Golden Compass

Now here is an interesting novel to look at. I originally heard of the Golden Compass a few years ago because of the movie that was released. I also remember the movie getting a negative response which kept me from ever getting too interested in it. At the time, as far as the movie goes, it seemed as if it was a less interesting or less unique version of the film Pan's Labyrinth. Both movies followed a young girl protagonist with mythical and animal companions, grounded within both a fantasy world and a real world. I also never knew the Golden Compass was based on a fantasy novel. Having become more familiar with the novel now, the Golden Compass in my opinion comes off a bit too much on the scale of being a children's fantasy tale than what I would prefer- despite the more mature ending. I also find the main character Lyra to be quite unlikable. This in turn really makes it hard to enjoy reading. Reading a novel or story based on a character you don't like really just takes you out of the experience, and it frustrates me as a reader in a way. It prevents me from enjoying the read. Lyra comes off as a brat to me. She is somewhat snarky, annoying kid that puts me off of the story. I'm not interested in the peril she gets in, or her eventual "hero's journey" because I don't care about the character in the first place. The most interesting character in the novel is Lord Asriel, who has a lot of depth. He gives off an impression when first introduced, and as the novel progresses more and more of his character is revealed. The ending especially reveals a lot about the character's true motives and person. While not neccessarily a character arc, the way the reader learns more and more about Asriel, with their views of him changing as they learn more, make him a very multi-dimensional character. As for the story, the ending is definitely the most interesting part of the story. And you can be sure that was the author's intention, since it is meant to get you excited and want to read the second novel. The pathway to an alternate world is always a very intriquing concept, the reader will always want to learn more. The possibilities with alternate realities are endless, and it is always a treat for a reader to delve into the author's perception of the alternate world.