THE AMBER SPYGLASS

Entering the world of Lyra and her friend Will is not a singular task, nor a single world as the children frantically cut through from one world to the next, using the magical knife introduced in the second of Pullman's trilogy, THE SUBTLE KNIFE. If listeners persevere, they are likely, eventually, to sort out what is happening within the many layers of plots and the metaphysical explorations, not to mention the fast-paced action of battles and escapes. The best approach may be what children do so well--just hold on to what interests you and let the rest go. You can enjoy the armored bear, Iorek Byrnison, played magnificently by Sean Barrett, or the daemons, each character's soul or spirit or perhaps alter-ego. For science fiction/ fantasy buffs, the elephant-like "mulefa," who get about on wheels, may hold your interest. The production, recorded with so many characters, and with such care and sureness, is a masterwork. Don't even try to drop into this world unprepared; start with THE GOLDEN COMPASS and savor every word. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. 2002 Audie Award Finalist. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]