Northern Lights" introduces Lyra an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science theology & magic are entwined. Lyra's search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children & turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. In " The Subtle Knife" she is joined on her journey by Will a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As Lyra learns the truth about her parents & her prophesied destiny the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds & leads to a thrilling conclusion in " The Amber Spyglass". The epic story Pullman tells is not only a spellbinding adventure featuring armoured polar bears magical devices witches & daemons it is also an audacious & profound re-imagining of Milton's " Paradise Lost". An utterly entrancing blend of metaphysical speculation & bravura storytelling " His Dark Materials" is a monumental & enduring achievement."