There's so much tripe written about Pullman it's almost unbelievable, until you realise he provokes some of it himself. But hey, what's a writer of modern fantasy to do these days? You're inevitably compared to Tolkien whether you want to be or not (and Pullman is content to allow his books to be published with exactly those kinds of statements on the blurb!), and as a typically antsy, sarcastic Englishman, Pullman likes to wind a few people up now and then by having a pop at 'the great gods of fantasy'.
He might have some nasty words to say about Tolkien and Lewis - though his real ire is for Tolkien, not for Lewis - but remember he's trying to garner a market for himself, hopefully from amongst the many, many middle class readers out there who want some quality fantasy for their kiddies to read but who are suspicious of Tolkien (being that so many of us fans are fanatics and that kind of thing sends the average Islington parent running for the hills [or French Gite
]).
I don't hold it against him as the proof is in the pudding and His Dark Materials is one rich and tasty pudding with extra custard. Yep, the final book is a little odd, but it bears up to re-readings by which time it will become clear what he is on about. Pullman did not set out to lampoon Lewis at all, though if he had it might make me like the books
even more as compared to HDM, Narnia is flaccid. I'm not a fan of Lewis by the way - he failed to weave any kind of magic on me alas, though I loved the film, Tilda Swinton was ace.
Yeah, davem's right, for Tolkien-esque go directly to some Icelandic sagas. Very readable, exciting, and stuffed full of mad characters. Njal's Saga is a fabulous blood feud that make you see exactly where the Silmarillion comes from.
Otherwise, for grown-up minds, try some Sandman. And for sheer class, Gormenghast.