Common Sense Media Review
Intense fantasy series finale with controversial theme.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say that this book offers an emotional and thought-provoking conclusion to the trilogy, impressing many readers with its captivating storytelling and character development, though it also evokes criticism for its anti-religious themes and perceived violence. While some find the romance between the young protagonists compelling, others believe it was introduced too late and lacked depth, leading to a divide in opinions about the appropriateness of its content for younger audiences.
- emotional depth
- anti-religious themes
- character relationships
- age appropriateness
- captivating storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
With the help of two lesser angels, Will rescues Lyra, held a drugged captive, at the end of The Subtle Knife by her evil mother, who may or may not have discovered her maternal instinct. Once free, they make for the world of the dead, to free the spirits of the dead into oblivion, which is far better than the hellacious afterlife they lead. Meanwhile the Church plots Lyra's murder, as they believe her to be a new Eve, who will bring about another Fall; Lord Asriel readies his forces for battle with Metatron, the angel who has taken over heaven from the decrepit and feeble-minded Authority; Dr. Mary Malone ends up in a world of gentle creatures who can see Dust, and begins making discoveries about the changes all the worlds are suffering; and all the worlds and all the races begin taking sides for the final climactic battle.
Is It Any Good?
If you haven't read the first two books, don't even think of trying to read this one first -- Pullman, praise be, wastes no time bringing readers up to speed. In fact, even if you have read the previous books, you may want to reread them before tackling this -- there's a lot to keep track of.
Readers who were expecting the conclusion of the trilogy to make all things clear may be disappointed; Pullman has a lot to say, but he also leaves a lot for readers to figure out themselves. Still, the author hasn't lost his touch -- it's as riveting and fast-paced as ever. His characterizations are even stronger, although his plotting is weaker here than in the first two books; there's a lot of meandering about, setups that promise more than they deliver, and plot lines that just peter out. But Pullman's point seems clear enough to perceptive and more mature readers: The only heaven is in our own world, and the best we can hope for after life is oblivion. If this idea is offensive to you, then this book will be also. Those able to support -- or at least tolerate his perspective -- will find a feverishly exciting adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the controversy this book has created. It has been criticized both for being too violent -- and for its religious viewpoint. Did either of these things bother you while you were reading it? Is violence or other content ever reason to ban a book?
This book is less gory than The Subtle Knife but still has some intense moments. Is reading about violence different than seeing it in a movie or video game? What about if it is in a fantasy context?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : October 10, 2000
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 12
- Number of pages : 518
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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