His Dark Materials

by Philip Pullman
His Dark Materials cover
Good Books rating 3.89
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £25.00
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Technical
  • ID: 16
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780439994347
  • Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
  • Published: 1996-04-16
  • Formats: 68
  • Reviews: 4

Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass' transports readers to a richly imagined world, reminiscent of beloved fantasy realms like Narnia and Earthsea. The story centers around Lyra Belacqua, a spirited and adventurous girl who lives among the scholars of Jordan College. Her life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of two powerful visitors, setting her on a path filled with danger and discovery. The novel is not just an adventure but also an exploration of complex themes, including the nature of good and evil, the power of truth, and the importance of courage. Pullman's intricate world-building and compelling characters make this a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Reviews
BookLore · 2026-01-05
disappointing 3.00

The writing style is found to be rather bland, lacking lyrical flair and humour. The reviewer appreciates the detailed character development but wishes for more engaging prose.

The reviewer expresses disappointment with the writing style, finding it bland and lacking in lyrical flair and humour. They appreciate the detailed character development and the depth of the story, but feel that the prose could have been more engaging. The reviewer suggests that a bit more humour and lyrical flair could have significantly enhanced the reading experience. Despite these criticisms, they acknowledge the strengths of the series, particularly in its character development and intricate plot.

Quick quotes

    My only disappointment was the writing style, which I found rather bland.

    A little more lyrical flair and perhaps a touch more humour would have landed His Dark Materials even more effectively.

    The detailed character development is a standout feature of the series.

The Independent · 2025-09-03
captivating 4.25

The BBC adaptation of 'His Dark Materials' is praised for its beautiful, brooding vision and strong performances, capturing the depth and complexity of Pullman's work.

The Independent's review commends the TV series for its atmospheric and richly detailed adaptation of Philip Pullman's trilogy, highlighting the brooding and mature tone of the show. The review notes the strong cast performances, particularly of Ruth Wilson and James McAvoy, which bring the characters and their emotional journeys vividly to life. The adaptation is seen as a faithful and thoughtful interpretation that balances fantasy elements with deeper philosophical and moral questions, appealing to both fans of the books and new viewers.

Quick quotes

    A beautiful, brooding vision of ...

    Strong performances from Ruth Wilson and James McAvoy.

    Balances fantasy elements with deeper philosophical and moral questions.

Radio Times · 2025-09-02
thoughtful 4.30

His Dark Materials is rated suitable for viewers aged 12 and older due to moderate violence and some scary moments, comparable to popular youth fantasy series. The series explores mature themes like death and religion but remains accessible to young teens and above.

This review outlines that the show carries a 12+ rating primarily because of its moderate violence and occasional frightening content, such as monsters and dark supernatural elements. The tone and themes are mature, including explorations of death, the soul, religion, and sin, yet it maintains a level of accessibility similar to well-known fantasy series like Harry Potter or Doctor Who. While the show might not be suitable for younger children, it offers a rewarding experience for young teenagers and older viewers, combining thoughtful storytelling with enough excitement and tension to engage its audience. The series is praised for tackling complex topics within a fantasy framework that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The BBFC has awarded the season overall a ‘12’ rating.

    The show explores death, the nature of the soul, religion and sin.

    The horror is on par with the Harry Potter movies or Doctor Who.

IMDb Parents Guide · 2025-09-02
balanced 4.00

The TV adaptation of His Dark Materials is rated mild for violence, profanity, and frightening scenes, making it suitable for teens and older viewers. The show contains no sexual content and portrays some intense scenes with animals and supernatural elements.

According to this guide, the TV series His Dark Materials features mild levels of violence, profanity, and frightening scenes, which suggests it is appropriate for a teen audience rather than very young children. The absence of sex and nudity, coupled with mild intensity, positions the series as a thoughtful fantasy drama that addresses complex themes without graphic content. The guide also notes that the third season is darker and more intense than earlier ones, indicating an increasing maturity in the show's tone and content as the series progresses. This makes the adaptation fitting for viewers comfortable with mild suspense and fantasy violence, aligning well with the 12+ age rating typically recommended.

Quick quotes

    Content rating - Sex & Nudity: None

    Violence & Gore: Mild

    Frightening & Intense Scenes: Mild

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