Can you hear the distant howling of hounds and the thunder of ghostly hooves? It's All Souls' Eve and Zamiel the Demon Huntsman has come to claim h...
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reviews
Dec 11, 2008
Gwen
rated it: 
On the one hand, I liked this book. It is set in Switzerland, two hundred (or so) years ago, and I found myself quickly drawn into the world of the characters. On the other hand, it was very light-weight, and just as easy to tumble back out of the story upon its ending. The story was not very memorable or exciting to me... I enjoyed it while reading it, but do not expect it to really stay with me the way a more complex or engaging book might.
The main plot is that a maid in the castle More...
The main plot is that a maid in the castle More...
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Aug 27, 2011
Aine
rated it: 
Phillip Pullman narrates the captivating story of the evil Count Karlstein whose evilness gets the better of him when he strikes a dangerous and greedy deal with the Demon Huntsman Zamiel. Count Karlstein plays with fire when he accepts a wish granted by Zamiel and in return promises to provide a human sacrifice on All Soul's Eve ten years from the day on which the wish is granted. In a desperate attempt to keep his wish of an honourable name and a great estate, Count Karlstein sacrifices his be
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May 28, 2010
Lizzy
rated it: 
I do not profess to be an expert on the works of Philip Pullman, but I have read a few, and I have to admit this book, of which I never knew of its existence until I saw it on the shelf at the library, is one of his finest. In a writing style and narrative I feel to be completely different from his other works, Pullman puts together a first person account of an extraordinary adventure full of danger, confusion, several mishaps, and everything finally set to rights, told by several of the main c
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Jun 27, 2010
Malorie
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I am most familiar with Philip Pullman due to his "His Dark Materials" trilogy, and I have also read his short children's book "Clockwork". Count Karlstein is much more in line with the latter, and a book that I probably would have enjoyed at around 6 years of age (just as reference in the off chance that someone would like input on whether or not their child would like it). The story itself, while fun and exciting, really didn't hold much for me in terms of memorability.
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Apr 21, 2009
Cynthia
rated it:
Okay its a kids book, but it is absolutely fabulous! I'm a big fan of any book that can make me laugh out loud (or cry), even if it is a kids book. I'm already a fan of Philip Pullman, having read His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass).
Count Karlstein made a deal with Zamiel, the Demon Hunstman, that in 10 years Karlstein would provide Zamiel with a human victim. Being the evil villian, he decides to sacrifice his two little nie More...
Count Karlstein made a deal with Zamiel, the Demon Hunstman, that in 10 years Karlstein would provide Zamiel with a human victim. Being the evil villian, he decides to sacrifice his two little nie More...
Jul 24, 2011
Brett
rated it:
I have yet to read a Philip Pullman book that I didn't love. "Count Karlstein" is an excellent fairy tale set in a small village in the Swiss mountains in the year 1816. Hildi, a servant at the castle of the local gentry, a perfect villain named Count Karlstein, loves her two charges, the count's English nieces, Miss Charlotte & Miss Lucy. She is, therefore, both horrified & determined to do something when she accidentally learns that the count plans to give them to Zamiel, the Demon H
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Jan 07, 2009
Lilly at All Ears Audiobooks
rated it:
You may be familiar with The Golden Compass and the Sally Lockhart Mystery Series, but the best Pullman I've listened to is Count Karlstein. Like the others, it is a full-cast production. It's gothic darkness is offset by it's surprising good humor. I enjoyed the adventure of the 14 years Hildi Kelmar, as she encounters a broad array of well-drawn gothic characters. Her practical problem solving, determination and good humor held the story together for me. It's a delightful one-off of Pullmans.
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Aug 10, 2011
Nikki
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Count Karlstein isn't as good as Clockwork -- maybe that's the fact that I didn't read it as a child and I don't have associated nostalgia, though. Anyway, it's in a similar vein, a little bit of a Gothic story with suspense and an improbably wonderful conclusion. Fun, easy to read, but not ground-breaking, and predictable.
Definitely something I imagine children would get more out of than an adult. One thing I did find quite fun was Lucy and Charlotte's narratives -- their overwrough More...
Definitely something I imagine children would get more out of than an adult. One thing I did find quite fun was Lucy and Charlotte's narratives -- their overwrough More...
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Jun 29, 2011
Patricia
rated it:
This book is very entertaining but keep in mind it's directed to a younger audience (if that really matter to you and if you are looking for a more adult read). I read this book when I was 16 and enjoyed it a lot even though I was a bit too old for it. Philip Pullman is a great story teller and every time I read one of his books I feel like it has entertaining secrets for his older and more philosophical audience..... this book is no exception so I recommend this for the young at heart.
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Aug 02, 2010
Erin
rated it: 
Nice story, but it reads rather like a radio play with more attempt at suspense than actual danger or even plot. In the audio recording, the "final fantasy tactics" like music was obnoxiously happy and the only other possible song seemed the be the menacing, danger-approaching theme. Probably this was the worst thing that I've read that he's written- the Sally Lockhart books aren't great, but the pacing is better, the mysteries intriguing, and the characters much more endearing.
Jul 18, 2010
Amber
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Philip Pullman's outstanding character building skill is present in this book, if not nearly so profoundly as I would have liked. It defintely feels like it came before His Dark Materials (which it did). He hasn't managed a villain like those very real, rather frightening-even-to-adults characters in the His Dark Materials books, but then this is only intended to be a fairly straight forward, classic fairy tale. In which case, it is a charming success.
Feb 08, 2009
Paula
rated it:
Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the past few years will know Pullman's name, as he's written the phenomenally successful Northern Lights trilogy, the first of which has been made into a movie, and other equally successful YA books.
This was his first novel, republished, and unfortunately it shows a little. Count Karlstein isn't a bad book, it's just a bit predictable from quite early on - the moment the missing heir is mentioned, for example, it doesn't take a rocket sc More...
This was his first novel, republished, and unfortunately it shows a little. Count Karlstein isn't a bad book, it's just a bit predictable from quite early on - the moment the missing heir is mentioned, for example, it doesn't take a rocket sc More...
Aug 13, 2009
Xander
rated it:
This isn't bad. It isn't brilliant (in the way that His Dark Materials can be), but it's solid for what it is. And what it is would be a fairly short work of youthful adventure fiction. It picks up steam as it progresses to a satisfying, if not unexpected, conclusion. Like the other Pullman I've experienced, this one is quite enjoyable in audio form with a full cast of voice actors.
Jan 04, 2011
Jenny
rated it:
Hildi, the maid, must help Lucy and Charlotte escape their evil uncle, Count Karlstein, who has plans for them. He made a pact with Zameil, the Demon Huntsman, and he must provide prey (Lucy and Charlotte) on Halloween night, or his soul is forefit. With the help of a con man, his assistant, and a formidable teacher, the girls may just survive this evil plot.
Mar 25, 2009
Hannah
rated it:
In the intro, Pullman says that he wrote this as a school play for his students, and I can see how it would be a hilarious thrilling production. Unfortunately, the novel form of the story is rather tedious and predictable...I had to force myself to continue reading, and I found that enjoyed it much more when visualizing it in play form.
Jan 31, 2012
Amy
rated it:
Set in Switzerland, Count Karlstein is a fun read for middle school aged children. The vocabulary in this novel is rich and would lend well to many vocab activities if used as a classroom read. Pullman has created a bevy of likable characters and a plot that's just dark and creepy enough to keep children pulled in without going over the top scary.
The ending wrapped up a little too sweetly for my liking, but the story as a whole is delightful.
The ending wrapped up a little too sweetly for my liking, but the story as a whole is delightful.
Oct 02, 2011
jennifer
rated it:
The Count is evil, of course, and in charge of his two young nieces. They live in a Swiss castle surrounded by forests and snowy mountains and inhabited by Zamiel the Demon Huntsman, which is the perfect situation for the Count to rid himself of the girls.
Written in almost a folklore style, this story has a bit of the supernatural, a little tension, and some humor.
Written in almost a folklore style, this story has a bit of the supernatural, a little tension, and some humor.
Jul 10, 2010
Heather
rated it:
Strange story... a little mystery, a littly fantasy, a little history and a little farce. I think kids who already like the in-depth, highly detailed mystery will like it, but not a book for those not already interested. Lots of characters, lots of changes in point of view. Suble humor for some, but not a humorous novel. Strange.
Jul 29, 2011
Laura
rated it:
I found this in a charity shop & it was apparently Philip Pullman’s first novel. This is a fabulous tale of castles, cruel uncles, fair maidens, brave young lads, magicians & a Demon Huntsman. It is a melodramatic fairy tale & is a fun read. You can imagine reading this around a roaring fire in a cold northern country!
Aug 06, 2009
Heather
rated it:
This started out as a page-turner but then slowed down toward the middle. At the outset, I think Pullman did a fine job of developing Hildi as a character so that we could really identify and empathize with her, but then when it switched from her narrative to those of other characters, the pacing just sort of flopped. It ended up just being alright. I got a kick out of the German names, though!
Jul 22, 2011
Robin
rated it:
I had a weird experience with this book: somehow the 'Random' button on my car CD player was activated so I started listening to this out of sequence as I was driving to a job interview! But I persevered and started it over and had a great time with it. Great for listening since it's a full-cast audio.
Nov 10, 2010
This book was mentioned in a GeekDad article on the best halloween books for kids. See Goodreads list here.
Jun 21, 2009
Linda
rated it:
Although this book was enjoyable enough, it doesn't measure up to his series- Sally Lockhart or Golden Compass. The book reminded me of the dire things that befall the kids in the Lemony Snickett books. Count Karlstein is a real villain!
Nov 29, 2011
Barb
rated it:
Fun, funny and rather silly, my daughter gives it four stars, I would go with two if I were rating it without her input (she is almost 10).
I loved Pullman's Sally Lockhart series and this didn't thrill me the way that did.
I loved Pullman's Sally Lockhart series and this didn't thrill me the way that did.
Oct 19, 2009
This one's hard work after you've read His Dark Materials. I think that you should read your favorite author's first book (or first few books; this is Pullman's first book for children) to see how they started out, how they've developed as a writer. In this case it's inspiring to see how he went from writing a pretty predictable, derivative story to writing about Will and Lyra. I read about halfway through Count Karlstein, and I think that's enough.
Jun 15, 2011
Alisa
rated it:
not my favorite philip pullman. he's usually so much more. a silly, scary, modern folktale. a little of madden's careful, a lot of the wild hunt. maybe not silly enough? maybe not enough wordplay.
Jan 25, 2012
Maura
rated it:
Gothic and silly all in one. Not exactly a classic, but a fun read. Not at all like Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series -- you wouldn't think it was the same author.
Jul 27, 2011
Logan
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This is a wonderful tale in the Pullmanian tradition featuring playful language, a structure sure to intrigue young readers and a wondrously evocative setting.
Feb 20, 2008
Laura
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I can't think of a better way to spend a winter evening than reading this book. Count Karlstein is an evil old man who has a sinister plan for his two nieces, who have only a maid to look to for help. That sounds sort of dirty, but it's a young adult novel, so obviously it isn't. My very favorite things were the small black and white illustrations of the characters on one of the first few pages, and the way the two little girls, obsessed with Gothic novels, wrote their portion of the story.
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