Dark Materials

Once Upon a Time in the North: His Dark Materials (David Fickling Books)
$12.99
Mr. Pullman keeps cranking out his tired old atheistic, anti-religious message. Anyone who has read George MacDonald's "At the Back of the North Wind" or "The Princess and the Goblin" which G.K. Chesterton attributes as the book "that had made a difference to my whole existence" can discern the difference between an innocent, wonder-filled adventure and Mr. Pullman's 'dark indeed' fantasy. In my humble opinion, I feel his books would be much more appropriate for cynical teen prodigies on the order of Holden Caulfield . At least Pullman is honest about his objectives, but I think parents should be made aware of just what those objectives are.

N.E.W. (NUCLEE-R EMISSION WING) FLY TYING MATERIAL ), 06 PEARL / DARK BRONZE
$2.49
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The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)
$7.50
I liked this book for the most part. It's extremely imaginative. Not only did the author create worlds separate from our own, but he makes them seem entirely believable. My issue is the confusion. This story is so complex at times, I have no idea what is going on. I reread passages, and hope for the best. If I have a hard time understanding (and I consider myself an educated adult), what in the world does the targets audience think? Do they just skim over the passages that are trying to explain dust, or angels, or spectors (for example). I applaud Philip Pullman for what he is trying to accomplish with this story, but it just feels like to much.

His Dark Materials Trilogy: "Northern Lights", "Subtle Knife", "Amber Spyglass"
$24.56
I reserve a special place on my bookshelf for this trilogy; Pullman knows how to write good characters, and by the end of the book you'll feel like you just spent time with good friends. If you're reading this book for the religious aspect, please don't. Read this book for the story, the characters, and the morals. Pullman's epic story is an amazing way to spend a week.