reviewed by Crimin

What do you get when you combine a fantastical adventure with the most sickening bad-guys lurking around in the shadows?  Wait, hold on.  And a pinch of Daemons, a rough-housed heroine that doesnt take any crap, and an organization that threatens to destroy the most sacred of bonds. . . Now, what do you get?

Roughly, The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, though his tale also contains talking bears, gypsies, and a portal to another world through the Aurora.  But you get the idea.

My friend Nicole read this (and the other two) book near Christmas and fell in love with it enough to literally chuck the tome at my head and shout, Read this or Ill disown you!  So, being the friend (and coward) I am, I picked it up and read it.

And, holy crickets!  It was amazing!  I adore Lyra and her down-to-earth wit and stubbornness. And her darling Pan oh! It made me wish for my own Daemon!  The whole organization thing made me feel sick though and youll understand when you pick this up to read it.

Im being serious. Drop what you have now and pick up this book!  You will be thanking me afterward!!

Reader reviewed by Connie



Pullman has created a rich and vivid story about a girl named Lyra and a substance called dust. Lyra lives in a world is much like our own, except with the existence of daemons, which are physical embodiments of our soul in the form of animals. The first book in the trilogy introduces us to dust, and why so many people are eager to use it to their advantage. Full of mysteries and twists, this is a book that will keep you reading until the end.

Reader reviewed by erica

The Golden compass" is the first book in Phillip Pullman's "Dark Materials" triology. From my point of view, this is one of those books that you simply must read if you are a science fiction fan, or if you simply like a well-written book... However, take into account that reading this book means that you will also have to read the other two books in the series, if you want to know how the story continues.

The "Dark Materials" triology takes place in a world similar to our own, that is at the same time very different. In that world, each person's soul can be seen, is called a "daemon" and takes the form of an animal. The daemons of children change their appearance constantly, but once the children become adults, their daemons choose only one form. Pullman's alternate world has other differences, too, for example the fact that it has different kinds of magic, and that witches and armored bears coexist with human beings. The result is that the world he builds is exotic, strange but at the same time familiar.

On the negative side, the writer also plays with an institution we are familiar with, the Church, using its name but leaving behind its essence, in order to talk about a world ruled by tyrannical ecclesiastical authorities. I didn't like that, and probably you won't like it either, but keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, and as such, its purpose is to entertain, not to be taken seriously. All the same, if you think your sensibilities will be offended, or that you won't be able to separate reality from fiction, don't buy this book. You will be losing a lot, though.

Regarding the plot of "The Golden compass", the main character is an orphan girl named Lyra, that lives in the Jordan College of Oxford. Her life involves no more responsabilities than playing in the grounds (and roofs!) of the College, and making mischief with her friend Roger and her daemon, Pantalaimon. But all changes when Lyra hides in a closet and hears her uncle, Lord Asriel, talk about some weird things that are happening in the North Pole to some scholars. Lyra wants to go there with him, but is not allowed to do so. However, soon afterwards her dear friend Roger and many other children disappear, and when all clues point out to the North Pole, Lyra will start a journey to rescue them. That journey will take her to many places, allow her to meet lots of different people, and help her to discover new things about herself and others. If you want to share all that with Lyra and Pantalaimon, just read this book :)

After reading "The Golden compass", I realize it deserves its reputation as a masterpiece of science fiction, and I regret not having read it before. On the whole, I think that this book is a treat teenagers and adults will enjoy, but I believe it may be too complicated and somber at times for children.

Reader reviewed by Carmen

Whew! Just when I thought I had read all of the good fantasy books...WHAM!!! Here comes this new, exciting trilogy! (His Dark Materials)
At first I couldn't get into this book. It was interesting...but not anything special. But as I read on and on, it morfed in to something more...Something so entoxicating that it made me want to read it forever! It is such an interesting change from the common magic stories of Harry Potter and Eragon, not to put those books down, they are still my all-time favorites! But this was just so...so...Well...you'll see!
Well done, Mr. Pullman!!!

Carmen
PS! Don't give up after the first couple of pages! Give it plenty of time. There is a lot that you won't understand at first but don't worry, because it is explained later!! Enjoy!

Reader reviewed by shorty

This book is the greatest book i have read yet. But Riney is confusing you. Will doesn't come in unitil the beginning of the second Book The Subtle Knife. Lyra and Roger are the main Characters in this book. But all in all this book was really cool. I had to look up a lot of words for it, but it was definately worth it.

Reader reviewed by Riney

The Golden Compass is the first book in the Dark Materials Triology, a great fantasy series!

The Golden Compass introduces the two main characters, Lyra and Will, both who live in Oxford, England, but in parallel worlds. Both have questions that need to be answered and both decide to go on to find the answers. Lyra, an orphan living with her uncle, is curious about this mysterious object called Dust. Will on the otherhand, is confused by his mother's actions and the disappearance of his father.

Together, the two set off to discover more than they ever thought.

Definetly read this book, and the whole triology!

Reader reviewed by Nurin

In this book an orphan named Lyra and her daemon are sent to live with a very nice woman called MRS. Coulter. This lady has prmised Lyra that she will take her up North. However when Lyra and her daemon realize that Mrs. Coulter is just toying with them they run away and live with the gypsies. Since many of the gypsy children have been kidnapped as well as Lyra's friend Roger have been taken up North Lyra, with her growijng talent of reading a truth device, is allowed to go with them in order to bring back the children
This book is really good and everyone will love it.