The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass
Author: Philip Pullman
Amazon info
I should really have a single review for the trilogy (hence the Amazon link to the trilogy), but since I already wrote the review for the first book, I will add this review for the final two books.
I don't think that this trilogy is destined to become a classic, but it was certainly worth reading. I can't think of any other large work of fantasy fiction - especially one that targets kids - that supports an atheistic viewpoint. Well, at least what I think is an atheistic viewpoint. The figure who is considered by most to be God - named "The Authority" - dies. As does his Regent. The Church is shown to be anti-progress, pro-fear, and is discredited. But the book also states that "The Authority" was not the creator - he was just the first angel who usurped the role of God - thus, leaving room for some type of God.
Like most of the fiction I read, this is multi-layered, complex and full of secondary meanings. And like most of my reviews, I can't really figure any of them out. I really enjoyed the physics references, the existence of multiple worlds - similar, yet different and even more, characters learning about the new worlds they explore. I loved the armored bear, the angels, and of course the heroes Lyra and Will. The first book got off to a very slow start, but books two and three were completely captivating - one of those "keep you up late at night" type books.
One character did bug me a little bit - and that was Lyra's mother (Mrs. Coulter). Perhaps this was intentional, but it was very difficult to figure out if she was good or evil. Since anything she said could be a lie, it was hard to tell when (if ever) you could trust her. Kind of like a spy, who might actually be a double spy, or in reality a triple spy, or actually.... But by the end it was finally clear - so perhaps it was all intentional.
I loved it (even if I don't believe in the multiworld hypothesis) - and I was even able to suspend my disbelief at the equivalence of dark matter and "particles of consciousness".
Recommended for all - except overly religious people who might get angry and offended.