Philip Pullman and Wtw Repertory - The Golden Compass: Oxford

Harry Potter, Aslan, Taran, Dorothy, Frodo, Meet LYRA...

Author's Rating:

Pros: Strong heroine in an imaginative role--great first part of a trilogy

Cons: Some extreme and scary situations--more for older kids than pups

Bottom Line:
A new fantasy series for me to add to my favorites: Narnia, Harry Potter, The Book of Three, Lord of the Rings, Oz... Read More

Bicamerality in body as well as in mind. The story of Lyra and Pantalaimon.

Author's Rating:

Pros: Intensely imagined, mostly beautifully written, thrilling story of the double self, Lyra and Pantalaimon.

Cons: Some of the plot, while perhaps plausible to children, is unconvincing to adults.

Bottom Line:
A unique, thrilling, exalting novel. Read More

Dust with a capital D

Author's Rating:

Pros: Simply fantasic story

Cons: Slightly contraversial

Bottom Line:
The start of something special Read More

Move Over, Alice! Look Out, Bilbo! There's a New Kid in Town

Author's Rating:

Pros: Characters and places you'll never forget. Excitement, intrigue, mystery, metaphysics, and beautiful writing.

Cons: Dahl's Matilda would complain: "There's not a whole lot of humor here."

Bottom Line:
The Golden Compass more than holds its own against any of the classics of children's literature. But beware: This book may be hazardous to your belief systems! Read More

Beneath and Beyond the Aurora

Author's Rating:

Pros: Intelligent, innovative, wonderfully told, intriguing characters.

Cons: A little slow to start, rather dark in places.

Bottom Line:
This is the kind of book which transcends generations; the quality of the writing and the story makes this stand out clearly in its genre. Read More

The Golden Compass: Doubt, Danger, And Fathomless Mysteries

Author's Rating:

Pros: A young female hero in a classic fantasy tale.

Cons: The book is too short; some scenes are too intense for younger readers.

Bottom Line:
The strongest of the trilogy; an amazing reading experience. Read More

Northern Lights? The Golden Compass? Who Cares, the Book Is Great!

Author's Rating:

Pros: Interesting world, good story, great characters, flawless writing

Cons: None

Bottom Line:
The best book for children (and everyone who likes to read books for kiddies) I've read since Harry Potter. Read More

Grrrrl Power!

Author's Rating:

Pros: A fantastic journey

Cons: May not be suitable for young children

Bottom Line:
Action, adventure, battles, in a world not so removed from own own. Grrl power rules with Lyra leading the way! Read More

Parallel Worlds, Fantasy, & Fiction

Author's Rating:

Pros: Wonderful imagination & creativity

Cons: It's a trilogy...now I have to find the other two!

A richly imagined universe that holds terrifying secrets...

Author's Rating:

Pros: Beautifully complex and richly imagined

Cons: Violent, anti-religious (if you're easily offended, steer clear)

Bottom Line:
A worthy addition to the likes of Lewis, Tolkien, and Rowling, Lyra's journey is ultimately captivating, as is the science behind Pullman's world Read More