The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, Book 1 of His Dark Materials Trilogy

Well, I discovered this series while working for Brentano's but never got around to reading it. I had purchased Book 1 some time ago and tried to start the book, but it was hard to get into. So many books, so little time, so I read something else. After finishing the Harry Potter series and learning of a movie due out Christmas this year, I decided to pick it up again. The Golden Compass starts off slow. Slow perhaps isn't fair now that I have finished the book and loved it. But in the beginning, you are introduced to Lyra who lives in Jordan College at Oxford, and her life seems boring. But I tell you now, give it a few chapters to explain her world and her character, and all boredom will be gone. I read the last 250 pages in a matter of a few days; it was addicting. Golden Compass has everything you would want in a children's/young adult book: adventure, a dangerous journey, troubling family relationships, a quest to save friends, and self-discovery. Lyra, who lives a simple life at Jordan, discovers children and her friends are going missing, captured by the Gobblers. The headstrong girl she is decides she must travel North to save them and to learn of another world as described by Lord Asriel, her uncle. She leaves the world she has always know with Mrs. Coulter, a fascinating, intelligent woman, to aid in a trip north. Once in Mrs. Coulter's care, Lyra finds a new world and her adventure.

The Golden Compass, starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Dakota Blue Richards

The movie began advertising this summer and previewed before HP, I believe. Clearly I cannot rate this movie as it isn't due out until December 7th, but the screen shots and previews look beautiful. The cityscapes dazzle, the armored bears seem true, and the daemons are spot-on. The casting is truly interesting, and I am quite curious to see how some of the character fare. While Kidman may not fit the image of Mrs. Coulter, she seems perfect to play this very multidimensional character. Richards is a newcomer, but I believe that is just what this movie needs for a lead. As for Sam Elliott... my dad has never known a closer resemblance as he does now. And I am quite serious here. The Golden Compass, from New Line Cinema, made a showing at Comic-Con 2007, and I am sure we will continue to hear much more about this movie as theaters are already posting the banners.

Preview:


Extended Preview:


Seriously Extended Preview (comic-con):


Links are provided to information about the series and the movie:

• His Dark Materials: about the series, author, and all other information about the books
  
• The Golden Compass Movie: official site with previews, about cast, explanation of daemons, wallpapers, blog, etc.
  
• Bridge to the Stars: His Dark Materials fansite with information about books, movie, video game, as well as previews, images, latest news, message boards, etc.
• IMDb.com

These previews were found at ifilm and youtube, but the above sites include previews as well and are sure to be updated as new ones arise.

Golden Compass is an amazing journey that I hope you take part of in either or both forms. Perhaps curiosity from the release of the film will prompt you to try the series as I have. I am very excited about books 2 and 3 and will be reviewing those in the future.

Please check back often for more book reviews. Holla!