This book and all the others in the series have a wonderful message. People talk about the message of "killing God" you obviously did not read the book or have not been educated enough to understand anything. I am a christian and do not find it at all offensive. The children release "God"/"The Authority" as he is called in the book from a prison that he has been encased in so that he could now be apart of everything. And he was being worshiped and used as a form of control through the churches when in reality he was not the real God the real God was never seen in the book only eluded to as the creator of dust and how he created dust which then created everything else...and the authority lied to everyone else claiming to have created it himself when he was himself created. Please read these books and allow your children to read it. It has an interesting twist and story that in timeless and should be read by anyone. Do not give into letting others dogmatically look at the book and please come at it with a fresh mind and openness to let yourself be transported to another world and time to truly enjoy this wonderful story set.
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The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)
(1997, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Philip Pullman)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Brilliant story keeps readers breathless.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12 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 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.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about trust. Why does Lyra trust Will after she's told he's a murderer?
Our Members Say
See all 19 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
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.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it's educational |
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