I’ve just completed Eragon and Eldest and the His Dark Materials trilogy.
I found the first two books of the Inheritance trilogy not worth reading but I’m happy that I’ve wasted my time on them for otherwise I would probably have them in my menu for next sem holidays. However, the His Dark Materials trilogy was worthy of the time and effort spent. Yes, it did take effort because there were several places when the book seemed to drag on and on.
I’ll skip the story/plot. My father told me he found the books of the HDM trilogy in the kids section and google confirmed that. Nevertheless, the book was entertaining and the style of the author was, well, he had a style, thank god. He could think up interesting characters and spin a labyrinth of complex events, dialogues and stories with them. The similies and metaphors were innovative in several places and I wasn’t constantly being reminded of every other author I’ve read, which in itself was a great relief. I wouldn’t say I was thrilled with the book but i’d suggest it to people I like.
The story revolves around a little girl called Lyra Silvertongue, or rather, she revolves around the story. The girl of twelve is thin, brave, optimistic, reckless, half-wild, half-civilized and is a superb and almost-passionate liar.
From The Subtle Knife:
She was small and slight, but wiry, and she’d fought like a tiger; his fist had raised a bruise on her cheek, and she was ignoring it. Her expression was a mixture of the very young-when she first tasted the cola-and a kind of deep, sad wariness. Her eyes were pale blue, and her hair would be a darkish blond once it was washed.
I loved her all through the book. Anybody would. I also loved the parts on her mother, Mrs.Coulter – a cruel, corrupt, clever, powerful, tremendously graceful and seductive woman according to the book, whose illegitimate child is Lyra. She lies and betrays so much that she never ceases to surprise and er, delight the reader. I had no idea what she was going to do the next moment or whether she intended to do anything at all.
About the author himself… Pullman has the rare grace and skill to remain at the background while his work takes on the reader. He doesn’t find it necessary that he shouts at the top of his voice all the time. (Ahem ahem.. yes, directed at someone. :P) There were many parts where the reasoning was confusing and the plot had big holes all over it but I suspect science fiction and plot holes go together.
Now, I’ll do the honour of naming this post after the trilogy. :)
