The Golden Compass is a young adult fantasy novel written by Philip Pullman. It is the first book in His Dark Materials series. The story follows Lyra Belacqua, an orphan who lives in a parallel world to ours, as she travels through her world and beyond on a dangerous journey to rescue her friend Roger Parslow. Along the way, she makes many friends and enemies while uncovering truths about her own life and the fate of Dust – a mysterious elementary particle that exists beside matter throughout the multiverse.
For who is this book for ?
The Golden Compass is a young adult fantasy novel written by Philip Pullman. It is the first book in His Dark Materials series, and is appropriate for readers age 12 and up. The story follows Lyra Belacqua, an orphan who lives in a parallel world to ours, as she travels through her world and beyond on a dangerous journey to rescue her friend Roger Parslow. Along the way, she makes many friends and enemies while uncovering truths about her own life and the fate of Dust – a mysterious elementary particle that exists beside matter throughout the multiverse.
Pros :
- The Golden Compass is an exciting and well-written young adult fantasy novel that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
- It delves into complex themes and ideas that are relevant for older teenagers and adults, making it a good choice for book clubs or class discussions.
- The worldbuilding is incredibly rich, creating a vivid backdrop against which the characters’ stories unfold.
Cons :
- It is very long
- It can be confusing at times
- The ending leaves a lot to be desired
Learn more about the author
Philip Pullman is a British novelist, poet, and screenwriter. He wrote The Golden Compass as an alternative to what he saw as the spiritual sterility of children’s literature at the time. His Dark Materials has been described as one of the most important works of fantasy published in recent years.
Reader Reviews
“The Golden Compass is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s well-written, exciting, and full of suspense.”
“The Golden Compass will suck you in and never let go. It is one of those rare books that combines brilliant storytelling with moral depth.”
“This is one of the best young adult books I have ever read. It has humor, action, adventure, and a deep underlying message that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.”
“The Golden Compass is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s exciting, interesting, and full of suspense.”
