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Lyra's Oxford |
Average User Rating: 60% (44 Reviews) | |
| 4 / 5 | A Little Goes a Long Way...
L. Otto (Surrey, England) - 15 June 2006 Firstly, I've really wanted to review this book. I recieved it earlier today and I thought I'd share my input. It must be said that this book is very small, it's smaller than a normal novel, and it has far less pages, in total I think there may be around 70 pages to the book, though I have not officially counted. The book itself is presented very well, and Pullman's writing is on top form once more. /> The story is set 2 years after the end of 'The Amber Spyglass', and so it is best that you have read the first three books, although not necessary, however if you haven't, then it will be very confusing. Having being said, this book seemingly has nothing to do with the previous three, however a new character - in the form of an alchemist with a secret - has been introduced, and a likely new plot could unfold as the book does end with a cliffhanger. Previous reviews have slated this book as being 'confusing' and 'pointless', I would strongly disagree, I may be wrong but this book seems a very likely 'starting point' for the next novel, if indeed there ever will be another. I myself very much enjoyed Pullman's His Dark Materials set, and I hope this review aids anyone in the choice of buying, and I shall be eagerly anticipating the film-adaptation next year. Thank you.... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | A bridge of dust
Nick Barlow - 5 November 2003 With the earlier publication of The Amber Spyglass, it seemed that Philip Pullman had finished his involvement with Lyra and the other characters of His Dark Materials. Thankfully, Lyra's Oxford shows that is not the case, and far from being just a tacked-on addition to that series, it's a full story in it's own right and also possibly a tantalising teaser for The Book of Dust, whenever it finally arrives. The story within the book ('Lyra And The Birds') is an interesting tale of itself, excitingly detailing Lyra and Pantalaimon's dangerous trip across Oxford to help a witch's daemon. It's similar to the early chapters of Northern Lights, with Lyra front and centre, surrounded by fascinated descriptions of Pullman's strange alternate Oxford. However, it's the other ephemera that really make the book a must-read and turn it from being just a story into a true mystery. Children and adults alike will have lots of fun looking over the map and the other items, looking for little clues that cast new light on both the story and His Dark Materials, making this book into a bridge between His Dark Materials and The Book Of Dust. |
| 5 / 5 | What? No We Want More!!!!
Ms. J. M. Westwood "Lyra Silvertongue" (Wales) - 11 November 2003 This is an interesting addition to the trilogy that gives a small insight to Lyra's life after she leaves Will. Unfortunately it's a very short story that doesn't explain itself. The map and postcards are also very good insights to other parts of the story that were only touched upon as insidentals in the trilogy. I hope that if the rumered new book comes out, it will carry on this short story and explain it in more detail. I agree that you must read the trilogy before reading this book or you will not understand what is going on. Otherwise a really good short story that 'His Dark Materials' fans should read. |
| 2 / 5 | What can I say? A waste of 10 quid
"moose-on-da-looz" - 5 May 2004 Lyra's Oxford Lyra's Oxford is the SHORT sequel to Philip Pullman's rather excellent trilogy, His Dark Materials, but lacking the element of adventure and wonder this set of books offered, Lyra's Oxford isn't the book I was hoping to read. It's still worth a read to help you understand the magical world of Philip Pullman's books more, but definitely not worth the money I paid for it. Seriously, --- isn't worth it to spend on a book 48 pages long. And the funny thing is the paper is so small most of the lines are 6 or 7 words long, converting it into roughly 35 pages of a proper sized book. This book offers you the story of Lyra's adventure after she has witnessed a terrible war and been split up from her true love Will. She still has her faithful dæmon Pantalaimon and still lives in Jordan College. However the storyline is rather predictable and too short to be any good, and then for some unknown reason there are bus timetables and postcards glued in on random pages (what's all that about). This really wasn't the sequel I was hoping to buy. It's still worth a read but don't buy it. Get it from a library or borrow it because it took me less than a day to read it all! |
| 5 / 5 | you will sparkle in your own frustration.
"afterwish" - 24 November 2003 Ohhh for goodness sake, this book will tempt you back into lyras world and then leave waiting on the street corner wondering wether or not you should send a post card to the address left teasingly on the book art work. If your a dark materials fan you must have this book just to satisfy your need to be back in Oxford, it will take you twenty minutes to read the story and the rest of the day to calm down from the frustration of not knowing what will happen next. Imagine the lord of the rings/rotk/ ending with "Frodo was just about to, the end. AAgHHHHHH. buy this just for the love of it all, its wonderful, and you won't regret it I promise, even after your hair line shortens.... Read Full Review » |
Publisher
David Fickling Books
Publication Date
6 November 2003
Format
Hardback (68 pages)
ISBN
9780385606998
Price Range
£3.99 - £3.99
List Price
£9.99
