Even though I am older than 17, I really loved this series. At one point, I got so emotional over a section of the book that I began to cry and had to shut it for a breather. Many people claim that the book is anti-Christian, but personally I do not feel that is the case at all. It is intended to make children consider the ramifications of following anything blindly, whether it is a religion or a government. I would like to remind others that just because the author is atheist does not mean he hates Christianity. Atheism is simply not believing that there is a god. Also, the "god" killed in the series is not really a god, but rather a being falsely impersonating a god. That single point is critical to understand. I find it appalling that the majority of the people decrying the book have not even read it. If you have qualms over the book, read it before you give it to a child. The story is just as captivating for adults as it is for children.
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The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A violent fantasy, with elements of mystery.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence :
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Sex :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1
Parents need to know that there are some vivid descriptions of battle scenes. There are also some tense escapes from evildoers, two of whom are the heroine's parents, and two children are killed. One of Lyra's virtues is her ability to lie convincingly, but she prizes friendship and loyalty. The British dialogue and clever twists on common words may confuse some Americans, but the fantasy will make readers' imaginations soar.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the concepts of other worlds and daemons. What is the same and what is different about Lyra's world and ours? If you had a daemon, what do you think he or she would look like? How did a character's daemon help you decide whether they were friend or foe?
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Most Recent Reviews
Lives in MichiganI rate this title on for age 10 and give itThis book touched me deeply.
Lives in TexasI rate this title on for age 10 and give itAmazing!!!
It's nearly impossible to even look at this book and not have the rumors of it fly into your head. All the anti-religious publicity has really worn down hard on this book, and the movie adaptation has brought down even more disdain. And it's really unfortunate, because this is really a great book; it's chock full of suspense, realistically portrayed characters, and hardcore fantasy leaning on the verge of science fiction. It's a must read for those who feel that their faith is strong enough for it; if your faith is easily offended, it's probably a book to be left alone.
- Lives in MinnesotaI rate this title on for age 9 and give it
LOVE this book!
This is an absolutely wonderful book - even if the beginning starts out slow, and you might have to read it a few times to "get" it. It's definitely not a cliffhanger: instead, the appeal is discovering more about the characters and the world. The foreshadowing is brilliant and you catch something different every time. I am reading it aloud to my 9-year-old sister and she doesn't always understand it, but is enjoying it anyway. It truly is for all ages! There is violence and some (mild) sexual reference, as well as some language, but as long as you discuss it with a younger kid it shouldn't be a problem.
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 17 and give it
it was great ive got the books now coz it the great.
it was a great film and a great book and i am stuck on it on the playstation and i watch it over and over again it is that good
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 11 and give it
AWESOME BOOK
This book was the best ever 10/10 and who ever thinks that Philip Pullman is trying to brainwash kids to hate god, I think god is trying to brainwash kids to make them belive in this (could be fake) theory AND RELIGION DOES NOT GIVE PEOPLE TO GET FREEDOM OF THOUGHT JUST REMEMBER THAT BEFORE BAPTISING YOUR CHILDREN P.S. Im athiest
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