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The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book Iby Philip Pullman
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:In a landmark epic of fantasy and storytelling, Philip Pullman invites readers into a world as convincing and thoroughly realized as Narnia, Earthsea, or Redwall. Here lives an orphaned ward named Lyra Belacqua, whose carefree life among the scholars at Oxford's Jordan College is shattered by the arrival of two powerful visitors. First, her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, appears with evidence of mystery and danger in the far North, including photographs of a mysterious celestial phenomenon called Dust and the dim outline of a city suspended in the Aurora Borealis that he suspects is part of an alternate universe. He leaves Lyra in the care of Mrs. Coulter, an enigmatic scholar and explorer who offers to give Lyra the attention her uncle has long refused her. In this multilayered narrative, however, nothing is as it seems. Lyra sets out for the top of the world in search of her kidnapped playmate, Roger, bearing a rare truth-telling instrument, the compass of the title. All around her children are disappearing — victims of so-called "Gobblers" — and being used as subjects in terrible experiments that separate humans from their daemons, creatures that reflect each person's inner being. And somehow, both Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are involved. Review:"As always, Pullman is a master at combining impeccable characterizations and seamless plotting, maintaining a crackling pace to create scene upon scene of almost unbearable tension. This glittering gem will leave readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the next installment of Lyra's adventures." Publishers Weekly, (starred review) Review:"Arguably the best juvenile fantasy novel of the past 20 years....It's sheerly, breathtakingly, all-stops-out thrilling." The Washington Post Review:"Fantastic....A shattering tale that begins with a promise and delivers an entire universe." Kirkus Reviews Review:"Very grand indeed...scene after scene of power and beauty." The New York Times Book Review Review:"Filled with fast-paced action....A totally involving, intricately plotted fantasy that will leave readers clamoring for the sequels." Sally Estes, Booklist Review:"[A] sweeping, suspenseful fantasy novel....Kidnapped children, armored bears, and evil science experiments are just some of the elements in the touching, exciting, and mysterious story." Horn Book Review:"The Golden Compass is one of the best fantasy/adventure stories that I have read in years. This is a book no one should miss." Terry Brooks, author of The Sword of Shannara About the AuthorPhilip Pullman was born in Norwich, England and was brought up in Rhodesia, Australia, London and Wales. Philip graduated from Oxford University in 1973 with a degree in English, and has taught middle school at Westminter College. He is the author of many highly-acclaimed books for young readers, from contemporary fiction to Victorian thrillers, and has written plays and picture books for readers of all ages. Philip's current book, The Golden Compass , has been hailed as "a rich combination of high fantasy, high drama, and intense emotion" by author Lloyd Alexander, and "extraordinary storytelling at it's very best" by the Detroit Free-Press . Philip currently lives in Oxford with his wife, Judith, and children. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!
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