There is something charming about a YA book that, just doesn't read as one.  A book that, then allows the adult reader to escape back into the recesses of his/her hidden child and to joyously and unabashedly, enjoy a fine read.

Lyra, a child verging on adulthood, leaves the comfy - if eclectic - surroundings of the only home she has known, Jordan College, to embark on a dangerous voyage to the arctic in search of her friend Roger who, has been kidnapped by the "Gobblers". To what end these kidnappings serve, no one knows for sure - though ghastly rumours run rampant.  She also hopes to find her missing father - an adventurer/scientist being held captive by the armoured bears of the north - who is studying the mystical element known as "Dust" which, also seems to tie in with the appearance of a city within the Northern Lights.  So teaming up with a group of gyptians, also interested in finding their own missing children, Lyra embarks on the adventure of her life, armed with her courage, a device (alethiometer) that tells the future and her faithful daemon Pantalaimon.

Kudos to the author, for penning a fine, intelligent and imaginative tale.  So many YA stories talk down/dumb down to their audience, but this story is a bright light in comparison.  I look forward to the sequel.