His Dark Materials

by Philip Pullman
His Dark Materials cover
Good Books rating 4.26
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £25.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 16
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780439994347
  • Publisher: Laurel Leaf Library
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 68
  • Reviews: 4

His Dark Materials is a critically acclaimed trilogy that includes 'Northern Lights', 'The Subtle Knife', and 'The Amber Spyglass'. This luxurious edition brings together all three books in one volume, offering readers a seamless and immersive experience. The trilogy is renowned for its richly imagined worlds, complex characters, and profound exploration of themes such as destiny, free will, and the nature of good and evil. /n/n The story follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry as they navigate a multiverse filled with daemons, angels, and dark forces. Their journey is not only a quest for understanding but also a battle against the enigmatic and malevolent forces that threaten the very fabric of existence. This edition is a must-have for both new and returning readers, offering a beautifully crafted and comprehensive reading experience.

Reviews
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

Goodreads Q&A · 2025-09-02
insightful 4.50

The series is generally suitable for readers aged 12-13 and older, with content that can be frightening and complex for younger children. It is appreciated by a wide age range, from preteens to adults, who often regard it as a favorite.

This perspective highlights that His Dark Materials is most appropriate for readers around 12 to 13 years old due to its reading level and mature themes. The content involves some frightening elements that might be difficult for children under 10 to understand or enjoy, but the series enjoys a broad appeal extending well into adulthood, making it a beloved favorite for many. The recommendation reflects the complexity and depth of the series, suggesting it is not just a simple children's book but one that challenges readers intellectually and emotionally. This makes it a compelling read for older children and adults alike, who appreciate its nuanced storytelling and mature themes.

Quick quotes

    It's a leveled reader level Z, which is about a sixth-grade reading level.

    The content can be frightening; I don't think anyone under 10 would understand or enjoy it.

    I've had customers up all the way up to adults who call Dark Materials their favorite series.

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