Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials

[Lotte*pearce]

Now, I LIKE Harry Potter, so I don't want anyone thinking this is an anti-HP rant, cos its really not, but... Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series is by far the literary superior of JK Rowling's Harry Potter books. Someone mentioned in an earlier strand that the HP books started off simply but increased in complexity as the saga progressed. Well, the HP books don't even come close to the changes which occur in Pullman's trilogy. Lyra starts off as an urchin with no morals, no understanding of the world and no consideration for the feelings of others. During the course of the three novels she changes completely and learns a great deal about human (and non-human) nature, eventually becoming a very wise young woman with a emense strength inside her. I just think that Pullman's trilogy is the best argument yet for children's literature being found stimulating by an adult audience. What do you guys think?

[inferno]

I entirely agree - see my answer to the "Harry Potter - Why?" question below

[Phoenixashes]

I have just oredered the series online and am looking forward to the read. I will let you know my answer once I'm done. Thanks for the suggestion.

[woofgang]

I like Phillip Pullman too, but I don't think its a questiohn of which is better. Sometimes I want milk chocolate, sometimes I want plain.

[starlite]

i love the dark materials, and my boyf who never reads unless it is black hawk down stylee, also loves it, his fav books ever. i think that HP has declined in quality, the last book was a bit dragged out(not to mentioned her money grabbing publicity) not sure what age the dark materials would be best for, i found the end rather traumatic, being a sucker for a happy ending.

[Hermes]

I have to say that I diagree with you. Harry Potter does start of simply and get far more complex as it goes on, but i found the dark materials very tedious and boring. The northern lights was alll right but the 2nd and 3rd were boring. But I do admit that PUllman is a good author Have you read Harry Potter, because i find it annoying when people critisise harry potter when they havn't read it.