I'm way older than the average reader, I'll wager, but I loved this book.
I'm also inclined to read books that have caused any kind of a furor, as this one did when the movie came out a few years ago.
Upon my closing the cover for the last time, my mind said, "Interesting." My soul said, "Give me more!"
The Amber Spyglass was the dryest of all, It took me a little longer to get into, but was just as satisfying in the end.
I might recommend this to young adults, but it is deep and might be too much for the children it was written for. Perhaps if they stopped with The Golden Compass.
Personally, I think the work was, irreverent, not sacrilegious, well written, imaginative. I should probably go to the library and check out some of his works I may find another gem.