School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-This sprawling epic of connected worlds has at its heart spiky, loyal Lyra Belacqua. Pullman himself provides rich, resonant narration for Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass; he's joined by a full cast for the latter. His voices for armored bears, witches, children and adults of both genders, and a wide variety of animals are easily distinguishable and add an additional layer of characterization. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this deluxe trade paperback edition of the first in the celebrated Dark Materials trilogy, "Pullman is a master at combining impeccable characterizations and seamless plotting, maintaining a crackling pace to create scene upon scene of almost unbearable tension. Nothing short of breathtaking," said PW in a boxed review. Ages 12-up. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
This tenth-anniversary edition of the first book in Pullman's trilogy features a new appended section: fifteen pages of Lord Asriel's illustrated papers, which may pique the interest of collectors. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Adult fantasy fans will relish Pullman's powerful first volume in a planned trilogy for its lushly detailed universe, intricate plot, and well-done fantasy conventions. They'll like the sequel, The Subtle Knife (1997), just as much. The paperback version of Compass has, perhaps, even more adult appeal then the trade edition.