The Golden Compass <POPULAR>

Before Lyra is taken into the care of the glamorous but cold , the Master of Jordan College gives her an alethiometer —a golden, truth-telling compass that only she can learn to read. After discovering that Mrs. Coulter leads the Gobblers, Lyra escapes and joins forces with the Gyptians , a group of water-travelers whose children have also been stolen.

Lyra reaches the research station at , where she discovers the horrific truth: the Gobblers are performing "intercision," a process that surgically severs children from their dæmons to prevent them from being "tainted" by Dust. Lyra leads a daring escape, freeing Roger and the other children. The Climax and Betrayal

On her trek to the frozen North, Lyra gathers a band of unique allies: The Golden Compass

Lyra’s life at Jordan College changes when she overhears her uncle, , discussing "Dust"—mysterious particles that settle on adults but not children. Around the same time, children across England, including Lyra’s best friend Roger , begin disappearing, kidnapped by a group known as the "Gobblers". The Journey North

The story of The Golden Compass (also known as Northern Lights ) follows , a spirited and deceptive young girl living in a parallel Oxford where human souls exist outside the body as animal companions called dæmons . The Call to Adventure Before Lyra is taken into the care of

Lyra travels further to find Lord Asriel, believing he needs the alethiometer to defeat the oppressive Magisterium (the Church). However, she learns too late that Asriel actually needs the energy released from severing a child's dæmon to rip open a bridge to another world. Asriel sacrifices Roger to create this portal.

: A Texan aeronaut who provides transport in his hot-air balloon. Lyra reaches the research station at , where

: A witch queen whose clan aids Lyra in battle. The Dark Secret