I find it interesting that the church in Lyra's world is based off of a cross between the Spanish Inquisition Era Catholic Church, and the Anti-science Era (Galileo!).

Of course,if you look at things in a certain way,  The Church was the great evil in the first book, while science was the great evil in the second.  Fascinating....

Although I though I don't really approve of the author or his views, I found the series an enjoyable read, and would recommend it to others.

I was a little supriesed at the virtual riot that people threw when they found out it was going to be made into a movie...

And since I first read the books about 4 years ago, I cannot possibly tell you how many hours I spent pretending I had a deamon.... good times.....

I enjoyed the book for its story...reactionary, sure...but isn't that what creativity should do? Challenge the mind?

Either way thats what these books did for me...

zombies

ZOMBIES ARE AWESOME.......unless their fast and chasing you...

Have not read the books, but i might eventualy

There's my rant. I'm not saying that YOU should not read them but I myself will not.

THE SUBTLE KNIFE

THE AMBER SPYGLASS

In an epic trilogy, Philip Pullman unlocks the door to a world parallel to our own, but with a mysterious slant all its own. Dæmons and winged creatures live side by side with humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust just might have the power to unite the universes--if it isn't destroyed first. Here, the three paperback titles in Pullman's heroic fantasy series are united in one dazzling boxed set. Join Lyra, Pantalaimon, Will, and the rest as they embark on the most breathtaking, heartbreaking adventures of their lives. The fate of the universe is in their hands. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass pit good against evil in a way no reader will ever forget. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter

I read them all recently, and the entire trilogy just blew me away.

Awesome stuff.