"His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman
The set of books by Philip Pullman arrived in excellent condition in their own display box. Thank you Amazon.com for your wonderful work.

A new look at the world
I thought just as a read it was great fun, mostly the first one, I didn't love the second two nearly as much as the golden compass. But they were still a fun read. But as an older reader I love the ideas of man, heaven, and god. When people say that this book is trying to insult religion and/or christianity don't take their word for it. I do not beileve that is what Pullman was trying to do, he wanted to make you think, and give us a new idea of what life and heaven might be, or mean to us. And he never quite says which side is right or wrong. I strongly suggest these books to anyone who likes to think or just a fun and interesting read!

The Death of Dogma and the Birth of Joy
I just finished re-reading Phillip Pullman's astonishing trilogy for the third time. No, I'm not an eager 11-year-old desperate for a Potter substitute. I'm a thirty-two year old English teacher happily immersed in the modern day renaissance that is children's fantasy. Of course, like any renaissance, there are the founding fathers, such as C.S. Lewis. There are the, at times, appallingly bad writers like Stephenie Meyer and there are the highly capable, thrilling storytellers like Madeleine L'engle, Lois Lowry, and J.K. Rowling.

And then there is Phillip Pullman outstripping them all with his spiritually complex, daringly original trilogy, "His Dark Materials."

The great thing about Pullman's series is that it works on two levels. Adult readers (and even academics) will note his ingenious use of literary allusions, scientific theories, history, and various myths and religious beliefs to bring to life not just multiple worlds, but multiple universes. Young readers will appreciate his carefully crafted, highly suspenseful plot, his exciting descriptions of exotic worlds, and his heroic, compelling characters, all of whom must suffer and make difficult choices in a time of great upheaval.

I dare not give any plot details away--the twists and turns are too clever to ruin--but I do want to say a word about Pullman's contribution in terms of fantasy literature for young girls. This series is certainly one that boys will enjoy, chalk full as it is with giant armored bears, action-packed battle sequences, texas ballooners, gyspies, and a young boy, Will, who becomes the second protagonist when he shows up in book two and learns to wield a knife that cuts through the very fabric of the universe.

However, unlike, say, "The Chronicles of Narnia," which demonizes female power, or "The Lord of the Rings," which pushes women to the side, or even "Harry Potter," which, let's face it, is mostly about a young boy's quest, "His Dark Materials" centers on Lyra, a feisty, smooth-talking, brave, highly independent, young, intelligent female protagonist. She absolutely explodes gender expectations and her adventurous, hilariously gutsy spirit leaves you realizing just how few strong female characters we have in fantasy children's (or young adult's) literature. Pullman reverses expectations again with his sympathetic depiction of female witches and with his complex portrayal of Mrs. Coulter, who is neither entirely good nor entirely evil.

I also want to say a word about the controversy surrounding these books, a controversy that says more about the insecurities of certain fundamentalist Christians then it says about the books themselves. Some Christian groups (especially when "The Golden Compass" movie came out, which by the way, does not capture the immense scope of the first book in any way) would have you believe that Pullman is advocating nothing less than the death of God. They are incorrect in this assessment, however, because what Pullman really advocates is the death of mindless dogma that results in people unthinkingly following precepts they have not examined for themselves. His books argue against those who use their religious authority to manipulate and gain power for themselves, especially those who persecute people who do not adhere to their narrow codes of thought and conduct.

The "authority" who dies in book three is not a god of love; he is the "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" deity, a god who gladly sends people to a bleak, joyless afterlife, a god who once lusted after power and is now kept alive by those who seek power in his name. If you worship the God of love, of brotherhood, of forgiveness, of infinite understanding and wisdom, then Pullman's novels are no threat to you. That kind of god is absolutely in keeping with the spirit of these books, which are closer to being agnostic then anything else, but are certainly not atheistic.

In fact, to call Pullman's books anti-religious is to miss the heart of his luminous story, a story that dares to re-imagine Eve's fall, as well as a new way to view death, a story that celebrates life itself--all the passion, joy and sorrow life offers, all of the physical pleasures of everyday life--in a way few novels do, let alone children's novels. This series is, in fact, one of the most deeply spiritual works I've ever come across, rewarding intelligent seekers of all faiths.

Come with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.

Disturbing
I purchased this box set after seeing the movie and out of curiousity (to see what the Christian Coalition was up in arms about). Books 1 and 2 were fine but when I got to the 3rd I could not finish it. I am a Protestant and perhaps this will turn some folks off from reading this review - perhaps it won't for others. Pullman is an admitted atheist and has advised he wrote these books to be an antithesis to C.S. Lewis' works - Chronicles of Narnia. Pullman has criticized Lewis' works (and everyone has a right to do so of any work, don't get me wrong).

I was actually offended by the fact that Pullman is using children in the story to further his atheistic agenda. There is brutality against the children by the so-called church in his story, making the church out to be a bunch of crazy, evil people... These children are abused psychologically and killed by these very same people. The main character's father and mother are insane as well - not something I see as virtuous at all. Aside from that, Pullman takes the topic of God further by suggesting He is a deceitful and lying entity(I won't spoil it with a more detailed explaination for you if you so choose to read this literature).

In short I was spiritually disturbed by this series. I am a very open minded person when it comes to books. I love to read sci-fi, fantasy works (I love Dune as an example) but this series I could not tolerate. I am offended by Pullman and quite frankly, his writing stinks in general - it's awkward for a lack of a better word/description. I say it again, having this pointed towards children and using children to fulfill his atheistic agenda is outright obnoxious.

I have this box set in the cardboard recyclying can. Very disappointed in this series.

Dark Materials a Triple Threat or Three Times a Charm? Awesome Novels!
When I saw the Golden Compass movie The Golden Compass (New Line Platinum Series Two-Disc Widescreen Edition) and the excellent acting of Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig (much different than his 007 role that same year, obviously), I wanted to read the book. Then I saw the reviews of the trilogy written by Phillip Pullman and was taken aback by the lower star reviews, accusations of religious suppression and not allowing these books to be read by children (winner of the British Book Award for Children amongst other top accolades!). Gosh, where was I, back in Puritan New England?

To be a brief review, The Golden Compass was much richer than the film. Lyra Belacqua is a brat of the girl, knows the ropes and has street smarts and is a compulsive liar. She lives in an alternate reality where one wears ones' soul, which is in the form of a "daemon", an animal that lives as you live and takes on a personality that reflects your own. Wolves for soldiers, snakes for lawyers, that kind of thing. Someone is kidnapping children. When her best friend is kidnapped as well, she searches for him, has a run-in with Mrs. Coulter (quite the nasty b*tch with the nasty smile, which Kidman captured well in the film), giant bears in armor and the discovery of a secret lab up north that would make Frankenstein jealous. An ending that could mean the end of all dimensions. Kinda reminded me of Crisis on Infinite Earths (comics story) mixed with Harry Potter, sort of. Slow slogging, but picks up the pace quite well. The movie ends about three-quarters into the book.

The Subtle Knife is a knife that can cut a hole into any universe. Its acquisition of it requires physical loss and despair. Will feels he's up to the task. With a father who abandoned him long ago and a mother who is one card short of a full deck, he meets up with Lyra from the last book. This is their story. But it's also a story of the Church. The Church in this universe is suppressive, and wants to stop Lord Asriel, who wants to start a new war against "The Authority". Complete with angels and vampires that suck your soul out of your body, I can understand why a narrow-minded, shortsighted evangelist might feel offended. But come on! It's a fictional story. A fantasy with angels and demons. The author `s message is not kill all religion and destroy God. It's a story of hope, honor and integrity, friends and foes. What struck me is wondering who the bad guys really were. A bit long on plot and short on realism, but hey, it's a fantasy.

The Amber Spyglass introduces a scientist from our own time who slips into a third dimension. You see, there are holes into other universes that some people forgot to close up. She finds a race of creatures who live by an interesting code of honor and cooperation. The Amber Spyglass is an instrument that can see Dust, this stuff that seems to be composed of the "stuff" of the universe. The "kill God" plot is secondary to the fate of Lord Asriel, Lyra and her love for her parents and Will. Definitely lessons learned here would be satisfactory for any parent to pass onto their children.

So is Phillip Pullman trying to create atheists from his novels? No. No more than J.K. Rowling is trying to create witches and promote potions and spells with Harry Potter.

These stories won awards for their language, integrity and merit. God is Love and that's what the story's about. Can't be simpler than that. I'm no stranger to religious bigotry and intolerance. This set of books is far from that conclusion.

Overall, 5 stars for the bravery of the author to tackle controversy through the instrument of fantasy stories and the development of Lyra, a character who learns there's more to life than lying and street smarts!