After her best friend is taken by the Gobblers, Lyra heads to the far north to save other children from becoming caught in some evil experiments and to rescue her Uncle Asriel. She doesn't know the danger that awaits her, or her uncle's true intentions. Talking, armored bears, a bleak kingdom of ice and snow are just the beginning of the memorable images in this rich fantasy-adventure. This is the first title in the His Dark Materials trilogy, followed by THE SUBTLE KNIFE and THE AMBER SPYGLASS.