Remarkably and refreshingly different from Harry Potter | His Dark Materials, Book II: The Subtle Knife |...

not just for YA readers; conceptually brilliant | His Dark Materials, Book II: The Subtle Knife | Philip Pullman

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	• His Dark Materials, Book II: The Subtle Knife Philip Pullman Listening Library (Audio), 2004 average customer review:based on 665 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Okay but not a patch on the first book

I found the second installment of His Dark Materials a reasonably enjoyable read but it doesn't compare to the majesty, mystery and beauty of "The Golden Compass." I'm also not so keen on the religious direction it's heading in. Apparently the overarching story line of the trilogy is the reversal of Milton's "Paradise Lost" - which I read in high school but don't feel like revisiting. To me, anti-religion is still focusing on religion. With the first book I felt like I was reading something totally new and imaginative which was thrilling. That said, I'll read the final book at some point. I'm just not in a rush.

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Remarkably and refreshingly different from Harry Potter

Wow. Even better than the first installment! So far, the books have been so remarkably and refreshingly different from the Harry Potter series that if I'm not careful, Lyra and Will Parry may replace Mr. Potter as my current favorite young literary heroes (apologies to Huck Finn, but I did say "current"). Come to think of it, comparing HDM with HP really isn't fair; their only similarity is that they're both categorized as juvenile fiction. In fact, with J.K. Rowling deliberately avoiding any mention of anything remotely religious or even scientific, her series pales in comparison to "His Dark Materials" and the themes addressed therein: faith, religion, spirituality, quantum physics, reality theory, the Church's relationship with and influence on society, individualism, the power of human potential, to name only a few. I'm actually pleasantly reminded once again of the breadth and scope of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

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not just for YA readers; conceptually brilliant

The Subtle Knife is the second installment in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. While the first one, The Golden Compass, was set in a world parallel to ours, this sequel brings a new protagonist to the story set in our own world. A young boy, Will Perry, who is Lyra Belacqua's age joins this incredible story. Somewhat similar to The Lord of the Rings solely because the entire series is a journey to uncovering the mysteries, secrets, and the truth, the sequel definitely does not disappoint.

Philip Pullman's talent shines in this sequel, as he captivates me with his prose and pace. This book (including The Golden Compass) shows memorable characters, exciting plot developments, and unexpected twists and turns.

Conceptually brilliant, I think this will not only get praise from young adults but will captivate adults as well. I could not wait to read the last book in the trilogy, which I will write a review on too, for sure.

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The subtle knife

Was great, quick efficeint delivery.
Would have liked to see a picture as I wanted to match it to my exciting collection.

The Great Inter-Dimensional Saga Continues...

I have to say that "The Subtle Knife" is another fantastic novel by Mr. Pullman in the "His Dark Materials" series. I couldn't put the book down and found the plot thoroughly entertaining and engrossing as it shifted from character to character, motive to motive, saga to saga. There was always a reason to continue reading as surprises and astounding revelations sharpened my focus and always kept me guessing. I can't wait to move on to the next book "The Amber Spyglass" as Mr. Pullman has done a splendid job crafting his first two books of the series (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife) and has earned another loyal fan through his efforts.

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Read by the author and a full cast
8 hours 55 minutes, 8 CDs

The universe has broken wide, and Lyra's friend lies dead. Desperate for answers and set on revenge, Lyra bursts into a new world in pursuit of his killer. Instead, she finds Will, just twelve years old and already a murderer himself. He's on a quest as fierce as Lyra's, and together they strike out into this sunlit otherworld.

On this journey marked by danger, Will and Lyra forge ahead. But with every step and each new horror, they move closer to the greatest threat of all?and the shattering truth of their own destiny.

In this stunning sequel to The Golden Compas, Philip Pullman continues His Dark Materials trilogy and confirms it as an undoubted and enduring classic.

AWARDS AND HONORS
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Horn Book Fanfare Honor Book
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Blue Ribbon Book
Book Links Best Book of the Year
Parents' Choice Gold Book Award
American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"

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