Although it is difficult to really summarize what happens in the book due to its place as the final in the trilogy without spoiling anything, Pullman definitely had ambition with his final installment. He opened doors for himself by taking on topics such as a pair of very gay angels which were expelled from heaven. Will and Lyra delve into the world of the dead to change what had always been. And Lord Asriel continues with his deliberate attack on what the people in his world call "The Authority", his intent to create a Republic of Heaven as opposed to a Kingdom. Previously Pullman's attack on the church was quite subtle, but with The Amber Spyglass, it becomes perfectly clear.

One of the prevalent characters in The Amber Spyglass became Dr. Mary Malone. Her story in particular is a direct attack on the Church, but Pullman does not ever reject the existence of God, in fact he even implies it. But instead of the Church, he encourages a personal spirituality, and tells us to do good for the sake of doing good, and no matter how you try to justify something bad, it is still bad. All of the morals are still there.

The Amber Spyglass is filled to the brim with Pullman's excellent writing, and brings the trilogy to a comfortable close after telling us the secret that separates innocence and experience. The ending is sweet and nostalgic, but I think it would be better felt by those between 12 and 14 or adults who have kids that age. Although it is still a stunning read for, as they say, 'kids of all ages'.