15/12/2024
Instead of writing a review, I'll just leave you here what are for me the pros and cons of reading thi trilogy (in Italian: Queste oscure materie)
Pros:
✨ The Golden Compass (Book 1) is like a dream—this alternate world full of daemons is absolutely fascinating. Sure, there’s a theocracy, but hey, you take the good with the bad. It gave me the same magical vibe as Harry Potter. Truly surprising and captivating!
✨ Book 2 builds on the foundation, adding more complexity with new characters and a couple of new worlds. The story deepens, and the stakes get higher.
✨ The overarching concept about religion is intriguing. I won’t spoil the finale, but you’ll pick up pretty early on that Pullman isn’t a fan of organized religion and views it as a threat to freedom. A thought-provoking take for a trilogy written 30 years ago!
Cons:
❌ By Book 3, it’s absolute chaos. You lose track of where the characters are, and if the main protagonists aren’t on the page, you might not even recognize who’s who anymore. So many people, so many beings, from so many worlds!
❌ That said, the chaotic nature does reflect the idea of infinite parallel universes, so I suppose it’s fair—but it can feel overwhelming.
❌ A few moments might feel a little off, like when a problem gets solved with something like “the power of love.” You know what I mean.
Final Thoughts:
Do I recommend it? Yes! It’s a beautiful journey to embark on, perfect if you love steampunk, Harry Potter, or if you can handle a few rough edges here and there. Now I need to check out the TV series.
Over to you—what are your thoughts? Share in the comments!