This was my favourite book for years. Every child (and adult) should be exposed to this imaginative adventure story.
The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1
(1998, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Philip Pullman, Illustrated by No Illustrator)Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it's educational |
Have you read it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Intelligent and Exciting Fantasy Novel
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Wonderful adventure story
This was my favourite book for years. A story every child should be exposed to.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
This book touched me deeply.
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.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Exciting story with awful morals thinly veiled...
NOTE: This series is NOT children's fiction! It has been classified as such in local libraries and bookstores, but please, please read it beforehand. I read this book because my librarian recommended it to me, seeing as I love fantasy. The story started off ok. It made me curious and I wanted to read more. Be that as it may, this book, as well as the rest of the trilogy, contains very mature themes that should NOT be written about for children. This book probably isn't as bad as the rest, but once children read this book, they will of course want to know how it all ends. The book runs along a theme of over-throwing God, the devil is exalted and apparently, we have misunderstood him. Go figure. There are severely damaging and graphic experiments made against young children including castration, female circumcision, as well as the separation of the body from it's soul, or 'daemon' in this case. The rest only gets worse, as in the third and final book, Lyra (the main character) and Will (major character) perform intercourse, being in the ages of 12-14. God is over-thrown, heaven is taken over and a republic is set up. I am not attacking freedom of speech, THIS series is. It is an attack on moral issues, even morals that secular parents who are not religious are careful about with their children. For me, this is an evil attack on God and on His followers. This author may say what he thinks, believe me, I am not attacking freedom of speech, but when he tries to wrap it up in a children's fiction novel, he crosses the line. Children should not be subject to such thinly-veiled propaganda, and such mature subject matter that should be dealt with by their parents or teachers, NOT by a story.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Wonderful fantasy/SF for pre-teen to adult!
I got this book because I wanted to read it before going to the movie with my son (who is on the young end for the movie, but enjoyed it thoroughly and didn’t find it too scary, which I was worried about.) I also wanted to preview it for his summer reading list after 5th grade, and I decided that it makes the cut. This book straddles the line between fantasy and SF in many ways. It has many traditional fantasy aspects, such as talking armored bears, witches, and the talking animal daemons. On the other hand, it also deals with fairly heavy SF material like multiple universe theory and speculative particle physics! All in all, I loved the book. It is a great read and a real “page turnerâ€Â! I would say it is appropriate for kids of age 11 and up, but you should know your kid and talk to them about some of the social behaviors and moral concepts that the book brings up! I intend to do a sort of “chapter review†with my son as he reads it this summer and talk about what happened and help him with some of the weightier social, moral, and religious issues that the book presents so he can understand the rest of the story as he reads it as opposed to struggling with the concepts until after the book is done.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
ANTI-CHRISTIAN, EVIL AND DARK/VIOLENT
You need to know that the book and the movie based on it were written by a proud atheist who has publicly stated his mission is to kill God in the eyes of children and adults. Many non-children-appropriate topics are broached including female circumscision and male castration. The book and movie culminate in the main character killing God. The subsequent books are even worse and this author Pullman intends to create a whole new generation of atheists. Don't buy and definitely don't go see the movie.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Not appropriate for Younger Children
This book is not appropriate for <14 Children due to adult themes. Here is my abridged review to keep to the 200 word count limit. I’ve eliminated the references to lying, alcohol and anti-God/Church sentiments and many details. In the book, kids are kidnapped and scientific experiments are performed on children. This routinely results in their death. On page 218, we encounter a victim of one of the experiments who has escaped. He dies as a result of the experiment and is cremated. Quote: “These coffins’ve got skeletons in ‘em!†whispered Roger. “Moldering flesh,†whispered Lyra. “And worms and maggots all twisting about in their eye sockets.†Animal Cruelty & Violence Quote: “one ritual yet to perform … sliced open the … unprotected chest, peeling the fur back to expose the narrow white and red ribs like the timbers of an upturned boat. Into the rib cage (he) reached, and he plucked out (his) heart, red and steaming, and ate it there…â€Â. Sexual References Contains a description of an extramarital affair, pregnancy and murder of the husband by the lover. Quote: “he raked his claws in the soft fur of her neck, and she growled a deep rumble of pleasure.â€Â
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Great basis for critical analysis and questioning
This book, and series are very complex to rate, as the fantasy elements are wonderful and appealing to younger children. The themes and ideas presented, especially around the ideas of religion, and good and evil, are extremely complex and younger children don't yet have the context and understanding to discuss their meanings. I would love to see every high schooler read and discuss this for thematic and allegorical analysis, but would reiterate that it is NOT a young children's story. Their is a lot of violence, many people/creatures die, and it's never clear who's good and evil. The good news is, that younger kids will actually miss most of that, so you probably won't damage any psyches if you let read/listen to it.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
athiest author
It has been stated clearly by this author that he is an athiest and his series of books are basically to promote hate towards God. He has a profound ill-will towards CS Lewis, author of the Narnia series. Lewis is a Christian writer whose childrens books are extremely popular. Please research this movie before allowing your children to view it.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Not In My House!
In an interview the author has openly stated that he is an Atheist. This is NOT okay for all children. I suppose it could be appropriate for those with the same values, but I'm okay being the bad guy in my house with this book series (and forthcoming movie). Don't be afraid to be a parent, it's your job!
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Very disturbing
If you like a book that tells kids to ignore God and they can do anything they want (including not paying attention to their parents), then this one is for you. The movie is coming out and has the same exact message. Totally unsuitable for anyone, even adults.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Where are we headed?
I just cannot begin to explain completely how disturbing this book is to common morality and goodness. I am afraid of where we are all going if this is "good" for our children to read. If you want your children to be completely confused about what is good and what is bad in any world, go ahead and let them read this book.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Skip it!!
Be aware that this book is deeply anti-God and that the author is a proclaimed atheist out to put forth his agenda.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Loved the book
I wouldn't consider myself a book reader by any stretch, so take this with a grain of salt. I picked up this book on a whim, and read the whole thing in 5 days while on a cruise ship. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next 2 novels. However, one of the underlying themes in the book deals with spirituality and, specifically, the Christian church. I think Pullman's point to the reader is to not just blindly accept religion and that he is criticizing dogmatism. I will stress that this is an UNDERLYING theme and I didn't think the author was overtly pointing it out or attacking Christianity. Therefore, I think parents, especially Christian ones, should try to read the book or at least find a trustworthy review before letting their younger children (under 13) read this book.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
A must read for 13+ but if ...
I went to CS before buying this as an audio book to review for my 10 year old son. He is an avid reader and well above grade capability. Yet the middles school context of some books are not his cup of teas. He does not understand certain concepts. I felt that until the final chapters of this book that much of the foreboding given by some of the reviewers on this sight were completely unwarranted. This material is clearly for the upper middle school age of 12 and older. There are ideas that are explored which misconstrue some religious text but this has been done by many authors, screen play writers and the like. I found Pullman's concepts not offensive but a curiosity. In that he raises some prfound social issues. These issue need to be explorered with any children under 13 and I recommend all parents reading and discussing the issues here. But again this is a fantasy - fictional book that like most literature draws upon some reality. Let's not forget it is entertainment. I found it just that entertaining. I have decided to wait until the first of the new year before allowing my 10 year old to read it. Giving him an extra 6 months of maturity is the right thing to do given some of the content of this book. But otherwise- a wonderful imaginative and creative story. I plan to pick up the next two immediately. I recommend you read as well. I hope they don't ruin it in the movie.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN'S BOOK!
I am appalled to see this series on a school reading list. I read this book to see if it was appropriate for my 12 year old and was extremely uncomfortable with it. So much that I couldn't even tell you if it was well written. They were severing the souls from children! Satan is represented as the good guy! HUGE RED FLAGS should be everywhere! THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN'S BOOK!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title off for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
bad bad bad bad bad for older kids
bad bad bad dont read it it is for little kids
- I rate this title off for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
better for 5 year olds
i hate beacause to much inappriote stuff
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
these reveiws are awful!
This is absolutly rediculous!!! these people who say this book is anti-cristian are idiots... for one this book is fantasy why one earth would one person take this book as an attack to their religion...its FANTASY if you are affended by this book your not very bright. secondly there is NO SEX in this series unless you consider kissing sex...i can not belive what kind of idiots reviewed this book. i hope that this site dose not prevent you from reading this wonderful book. "I will not read this book now or ever. Phillip Pullman (the author) is an atheist and hates God. He wrote this book to make kids hate God too. I will NEVER EVER read it nor see the movie. " you haven't read the book yet you idiot! i dont understandd the predujuce you people have...i supposed you wont read any books that are written by jews or dowists or hindus because "they'll try to convert your kids and form an evil anti-christain cult" ....ridiculus please do not prevent this site from enjoying this wonderful book p.s. im christian
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Amazing!!!
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.
- I 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.
- I 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
- I 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
- I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
the book is good, but the intentions...
I have always been a big reader and read this when I was about, maybe, 8 or 9. I thought, overall, that it was a good book. It was very well written with a good story line. As I moved throught the series, though, I began to see the intentions of Phillip Pullman. He wanted to destroy the belief in God. Now I am not against Atheists, but I am against anyone sho tries to tell someone their religion is not correct and that it is evil. Pullman's intention is absolutely horrible: to persuade people that God is an evil idea. He is not. I love God and, yes, I believe in Him. I can't believe this is a children's book, either! I find it very disturbing.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
complicated, but worth it
This book has had so many arguments and debates about it, but i think it boils down to this. This is an amazing book that looks at everything from a whole new perspective. And if your God is so weak that he can be banished from your children's lives by a single book, than by complaining against that book, you are missing the point entirely. I don't mean to be rude by that, honestly, but doesn't it strike you as odd, if you sit back and look at it objectively, that you don't think your children believe in their creator enough to hear someone else's opinion? It's going to happen sooner or later anyhow. If anything, sit down with them afterwards and explain where the book differs from what religion is really like. If you can't do that, then maybe the problem isn't the book.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
ATHEIST IS NOT BAD!NEITHER IS THIS BOOK!RELIGION DOES"NT PENETRATE THISFAR
This book inspires readers to be free and independant.Did you read that? FREE AND INDEPENDANT!I'm talking to you, people who beleive that anyone who won't kill themself for "God" is a stupid-head and deserves to die. That is'nt "holy", it's creepy. You think, with your head stuck in a Bible, that religion DESTROYS FREEDOM OF THOUGHT! This book rocks, and is NOT EVIL, for those who have just noticed. Philip Pullman is just a daring author who voices many opinions. I thought religion was supposed to teach good thingsn not biased assumptions that anyone who does'nt beleive in your faith is EVIL. I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANY FAITH, BUT I DO WHEN THEY ARE DEMEANING TO OTHERS!!Whew, I'm outta breath...
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A great book
OK, maybe it seems to be justifying umm... being an atheist but they call god "the authority" not god and people, its a book anyway and my favorite book ever.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
What a Book!
"The Golden Compass" is one of the best books I've read, ranking with the first two "Harry Potter" books. The adventures of Lyra, a young girl, are chronicled in three volumes. She is in posession of a mysterious device called an alethiometer, that can see the future. The book is fairly dark, so I'd say the appropriate age is 13+ (but if you're younger kid is mature, don't hesitate. (And this anti-Christian stuff: It's a story, people!)
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A great start to an awesome series.
This series is a must-read for all fans of fantasy books. In fact, it's a must-read for anyone.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Great Book!
My Parents finaly took me to the movie and Just had to read the book. It was amazing. I found nothing wrong with it but I gave it 4 stars because it took a while to build up untill it got exciting. There is maybey a problem with mild sex if your kid is under 13, but overall it is a great book and recommend it to a person who loves fantasy.
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
Athiest Alert (For those religious, read last sentence)
I have never read this book and never will because of why Philip Pullman chose to write these books. Philip Pullman is an Atheist. This may not be a big deal to many of you, including those ludicrous people at Common Sense, but to any Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, or other religion, this is important. Pullman told a reporter his evil plan. First he wrote this book series with the message to kill any God you have in your life. Fortunately for him, his book became one of the most popular of all time. Once he got the contract to make his book into a movie, the second part of his plan came into place. The movie was to come out just before Christmas, so kids would see the watered-down movie with Nicole Kidman, and ask for the books for Christmas. The kids read the books, convert to Atheism, and God is out of the world. Fortunately for us, the movie did horribly in theaters:). I can only pray that no one converted to Atheism because of Pullman. To those who don't care about Pullman's plan, I hear that in the third book two kids, KIDS, sleep with each other.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
The golden compass is definately not a bronze!
The golden compass, by Phillip Pullman is a very deep, intriuging, novel with various twists and turns and relization and many action-packed scenes in which characters must either fight or flee for thier lives. So far out of all the books that have come out for fantasy lovers this is one of the best. It is definately going to become a classic sitting on the shelf with Dorothy, Frodo, and Harry. Lyra, our heroine is definately a headstrong girl, Unknowingly developing into a young woman to continue a destined fate of war. The golden compass is full of scenes with emotional pulls, deaths, and even a few tears in the making. Whats more, is that you may actually learn a lesson from the golden compass.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I loved this!
This is the Best book ever!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
the golden compass is an awesome book.
I haven't read a book like that in a long time!!!!I sort of don't like the war on god part,but its part of the book,and the book series.Action is awesome,and theres sort of a lot of violence but a good book for 12 and up.You don't want to miss this book!! Its definetly gonna be a classic!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Sooooooooo cool!
This was a really awsome book. Everyone should read it. The movie was good too. The book was better than the movie though. It is a really exiting story. Read it before you judge it to be "athiest propoganda".
I rate this title off for age 2 and give itI will not EVER read this book
I will not read this book now or ever. Phillip Pullman (the author) is an atheist and hates God. He wrote this book to make kids hate God too. I will NEVER EVER read it nor see the movie.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
One of my favorite books of all time!
I really liked this book. It is really well written. Remember-- the story takes place in an alternate universe. It is a fantasy book. If you dont want to read it because of its "support of athiesm" than fine but dont prevent your children from reading this extremely well written and engaging book.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
High-Level, Somewhat Violent Fantasy Fun for Ages 11 and up!
The Golden Compass is the first in a trilogy by Philip Pullman. I haven't read the other two, as I only finished this one today, but I have to say that I think I will love them as much as I did this one. I won't ramble on and on about the plot except to tell you that the story takes place in a magical world where everyone had a daemon, a physical embodiment of their soul that takes the form of an animal. Young Lyra is given a magic tool and must use it to fight evil and save all that is good. The book is quite violent and dark. Great battles are fought (more suspensful than graphically violent) and experiments are performed on children. I know that sounds horrible, but the experiments have to do with fantasy things such as daemons, and while they are intense and evil, they aren't insanely horrible. There is also a graphic bear fight at the end where one bear gets his jaw ripped off (that's probably the most graphic part in the book). Some might be somewhat put off by Lyra's ability to lie, but Lyra also has a strong sense of right and wrong and values her friends more than anything. So, I would not allow a child under 11 to read this book because it is pretty dark and very high-level (as in confusing). If young children want to read it, you might want to censor it or make it simpler. But your best bet for little ones is The Lion, the Witch, and Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, which delivers plenty of action but is not as intense. But for advanced kids and pre-teens, this is an awesome, majestic read.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
