The Golden Compass

"The Golden Compass" is a novel by Philip Pullman, part of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy. It follows Lyra Belacqua, a young girl from a parallel universe where humans are accompanied by animal companions called daemons, which represent their souls. Lyra embarks on a thrilling journey to rescue her kidnapped friend and unravel a mysterious substance known as Dust. The story explores themes like free will, innocence, and the struggle against authoritarian forces. It combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and philosophical questions, making it both an engaging read and a thought-provoking tale.