Review Detail

The character at the heart of this book is Lyra.  She is a young, yet spirited soul destined for things far greater than her courage or confidence even know.  Though presented as a ward of Jordan college, her true father (and mother) is revealed over the course of the story.  Her world is one of exploration and stories.  Unfortunately, one story about a group called "the Gobblers" that is said to steal children in the middle of the night hits close to home with the disappearance of her best friend Roger.  Lyra, along with her daemon Pan (their daemon is a version of their conscience manifested in animal form), sets out on a quest to rescue her friend from the clutches of evil and encounters an adventure she won't soon forget.

Released in movie format bearing the same name, the film does not end where the book ends!  The producers were going for a happier ending when in fact the book ends on a rather sad note.  Death, religion, and the battle for control over our very natures, lie in the center of this dark tale.  Interesting?  Yes.  Hard to get into?  For me at least, yes.  Worth following through?  Yes.  Recommended for the older set of readers within this genre.  Happy reading!