Author: Phillip Pullman
Plot:
Young Lyra Belacqua lives a life of mischief and fun on the streets, basements, and rooftops of the Magisterium, a sweeping university and church that strives to educate in the ways of religion and to prevent heresy in the world. While Lyra is the charge of her uncle Lord Asriel, a prestigious member of the Magisterium, Lyra prefers to spend her days with the servant's children, particularly her best friend, Roger. In this parallel world science is replaced by magic, and every person's soul is manifested as a daemon- an animal form that they can talk to and is a life long companion.
Sneaking about the Magisterium one day, Lyra witness's Lord Asriel giving a secret presentation on his finding of an expedition in the icy north. He claims to have discovered a particle, calling it "dust", which falls from the sky, and interacts with the bond between children and their daemons, among other unusual properties. Lord Asriel rushes off again to the mystic Arctic to continue his research, and Lyra is left in the care of Mrs. Coulter, an exciting and beautiful women who Lyra admires greatly. But Lyra does keep some secrets from Mrs. Coulter- including her possession of an Alethiometer, a compass like device that can tell an experienced user the truth of any question.
But before long, Lyra's carefree life is interrupted when her friend Roger disappears, following rumors of evil men, Gobblers, who kidnap impoverished children. They say the children are taken north... Suddenly Lyra's life if plunged into a world of terror and danger, and she must travel North with new allies including a legendary armored bear king, witches, the gypsies, and Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby, to deliver the Alethiometer to Lord Asriel, and to save Roger from the wicked Gobblers.
Macaws' Opinion:
One aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was how the magic in Lyra's world is treated and studied like science- a fresh perspective, and creating a hybrid type genre of science fiction and fantasy. This book also has intense characters with strong wills- powerful protagonists, as well as driven and cunning antagonists. This is only book one of an amazing three part series, and only the tip of the iceberg of the complete series aggressive and sweeping scope. The parallel universe Lyra lives in is also fun to explore as you read- Pullman is a very imaginative writer.
Who would like it:
Science fiction, fantasy, and adventure fans alike should find this a great read, with the promise of two more exciting sequels to follow. I read this in middle school and loved it, and I read it again in college, and still loved it. If reading transports your mind into new world, your're in for a treat.
Read a sample on kindle or computer:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paperback
Or watch the movie (Its pretty well done, follows the book nicely)
Amazon Instant Video
DVD
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