I've read this book a couple of times, but recently revisted it as an audiobook, which was fantastic. This book really holds up. I definitely picked up on some things I missed when I was younger. Similarly, I'm more intrigued at Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel than I was before--I appreciate their arc more. Things like little Tony and his fish also hit a bit harder, too. And Lyra herself seems much less annoying and more endearing than in years past. Will revisit the other two.

I've read this book a couple of times, but recently revisted it as an audiobook, which was fantastic. This book really holds up. I definitely picked up on some things I missed when I was younger. Similarly, I'm more intrigued at Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel than I was before--I appreciate their arc more. Things like little Tony and his fish also hit a bit harder, too. And Lyra herself seems much less annoying and more endearing than in years past. Will revisit the other two.

I've read this book a couple of times, but recently revisted it as an audiobook, which was fantastic. This book really holds up. I definitely picked up on some things I missed when I was younger. Similarly, I'm more intrigued at Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel than I was before--I appreciate their arc more. Things like little Tony and his fish also hit a bit harder, too. And Lyra herself seems much less annoying and more endearing than in years past. Will revisit the other two.

I liked this one even more than the Golden Compass. It's not as Lyra-centric--you get introduced to Will right away, and follow his point-of-view for much of the book. You also get several chapters from Lyra's friends from the first book--Lee, the witches, Mary the scientist. It's cool to see our world through the eyes of Lyra, and seeing Lyra's dust through the eyes of Mary. But best of all, I love seeing Lyra and Will's friendship blossom.

I liked this one even more than the Golden Compass. It's not as Lyra-centric--you get introduced to Will right away, and follow his point-of-view for much of the book. You also get several chapters from Lyra's friends from the first book--Lee, the witches, Mary the scientist. It's cool to see our world through the eyes of Lyra, and seeing Lyra's dust through the eyes of Mary. But best of all, I love seeing Lyra and Will's friendship blossom.

I liked this one even more than the Golden Compass. It's not as Lyra-centric--you get introduced to Will right away, and follow his point-of-view for much of the book. You also get several chapters from Lyra's friends from the first book--Lee, the witches, Mary the scientist. It's cool to see our world through the eyes of Lyra, and seeing Lyra's dust through the eyes of Mary. But best of all, I love seeing Lyra and Will's friendship blossom.

When I read this fifteen years ago, it was five stars for sure.
After reading it as an adult, I see some of the faults in the writing and story.
Many of the plot lines go nowhere, and simply take up space (the little people, the bomb with Lyra's hair, the priest trying to follow Lyra), and many of the plot lines drag on for far too long (the sleep plot line, the prelude to the dead). There are still some great parts though--Mary and the mulefa, Mrs. Coulter's story, and of course, Will and Lyra's growing closer.
And that ending! The ending is still bittersweet and wonderful.

When I read this fifteen years ago, it was five stars for sure.
After reading it as an adult, I see some of the faults in the writing and story.
Many of the plot lines go nowhere, and simply take up space (the little people, the bomb with Lyra's hair, the priest trying to follow Lyra), and many of the plot lines drag on for far too long (the sleep plot line, the prelude to the dead). There are still some great parts though--Mary and the mulefa, Mrs. Coulter's story, and of course, Will and Lyra's growing closer.
And that ending! The ending is still bittersweet and wonderful.

When I read this fifteen years ago, it was five stars for sure.
After reading it as an adult, I see some of the faults in the writing and story.
Many of the plot lines go nowhere, and simply take up space (the little people, the bomb with Lyra's hair, the priest trying to follow Lyra), and many of the plot lines drag on for far too long (the sleep plot line, the prelude to the dead). There are still some great parts though--Mary and the mulefa, Mrs. Coulter's story, and of course, Will and Lyra's growing closer.
And that ending! The ending is still bittersweet and wonderful.