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Northern Lights cover art

Northern Lights

By: Philip Pullman
Narrated by: Philip Pullman, full cast
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Summary

The classic recording of Northern Lights, read by Philip Pullman and a full cast of narrators.

'Without this child, we shall all die.'

Lyra Belacqua lives half-wild and carefree among the scholars of Jordan College, with her daemon, Pantalaimon, always by her side.

But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle - a struggle born of stolen children, witch clans and armoured bears.

As she hurtles towards danger in the cold far North, Lyra never suspects the shocking truth: she alone is destined to win, or to lose, the biggest battle imaginable.

The full cast of narrators includes: Philip Pullman, Joanna Wyatt, Rupert Degas, Alison Dowling, Douglas Blackwell, Jill Shilling, Stephen Thorne, Sean Barrett, Garrick Hagon, John O'Connor and Susan Sheridan.


Brought to you by Penguin.

©1995 Philip Pullman (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Read by Pullman himself and a full cast including Julian Glover and Stephen Thorne, this is glorious listening." (Sunday Express)

What listeners say about Northern Lights

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My Favourite of the Trilogy, BUT….

Avoid listening to any of the interview with the author at the end. Thought it was a pretty cool bonus for book ONE, but got served with a big old end of the story spoiler, wish they’d kept the interview for the end of book three! Still enjoyed the story apart from knowing part of what happens.
I love that Philip Pullman narrated this and the full cast were brilliant too, really brought the story to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

I’ve been a fan of the Northern Lights Trilogy for some years now, having read them several times over. I’ve also devoured the television series, which although in my opinion is no where near as good as the books was nevertheless enjoyable, and now have listened to the first audiobook in the series. It lives up to expectation, with the combination of a cast for the characters and Philip Pullman himself narrating, it works really well. Throughly enjoyable listen! I’d highly recommend.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The storyline

I loved the characters and the story. It can be a little bit confusing, but other than that I really recommend it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Quite enjoyable

Interesting magic, characters have different voices and personalities, interesting ending that makes you wanna read the next one, holds a good pace, I like to listen at 1.2 speed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Northern Lights

I enjoyed the book I could not put it down. I am glad I read it before watching it on television. I look forward to the next one.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dont listen to the interview at the end!

Great story and narration, but end interview with the author has spoilers for the rest of the series

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love it

I loved it. Sad but loving. I suggest for 7 and over. children + adults. Get it you want adventure and entertainment.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Remarkable storytelling

A beautifully written and performed feat of storytelling.
The performances are spot on, dovetailed brilliantly with Philip Pullman’s narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!!!

We were enthralled by the story. Both my 9 year old daughter and I loved listening to this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Doesn't talk down to children

A nice start to a fantasy Saga that doesn't talk down to kids. It's well written and although it might all end up being nonsense but I'm curious to see where it goes.

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