The Golden Compass -

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

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. 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 : A witch queen whose clan aids Lyra in battle

: An exiled armored bear ( panserbjørn ) whom Lyra helps regain his dignity and throne. Coulter leads the Gobblers, Lyra escapes and joins

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