Dark Tower vs. Dark Materials

[Sweet One]

In my opinion, the two most innovative modern fantasy series are SK's Dark Tower series, and Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials. I enjoy SK the most oft the two, but as to which is actually "better", I don't really know. KIng is better with creating in-depth beleivable characters. What do you think? Most other fantasies are basically Tolkien riffs to one degree or another. the the world of these two series are totally different, yet rich and complex and each unique in its own way.

[ChaseTx]

i haven't read His Dark Materials, but the author's motivations are horrible. He specifically wants to make children atheists... shouldn't that be left to their choosing?

Anyway, I've just started Dark Tower, and the only other "fantasy" series I've read are Harry Potter (amazing) and The Chronicles of Narnia check out The Horse and His Boy). But when I was little I was really into Animorphs lol

[kisun]

I, personally, don't really like Phillip Pullman's style. I couldn't really get into the first book and quit with it early on, and so I don't really have much to say about the whole athiest thing.

[OhmyGod!]

I love 'his dark materials'. And I do not believe the author is trying to make children atheists...I think one 'organised religion' tries to support that idea. But in my eyes it's ridiculous and pretty silly. Maybe the author wants children to make up their own mind and don't trust something that supposed to be good automatically to be good. Like a parent can be mean/wrong in a children’s novel...but that doesn't mean all parents are suddenly big ol' meanies. Anyway, both are amazing.

I do like the dark tower novels more...

[rjt65]

Bought the DArk MAterials for my older gal years ago... than I read ---(reread again last year) a very good series IMO--shame the movie was not very good.

THERE is NOTHING about Atheism in this series. the ruling CHURCH/religious body of the main gals world is depicted in a controlling, cover up type of way---hmmmm

..the author is a known Atheist though so adding that fact with the books portrayel of a religius body (not saying anywhere what type of denomination --just church if i rember correctly)


Is tarted t hread a while back on the similarities in worlds and travel between them with this series and the Dark tower.

I enjoyed these very much and would challenge how thee books are negative or would sterr a child towards hating religion.

[Oogway]

I have not finished The dark tower but I have finished the dark materials trilogy, I loved it but I would not try to put that versus DT it would be not fair for the dark materials trilogy.
I just wanted to say that the books were not against the religion, not at all, they were against that world's church and its purposes.

[Sweet One]

Phillip Pullman really is against organized religion and especially (it seems) Christianity. He also opposes ANY kind of authoritarian government, even atheistic ones. His famous quote against the Narnia books are well known: "I hate the Narnia books...I hate them with a deep and abiding passion."

Then again Lewis, was trying to steer children toward Christianity. Pullman is trying to steer them away. Which is worse? Depends on what you beleive. I used to be a Christian, but after spending time on the Sam Harris board, I feel les and less inclined toward religion.

[MQQSE]

HI all, new here and was drawn to this thread as my first post since I just finished the Dark Materials books two weeks ago.
I was unaware of this series until I watched The Golden Compass and I liked the storyline well enough to purchase the set. I am glad I did, the story was different and the characters well written. I admit the second book was a slow go at first but picked up nicely. I don't see my self re-reading them as I do my King novels (Salem's lot 5 times, the stand 3) but all in all a good experiance.
Now just biding time until the next SK comes out. (or maybe I will pick up the Lot again!)

[ChaseTx]

the book's author has stated that the books do call for a rebellion against religion: "I've been surprised by how little criticism I've got. Harry Potter's been taking all the flak... Meanwhile, I've been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God" ... That makes him pretty unpopular among religious groups.

However, I see that it may be more against negative aspects of religious groups, rather than the religions themselves. I may read them, if I run out of other things to read. From what I hear the book's are good. Heard the movie was uninspired though

[Todash]

I think the Dark Tower is better, more complex, a more convincing world. But then, DT wsan't written for children.