Can't put my finger on why I don't love it. I am interested to finish the next book, but I really don't care much for it. ( )

THE PLOT THICKENS. This book turns the amps up to 11 and greatly widens the thematic scope of this trilogy. Think this was just a fun adventure based fantasy series? NOPE. ( )

I found myself confused mostly--also for teens. ( )

In some ways, less compelling than the first of the series. The mythology of the first one, I guess, was more interesting to me. I also liked the side characters from the first better—Iorek Byrnison, John Faa, Farder Coram—and the cultures they represented.

That said, this book was still a good one. The action & pacing were steady, and the suspense perhaps even increased. I'm ready for the next, to finish the series. ( )

- 2020 Rereading -

I don't know why, but I remember saying that The Subtle Knife is my least favorite HDM book. And honestly, that's so not true. The Subtle Knife is actually much more mature than its predecessor and there are some very gruesome scenes. But there are also so many great and cute moments between Lyra and Will and I can't wait to see those scenes in the TV adaptation. And I'm still not sure if JKR stole from Pullman or other way around about the spectres/dementors but I guess that the inspiration comes from the LOTR's Nazguls but originally from the Grim Reapers anyway so that's settled. ( )