I.H.'s Reviews > The Golden Compass

There's a reason Philip Pullman's Northern Lights has garnered almost 1 Million reviews on Goodreads. Imaginatively diverse, bravely different, and brilliantly executed, this book resonates with an depth of world-building that few can achieve outside of the likes of Terry Pratchett, C. S. Lewis, and Tolkien, to name a few of Pullman's British predecessors.

But Pullman moves in directions that echo his differences with Tolkien and Lewis (especially belief-wise). This story edges into the realm of steampunk, but only through brief flirtations. At its heart, this is a story of a young girl's journey and the discovery of who she is; finding herself in the midst of an ever-changing reality. You may not personally share Philip Pullman's dislike of religious institutions, which is a strong theme in this story, but I'd recommend reading it for the sense of wonder he engenders through his language and wonderful craftsmanship.

If you've ever considered checking out this story, I thoroughly recommend diving right in; you won't regret it.