answer:25. Read it, and listened to the audiobook while leveling a Druid in a game called World of Warcraft. While I come from a stance where G-d is sacred, this book does have a well pronounced stance against the concept of a god, and views organized religion as oppressive. Being a person who believes she is right, but that others are entitled to their world view as much as I am, I do not fault Pullman. There are other themes in this trilogy as well, that I believe only adults or precocious children will grasp. I have aught with Lyra being praised for her “silvertongue” (being a liar), the blood and gore, descriptive events… These are best left out – abridged for children. But there are always those who say “kids will learn of it anyway, why bother hindering them?” and to that I respond – too many kids grow up too quickly – I believe childhood should be preserved as long as possible.