The Amber Spyglass: His Dark Materials, Book 3

Forget the political reviews of this series as an atheist anthem. This is simply a wonderful story with rich characters, fantastic worlds and heartwarming themes about friendship and loyalty. The full cast reading is worth every penny-a must listen!

after the first two books its hard not to fall in love with the ending of this one, even though its sad, you know it has to happen.

This is the third and final installment of the series "His Dark Materials" and is very different from the first two which are clearly aimed at the young (in mind at least) but nevertheless, an enjoyable listen for those who like me are chronologically challenged!! This third book however, is a different kettle of fish and frankly, I wouldn't reccommend it to anyone under the age of 15. For those of us past this age, it is wonderful. Full of adventure, cliff hanging moments, it is one of few books that have brought tears to my eyes on at least two occasions. Masterfully written, this audio version is superbly narrated by a whole cast who bring light and life to the story. An intense and emotional ride, this final chapter of the trilogy kept me spell bound throughout.

I initially read the "Dark Materials" trilogy a few years ago. I wanted to refresh my memory, with the first book coming out in movie form late this year (2007). I just finished listening to all three books (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and finally, The Amber Spyglass). The story is so rich with wonder and the characters are so unique. The narration by Pullman and the full cast made the story really come to life. The armored bears, the witches, the mulefa - all so a part of the universal connections of all beings. The daemons continue to fascinate me, and make me wonder if I'll even realize my own. The worlds and there parallel relationships are intriguing. I only hope there could be a continuing story some day.

Just when you thought this series of books couldn't get any more fantastic, the author steps up to an entirely new level, introducing characters and concepts that are admittedly pretty advanced for youngsters (although my 7 and 11 year olds absolutely love these books). For early teens, it is a perfect introduction to philosophical and ethical ideas that require some serious thought. The nature of religion versus dogma, the concept of self, the idea of power of self-sacrifice, the portrayal of multiple realities, all are explored in new and fascinating ways.

The audio production of the entire series is top-notch and riveting, and has resulted in my driving around the block many times just to get to the end of the next chapter.

Contrary to claims that this book is anti-religion - it is more a criticism of political authority, ignorance, and power. This is not the God of our world - this is an alternate universe. The church in this story is a repressive political entity that relies on fear and intimidation.

It is frightening to see how many people fear these books and wish to ban them rather than to see them as a starting point for discussion of ideas (do not underestimate your children and their ability to comprehend these ideas). These books do not challenge anyone's faith - it really points out the the pitfalls of blind faith versus the true power of actual deeds. Pulling these books out of libraries as some wish to do would be a tragedy, and it seems to reflect more of a lack of faith in one's own beliefs than anything else.

His Dark Materials ends with this book (although there is a follow-up, _Lyra's Oxford_, which includes a short story, a map of Lyra's Oxford, and some other materials), the longest of the three.

The various storylines are tied up nicely, though some may not care for how things are left with the two main characters. Despite this, I loved it - this book and the series - and would love for additional stories from Pullman about the characters and places he's brought to life in these books (as he did with the above-mentioned book).

Great books for children or adults of all ages!

If you read the first two books you have little choice but to read this one. As for enjoyment it lives somewhere between the Golden Compass and the Subtle Knife. The Golden Compass was perfection, the Subtle Knife was convoluted and forced.

Too often the story drags and too often I feel things are happening only because they have to rather then as a natural progression.

But the book cleanly, and often brilliantly, resolves all the complex story line. And, as with the first two book, the character are beautifully crafted and the audio book production is flawless.

You'll be satisfied and more then a little heart broken when your done.

Since when did imagination go by the way of a fallen leaf from the big tree? I have heard so much of how bad this series seems to be but as a Pastor I have heard nothing but happiness and excitement from what comes out of this story. Nobody says anywhere in these books that you have to beleive what you hear. The fun of these types of books is to bring you out of such a hard way of living and go into a world that just takes your mind off your own worries. Love the books and gosh - there are only three in the series. I look forward to more.

I loved the first two books of the series. I couldn't put them down, in fact. I felt the same way with the third book until about halfway through, when it began to drag. The ending was completely anticlimactic and smarmy. Towards the end, the story became disjointed, and several questions were left unanswered. It seemed as though the author was scrambling to make things up at the last minute to make the story cohesive, but failed miserably. Such a disappointment.

The story just doesn't hold together. The creativity and imagination, which was high in the fist book of the trilogy, disappears.

The characters and story lines are inconsistent and at times downright boring. The story line involving the Amber Spyglass itself is painfully boring and seems to be more of an Orson Scott Card ripoff of the Piggies from Card's Ender series.

Lastly, the ending is a total let down when the anticipated temptation is not played up as it was built up throughout the story.

At times I just wanted to turn it off, but hung in there only because I listened to the first two and wanted to see how it ended.