Golden Compass - Philip Pullman

Book Number: 10
Book Title: His Dark Materials Book 1: The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Publisher: MAy 31st 2003 (first published in 1995) by Laurel Leaf
Category: Fiction - fantasy, adventure
Binding: Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages 
Date of completion: 23rd December, 2008.

Short description / Book summary (www.goodreads.com): Lyra Belacqua is content to run wild among the scholars in Jordan College, her daemon familiar always by her side. But the moment she hears hushed talk of Dust, an extraordinary particle, she's drawn to the heart of a terrible struggle - a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armoured bears. And as she hurtles towards danger in the cold, far North, young Lyra never suspects the shocking truth: her destiny must be fulfilled not in this world, but far beyond. 

My Thoughts: I know that i've been obsessing with fantasy of late, but don't mistake the addiction with the stimulating books that I'm nursing it with. Philip Pullman, yes, great award winning writer, whose work has been adapted into a motion picture as well, that i admit to not have seen. I'm glad that i read the book The golden compass, considering the mixed reviews that are making their rounds. 

A more complex plot than the children's fantasy that ive been reading, The golden compass may not have been the best read but certainly great, for what its worth. Pullman's got the writing skill, the imagination and the powerful storytelling ability. The book's characters are well thought of and i believe, although i have not done much background check on the fact that most of the scientific theories in the book are actually proven. 

Well written and fast paced, the book excites you enough to contemplate making a trip way North to see them northern lights in person. 

Now, i shall watch the movie. 

Characters: Lyra, Pantaliamon, Roger, Mrs. Coulter, John Faa, Farder Coram, Iorek, Lord Asriel
My rating of the book: ***1/2
Next read: GameWorld Trilogy: Simoqin Prophesies - Samit Basu