His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass/The Subtle Knife/The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman (2007, Paperback)

There are a few of the 2007 editions of Phillip Pullman's _His Dark Materials_. Both hardbacks and softbacks come in singles and collections. The bonus to the hardback is the 10th anniversary edition that has extra materials and writings as well as the best dustjacket design. The softback presents a hefty omnibus (all three stories in one book) that is cheap and convenient enough to read often without worrying about destroying a better copy.
This is the culmination of years of Pullman's hard work and dedication. It is rare that an author can bring modern science together with science in such great literature. The sci-fi genre does not have any substantial material that is written in this style.
It should be noted that J.K. Rowling is not as technically a strong writer as Phillip Pullman. This is not a setback as His Dark Materials is a suitable next step for both adolescents and adults who have read Harry Potter and would like to move on to deeper themes and more sophisticated writing. Harry Potter is good in its own right, but is not as intricate as Pullman's series.
I have to recommend the omnibus edition to any first-time buyers. This is typically the most economical decision as it allows all books to be purchased for under 20 dollars and in a dispensible volume. If you like the series and want more, then go for the 10th anniversary edition for the extra materials and the longer-lasting hardback quality.
The series is very well-written, the options of editions are plenty and the stories are intriguing and intelligent. All-inall, this is a good choice!

I decided to buy this because the movie was decent and wondered whether the books would be better. I was in for a nice surprise! "His Dark Materials" trilogy is a wonderful piece of literature bound to become a classic. Not only does it keep your eyes glued to the pages because of it's wonderful setting and memorable characters that you become attached to, it also presents great themes and introduces ideas that will make the reader stop and think. The storytelling is easy enough for younger audiences to follow and complex enough to intrigue the more mature readers. The only sad thing is that it leaves readers wanting more, but there are only three novels and two short stories. It's a shame that they didn't continue making the movies.

The "His Dark Materials" series is an amazing piece of literature.

Following the lives of two children in two different worlds over a course of two years as a religious battle erupts all around them. Their adventures seem to almost never-end but every adventure is with it's purpose and specific outcome in the big picture of the religious battle. Pullman does a great job keeping you wondering who is really good and who is bad. This book takes a very dark fictional view of the Christian Church - although much of it historically accurate in representation and symbolism. The book also draws much from old world pagan concepts (pre-christian) as well as various metaphyiscal ideas. Overall I would not recommend this book to someone with very strong Christian religious convictions.

For those with a religiously open mind - this book is wonderful as it teaches one to question the majority - to look at the world of "good" and "sin" in a much more realistic and complicated way. It raises many questions about life, death, good, evil, heaven, hell, love and religion that a parent with a young child should be prepaired to discuss. It's a wonderful tool in opening the mind of a young child to recognize the many different cultures, religions, and belief systems we have in our world today.

I probably wouldn't recommend this story for kids under 10.

I purchased this series for a friend after another friend purchased it for me. It challenges many traditional views: of the Church, the world dictated by popular science, and the idea that we each have only one perspective on the world. It's so exciting to see literature geared towards youth that is both adventurous and awakening - even for adults. Pullman is amazing! Buy it for someone who loves to read a great story - no matter their age. Even if they miss the broader philosophical ramifications of the book, Lyra's story of adventure between worlds is incredible!

I bought this book after hearing much controversy about it. I like to see things for myself and try to keep an open mind, especially where religeon is concerned. I have found this book to be a very good read. Phillip Pullman is a good author. He gives you all the information you need to keep your attention. This book actually contains three books in one and I have only finished the first and am about half way through the second. Hard to put down. I highly recomend this book as long as you can keep an open mind and seperate real from fantasy. They have made a movie of the First book "The Golden Compass". I have not seen the movie yet.