I started off this book with big reservations. 
I loved the fist in the trilogy "Northern lights", and I hated the second " The Subtle Knife ". 
I think the big difference for me , was that in the first book I grew to love most of the characters , where in the second I found really disliking one of the main characters ( Lyra ) and not caring about any of the others. Also the story seemed to drag on for me . 

This time I was again transported into the wonderful multiple worlds with characters I could again care about and root for. 
The story for me, was much more fast passed ( which I prefer )  as well as engaging. 

It took my over a couple of months to get through the second book. This one took me 3 days. 

Over all I loved this book and I loved that the ending was

not all's well that ends well . Although I felt so sad for Lyra and Will , I think any other ending would not have highlighted  the meaning of the book as well.