Publisher, Listening Library (September 2004)

Listen to an MP3 audio clip.

"Pullman's masterfully rendered fantasy-adventure, the first in the His Dark Materials trilogy, captivates from the start on this vibrant audio production. As narrator, the British author is swift and sure, inviting young listeners along for a most intriguing story. ...certain to hold listeners' attention throughout the hefty recording." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"When an author brings his intimate acquaintance with plot, setting, characters, and language to bear in an audio production, then adds an elegant, polished speaking voice and an exquisite ear for every dramatic nuance, listeners are in for a sumptuous feast." --The Horn Book

2000 Audie Award Winner for 'Best Children's' Audiobook, presented by the Audio Publishers Association for excellence in Spoken Audio publishing.

Received the coveted "AUDIOFILE EARPHONES AWARD" (October/November 1999) for exceptional narrative voice and style, vocal characterizations, appropriateness for audio format and enhancement of the text!

Publishers Weekly says:

Here Earth is one of only five planets in the solar system, every human has a daemon (the soul embodied as an animal familiar) and, in a time similar to our late 19th century, Oxford scholars and agents of the supreme Calvinist Church are in a race to unleash the power that will enable them to cross the bridge to a parallel universe. The story line has all the hallmarks of a myth: brought up ignorant of her true identity, 11-year-old Lyra goes on a quest from East Anglia to the top of the world in search of her kidnapped playmate Roger and her imprisoned uncle, Lord Asriel. Deceptions and treacheries threaten at every turn, and she is not yet certain how to read the mysterious truth-telling instrument that is her only guide. After escaping from the charming and sinister Mrs. Coulter, she joins a group of 'gyptians' in search of their children, who, like Roger, have been spirited away by Mrs. Coulter's henchmen, the Gobblers. Along the way Lyra is guided by friendly witches and attacked by malevolent ones, aided by an armored polar bear and a Texan balloonist, and nearly made a victim of the Gobblers' cruel experiments. As always, Pullman is a master at combining impeccable characterizations and seamless plotting, maintaining a crackling pace to create scene upon scene of almost unbearable tension. This glittering gem will leave readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the next installment of Lyra's adventures.