The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)
Laurel Leaf - Laurel Leaf
Release date: 2003-09-09
Mass Market Paperback
Author: Philip Pullman
Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult), Juvenile Fiction, Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General, Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9), Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic, Fantasy
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The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)
Date undefinedThe second book in the His Dark Materials series still has you clamoring for more, though the ending leaves the reader more anxious and weary, than the first book. The amount of religious symbolism intertwined with plot devices is heightened and some of the choices that Pullman makes from a writer's perspective works well. There were other choices that he has made, which leaves me to wonder if the plot is taking control of him, rather than the author controlling the plot.
The beginning you meet Will, a boy from our world. His mother carries a secret about his father, who last saw Will when he was still a baby. This forces him to put his mother in hiding. Will's introduction sets the reader up for what's to come. I can tell you I raced through those pages as my interest was in Lyra's departure from her world-not some boy named Will. The two, however turn out to be connected together in a dizzying plot, that leaves the two characters wondering where their free will has gone. All of the events that transpire was a catalyst that drives Will to make certain decisions, which you may or may not agree with.
You even pity the characters as they realize at one point their lives are controlled by destiny then by their own choices. This is especially true once the purpose of the subtle knife is uncovered. I won't tell you who it belongs to or what it does, but rest assure you will be shocked at its "side effects."
Several characters make a reappearance such as Serafina Pekkala, Lee, Miss Coulter (who is as devilish as ever) and others. The amount of character deaths increase, so for the reader who becomes invested in the series- beware. I know I was particularly unnerved by the death of one character. I truly didn't belive that Pullman would kill that character off. I was dead wrong!
Speaking of the characters, what I found to be interesting was that a lot of the decisions they made forces the reader to reevaluate who are the villains and heroes. The characters' personalities do not change (such as the vile Miss Coulter), but their ultimate goals begin to fall under shades of gray that has no clear answers.
Like the Harry Potter series, the violence increases and becomes more graphic, but nothing that would traumatize an older child. Though, this wouldn't be the book to buy a 6-8 year old I assume. Unless, the child in question is an advanced reader.
What really differentiates this novel from the first one is the lack of hope expressed in the book. Every plan is overturned, ruined, made a mockery of. Pullman tortures his characters pulling them towards their final acts or to the beginning of the climax, which would unfold in the next book. I suppose because of the traveling from Lyra's world to ours, some of the magic is lost, coupled with the sense of desperation that characters such as Lyra feel.
The book is still a work of art, each word tantalizing the reader. The first book, The Golden Compass is still a masterpiece. However, The Subtle Knife is a close second.
A definite 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)
Date undefinedIt is a very well done audio book with a whole cast of voices. Excellent listening for a long commute.
The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2)
Date undefined I actually liked this better than "The Golden Compass". Pullman still continues to show creativity, even more in this one. Who doesn't like the idea of kids pulling themselves through different dimensions?
I also like the introduction of Will--it's good to see a champion from our own dimension.
Sadly, the characters are rather flat and stereotypical, and it seems to me that the only evidence for any of their personalities is what the author unsubtly writes in. I've never liked to be forced into liking a character, and we just aren't given much reason for care for these rather one-dimensional characters.
Still, it's the absolute creativity and thought that makes these books work.
