'scuse me! Did I ask anyone what they thought of the books? No. Did I ask for unsolicited opinions of the characters or plot? No. Did I ask anyone to slag off what I found to be a good read? No.

Them that have talent use it. Them that don't criticise... Perhaps if we stuck to the old saying we would all be a lot happier. If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all.

Big ;-) btw, Morty.

Seriously though, it is a fantasy book aimed at young people and those that are (still!) young at heart. Believable plots and in-depth characters are not usualy the strong point of teen fantasy, in my opinion. However I don't think this is a problem with Pullman. I think you will find the second book goes into the characters a bit more and does become a little 'darker' for want of a better term. Give it a try:-)

As to the plot, yes, well. As I said. It is a fantasy. I don't think fantasies need to be that believable do they? Thoughout the ages all fantasy seems to have been about things we do not normaly find in Tescos... Magic, strange creatures, going to other worlds, talking animals. They all seem to feature in the classic works in one way or another. And as to that one about a bloke being killed and then coming back from the dead! Sheeesh. Pull the other one;-)

Cheers

DtG