Magnificent. (His Dark Materials Series - Philip Pullman)

Member Name: beckstrous

Product:	His Dark Materials Series - Philip Pullman
Date:	03/07/02 (212 review reads)
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Last December Pottermania reached boiling point. JK Rowling's (admittedly excellent) books were everywhere, and seemed to be the reading material of choice for most weary London commuters - even if one or two of the "suits" felt the need to hide their books behind a regulation copy of the Financial Times (yes, really). I read all the Harry Potter Books in quick succession and was a little depressed when I finished: anyone who's ever been on the Tube for long periods of time will know how important escapism is for the regular traveller. What to do next, I wondered?

There was Lord of the Rings, of course - a rather meaty tome I'd first picked up in my teens and never quite managed to finish. I got my hands on a copy, promised myself I'd see it through - and then I was given a copy of Philip Pullman's "Northern Lights" as a present.

"Northern Lights" is the first book in the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, a wonderful and complex fantasy whose appeal effortlessly spans generations: you'll find it in the children's section at your local bookstore, but don't let that put you off. And don't feel you have to cower behind the FT when you read it in public, either.

The trilogy is focused on Lyra - the central character in "Northern Lights" - and Will, who is introduced in "The Subtle Knife". Throughout their adventures, the pair handle complex and often controversial issues; big themes and questions such as the nature of the soul, love, death and religion are covered in some depth - and the author certainly isn't afraid to water anything down.

These characters are unique and charismatic, their personalities strongly drawn and their friendship compelling. Lyra is introduced as an 11-year-old, but the trilogy sees her - and Will - making those first tentative steps into adulthood as she learns more from the people around her and the experiences
she has.

I don't want to even begin to attempt a discussion of the plot: it's wonderfully complex and so intricate that too much information would almost spoil the reader's experience.

The atmosphere created in these novels is magnificent, however - the narrative flits between three different worlds (one of which is our own, but this doesn't come into play until the second part of the trilogy). Will and Lyra are supported by a formidable ensemble cast - which ranges from witches and wheeled animals to armoured bears, ghosts and angels ... and even Pullman's vision of God himself puts in an appearance. Things which seem familar are presented in original ways, too - Lyra's version of Oxford is completely different to Will's, for example - and the vast majority of human beings are accompanied by animals called "daemons", which are extensions of their own personalities - their souls, almost. It seems like a strange concept at first, but you'll get used to it.

You might find - like I did - that "Northern Lights" starts a little slowly. I strongly recommend that you persevere with it: after the first few chapters you won't be able to put it down and you will amost certainly want to go out and buy the rest of the trilogy as soon as you've finished it. This is one of the most powerful works of fiction I've ever read, and the term "children's fantasy" simply doesn't do it justice.

Oh, and "Lord of the Rings"? I'm on the second book now (and enjoying it).

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