Today we will be reviewing one of the most popular book series not named Harry Potter. Yes, that’s right, we are reviewing His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
11-year-old Lyra Belacqua is eager too see her uncle who has just returned to Jordan College, Oxford, where Lyra has been raised. When Lyra sees someone poison her uncle’s drink, she knocks the drink over and saves her uncle and starts the chain of events that will turn her whole world upside down.
Lyra’s friend Roger is kidnapped and she is adopted by Mrs Coulter, the leader of the Gobblers. Unbeknownst to Mrs Coutler, Lyra has an alethiometer, a truth-telling device that Lyra slowly learns how to use over time. Once Mrs Coutler is outed as the leader of the Gobblers, Lyra escapes and pursues the people who kidnapped Roger.
Besides rescuing Roger, another big plot is discovering who Lyra’s parents are. Lyra realizes the alethiometer is powerful and uses it to guide her as she is destined for something big according to the witches.
There are a lot of things going on in the novel and the work very well. The overlapping plots keep everything fresh and the cast of characters in the book are enjoyable. His Dark Materials has everything that makes a great book and that is why it has gotten a tv show and a new book is being released.
His Dark Materials stands out in a crowded fantasy genre. It may not have the same ubiquity as Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings but it is still regarded as one of the best fantasy books ever. It was ranked as the third best-loved novels on BBC”s Big Read list in 2003.
If that isn’t enough to convince you, then take my word for it. Not many books are as fascinating and imaginative as His Dark Materials. It is nothing like any other book you have read and it will keep you at the edge of your seat.
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