This was one of my favorite series, and my first audiobook as a 6th grader, but I didn't really appreciate it until I was an adult. With the release of the TV show I finally got around to rereading, and quickly added this podcast to my list of old UNspoileds to listen to. It is so fun listening to Natasha and Owen rehash His Dark Materials, and they are very cute together. I was definitely connecting more with Natasha on most opinions of the series, and some reviewers can be critical of Owen, but honestly, is a different view not what we come to Unspoiled for? I was a little bummed he wasn't enjoying as much as I wanted him to, but as someone else who was raised religiously but then "left", I can understand Owens criticism, and I probably would have felt similar had I not read this series as a young person. I do appreciate his references to The Name of the Wind, and maybe Owen will cover the Kingkiller Chronicle with Natasha being the Unspoiled? I would love that. Good job, you two!

I am not saying that there aren’t good things about this podcast, because there are! I love how Owen’s perspective is very different from Natasha’s, so this isn’t just an echo chamber of “I love this!” all the time (that can be so tiresome.) But my biggest issue is just how big of a nay-sayer Owen can be. He is very much a nitpicker with this series, and I think a lot of that has to do with his negative experiences with the Church (don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to hate about organized religion and I sympathize deeply with that as a queer person who had to unlearn the resulting internalized homophobia) and the fact that he doesn’t really connect with children as characters. I almost didn’t make it through some of the earliest episodes because of his overwhelming dislike of the first book’s protagonists. I feel like he is less willing to entertain the impossible, maybe? Which this series does require a bit of. Still, I did not hate listening, and I was glad to find a podcast that covered this at all.

I decided I needed to read His Dark Materials before the TV show came out. I was really enjoying the book and when I enjoy books, I like listening to a podcast dedicated to the books (E.g.- A Podcast of Ice & Fire & Wheel of Time Spoilers amongst others). The two hosts have interesting conversations, even when they go off on a tangent. I like that they’re honest about the faults of the books. Or when they disagree (makes the conversation better, I think). No book is perfect so it’s always nice to hear why someone didn’t like a particular chapter, character, etc. I hope they cover future books set in that universe and/or the upcoming TV show. Apparently, they have other book and tv show podcasts that I’m now curious about. I’ll probably check those out after I’ve finished these episodes.

So disappointing

I randomly came upon this podcast looking for someone to reread the series with me. I am now determined to listen to every unspoiled podcast! Natasha and Owen are hilarious and have exactly my humor style which is rare for me. I've already started the Unspoiled HP one and got a friend to listen as well. I can't wait to enjoy the rest of your content, Natasha. Never stop never stopping. Edit: Omg Owen! Haribo Raspberries are my favorite candies in the entire world, not including chocolates since obvs that's it's own category. So excited for y'all to finish this series!! And never ever watch that horrible movie but hopefully watch the new series that's maybe coming out eventually maybe??

I have yet to finish an unspoiled series in which Owen is involved. He is a textbook mansplainer and is so judgmental. I love this book series so I have it 2 stars but if it were any other series it would be a 1.

Love the podcast! The pace of your discussion is great-It never drags but doesn't miss the important stuff. You guys are awesome together. I don't always agree with Owen's take on things, but he makes his case well and brings up great points. Natasha, how old were you when you first read the series? I first read these as a child and re-reading them as an adult was awesome because I found so many more layers of meaning. Really fun since the central question is Dust and daemons settling. A lot of things are "growing up stories" but with HDM the difference between a child and an adult is focused on very intently. I think if I read it first as an adult I wouldn't appreciate that focus nearly as much. Keep up the great work!

I must admit, His Dark Materials was never a favorite series of mine. Previously I had never gotten past book 1 but I decided to give this series another try once Unspoiled started covering it. I've now gotten through book 2 and I'm not dreading book 3. They cover it a chapter or two at a time so I'm picking up on things that I had previously over looked and it's making the books more enjoyable. Thank you Natasha and Owen.

I discovered His Dark Materials at the perfect time as a young teenager; right after finishing Harry Potter and right before discovering Song of Ice and Fire (both of which this podcast also covers beautifully). The books are the perfect mix of adult themes and childlike wonder, and it was the perfect stepping stone between the two above theories for me. In turns sad, fun, and serious -- Unspoiled does a great job, as ever, in recapturing so much of the joy that comes in experiencing these works for the first time -- and that's a lot of what this podcast is all about. While I do occasionally disagree with certain opinions or wish they did a little bit more research, those minor gripes do nothing to take away from the raw enjoyment that this podcast never fails to provide. Natasha and Owen's unique perspectives and random digressions are as interesting & valuable as ever, and I must thank this show once again for spurring my interest in rediscovering & rereading another old favorite series of mine. Thanks again, guys.

F hairbrushes. Great podcast, decided to listen even though it's been years since I read these, will be rereading them now. Been listening to unspoiled since A Dance of Dragons. All the shows I've listened to have been good. Great work Natasha.

It's so wonderful to listen to Natasha and Owen break down such an amazing and captivating book series. I'm glad I'm not the only nerd out there who enjoys these books!

I've been listening for a couple of years now and I could not be prouder. Natasha has grown not only in her listenership but also in her ability. I will continue to listen with great fervor and I cannot thank her enough for all of the hours of entertainment she has given me, which is ironic, considering my name. -entertainer1000