Discovering the Golden Compass: A Guide to Philip Pullman's Dark Materials Review

This is the first in a really different trilogy. Not as simple a story line as it appears, unlike the Lord of the Rings or the Narnia books, were it's pretty clear who and what is evil and needs fighting.

The Compass books require a bit more thought, they are working on more than one level and I'd advise people who think them disturbing to actually read all 3. They are the perfect books for a reading circle/group to discuss and dissect.

The most basic premise they make is that anything taken to extremes (at either end of the spectrum) is potentially dangerous. (Won't go into any specifics in-case I spoil someones read.)

I grew up on with the likes of Narnia (with all it's christian morality) and loved them, still re-read them now. I didn't find anything to challenge anyones beliefs in the Compass books, just the advice to think through judgments, reasons and choices that we make. And to be honest about those reasons.

Hope this helps.