Lyra, Lyra, Lyra....

This week I read the "Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman, the second book in the His Dark Materials series. I had read the first book "The Golden Compass" a little while back and I didn't enjoy it that much, I couldn't really put my finger on why I didn't like it but the second book was definitely an improvement.
I think what really bothered me about the first book was Lyra, something about her character just really bugged me. I never really enjoyed her, she just kinda got on my nerves, and there wasn't another character that I enjoyed either to make up for it. But in "The Subtle Knife" we are introduced to a few new characters and a few new worlds, that really helped to mix up the story. Will is from a world that is quite similar to our own world. Will quickly became my favorite character, he kept Lyra under control and wouldn't stand for any of her craziness, and he himself was very dynamic. Having to become very mature at a young age to take care of his mother, Will is no ordinary kid. I was very sad to see his father die after all of his searching throughout the story. I can understand why the author did it but I really enjoyed the character of Dr.Grumman or Parry or whatever his name is. He had the wise old shaman feel to him, of a man who knows far more than the average person about the world in which we live.
Also in "The Subtle Knife" the concept of other worlds that was just introduce in "The Golden Compass" is greatly expanded upon. We come into a world similar to our own, and the world of Cittagaze. The concept of the spectors was quite interesting, how they only feat upon the adults. I loved how that tied into the other aspects of dust that are explored and how it only settles on older people, which would explain why they only "eat" adults.
The book ended on a major cliffhanger which is frustrating because I have to move on to a different series and I really want to continue reading to see what happens. Roger finally realizes what he must do and then Lyra up and disappears. I have a strong feeling her disappearance has something to do with Mrs.Coulter but I suppose I will have to wait to find out. I really enjoyed this book much for than the first in the series and I can't wait to start reading the final book of the series "The Amber Spyglass".