Lyra left behind - Rated 
I don't know really where to begin, as I know that I am about to write a negative review about a book that is loved by so many. I have found both the Subtle Knife and its predecessor, Northern Lights, to be terribly hard going at times. Northern Lights took three chapters to get me even vaguely hooked, while the Subtle Knife almost lost me half way through.
It is hard to put my finger on what I don't like. The characters for one, are difficult to identify with. Lyra is wonderful in the first book, you care what happens to her. In the Subtle Knife she is a little girl, not a heroine, and it is Will who you find yourself rooting for. Other than that, the periphery characters are uninspiring or too confusing to be memorable, Mrs Coulter for example is now able to control 'Spectres', and the whole Grumman as a Shaman episode - these things are not explained properly - a 13-16 year old may not want further explanation but an adult certainly does.
Some of the writing is excellent, the battle scene involving Lee Scoresby did make me gasp aloud, but to hear Pullman repeatedly compared to Tolkein is laughable. Pullman's world does not lack a vivid imagination (Oxford's alter ego in the first book is a particular triumph) but he is clearly writing for a younger audience, so of course lacks Tolkein's depth. It is easier to compare him to CS Lewis, as they were writing for a similar age group. That is where the comparison ends, the Chronicles of Narnia eclipse His Dark Materials on every level, the characters, the worlds, the battles, the heroism.
I will read the final book, but only out of duty, as I left Lyra behind at the end of Northern Lights, and I don't think I am going to care what happens to Will for much longer.
The story gets more ambitious..... - Rated 
This is the second book in Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.
The Subtle Knife starts out in our world where we meet Will, a young boy who will become the bearer of the Subtle Knife. While the first book was set completely in Lyra's world this book jumps around through many different worlds. This may sound confusing but it really is very easy to follow. Will moves into another of these worlds where he meets Lyra and the 2 of them join forces.
This book really continues the religious and spiritual themes that were started in the first book and moves them up a notch. This book can be read on so many levels, as an adventure story, a comment on religion, an epic fantasy but above all else it is a thoroughly entertaining read!
Another stunner from Pullman! - Rated 
I love these books so much. I have read them over and over, and they never get old. The Subtle Knife, being the middle book, is a continuation of Lyra's story and a bridge to the third book, The Amber Spyglass, but it is a brilliant story alone. The character of Will is absorbing and perfect in this story. Read these books and love them!!
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