Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of His Dark Materials Trilogy: The Golden Compass / The Subtle Knife / The Amber Spyglass

His Dark Materials Trilogy: The Golden Compass / The Subtle Knife / The Amber Spyglass
reviewed on
Helpful Score: 6


These are well written adventure fantasies that young adults and adults who like their imaginations tickled can enjoy. There are a number of passages that have spine tingling suspense and take your breath away conflict. By the end you'll be sorry to let these characters go.

If you don't have an open mind or think a book has supernatural powers don't bother because there are attitudes about authoritarian religion that are unmistakable. But if you can understand the boundaries between reality and fiction fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a visceral thrill and a philosophical challenge.