The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials #1)

Lyria and her daemon Pantalaimon must rescue their friends from the evil Gobblers, kidnappers that take the children north to do terrible experiments. Lyria must use the alethiometer, a truth-telling device, to learn able the mysterious Dust and help a world on the brink of war.

Daemons are a person's soul that walks beside them and take an animal form that most resembles their true nature. During childhood the daemon doesn't settle into one form but can change at will. This is thought to be because Dust doesn't settle on people until they hit puberty. The mystery of this seems to be something the series will explore as it continues.

Lyria's journey to the north is filled with obstacles and trials which help Lyria develop and grow. There is a destiny that surrounds Lyria though she must never know, that she must fulfil on her own. This is gradually revealed more, tough not entirely.

Filled with flying witches, daemon souls, talking armoured bears and river riding Gyptians, this book is truly exciting. This book has plenty to keep the readers interested. Though it has a complex under meaning that may be a little difficult for young readers to comprehend, it is still a great book. I enjoy the first book quite a bit

Reader reviewed by GRgenius

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!