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The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)

(1997, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Philip Pullman)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brilliant story keeps readers breathless.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence :

    The children are attacked repeatedly. The battles over the Knife, in which Will loses fingers, are bloody. Will accidentally kills a man. Many scary moments, including being surrounded by soul-sucking ghosts. Will, trying to save his mother, meets his father just before he dies.
  • Sex :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)

Parents need to know that this brilliantly constructed story, even faster-paced than the first book, keeps readers breathless. The brilliant writing inspires imagination. Lyra and Will demonstrate loyalty, determination, and responsibility, even if they are not always honest.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about trust. Why does Lyra trust Will after she's told he's a murderer?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Even Better Than The First

    If you loved THE GOLDEN COMPASS, then you'll love THE SUBTLE KNIFE, seeing as it's so much better. There's not really anything to say here, besides that it's an amazing book.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 1.0

    why is this bad?

    ok, i am catholic. I go to church every sunday. THIS IS NOT THAT BAD OF A BOOK. the whole "god is enemy" plotline is not that bad. They don't even say "god" in the book. They never say "god is our enemy". so, what's so bad about it? it's a really good book, and i enjoyed it.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    Kids ages: 11, 16, 19
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 3.0

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    elijahwood93...

    how can you say that?! Lyra's ability to lie convincingly DOESN'T teach kids it's OK to lie! and does it say anywhere in the book "It's OK to worship the devil! it's a good thing!"? NO! you are such an idiot. My mom is VERY christian and she LOVES this book! this is one of the best books ever written.

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    great

    great, great, great book. i love how it turns everything you know about everything completely on its head. there are a couple of boring parts but they are few and far between and are worth the great story.

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