His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman

His Dark Materials is a fantasy trilogy by Philip Pullman. It consists of The Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. It follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua in a parallel universe with its own version of Oxford. Oxford’s Jordan College is funding Lord Asriel’s research into the heretical idea that other worlds exists different to the world Lyra comes from. It is inspired by Milton’s Paradise Lost.

This is a thought-provoking book full of ideas coming at a time when physicists are discussing multiple universes and dark material. What is this substance in the book called dust? These fundamental particles that settles on people after adolescence, that forms the link between a child and its daemon. It is formed when matter becomes conscious. It gives consciousness, knowledge and wisdom.

Another interesting idea in the book is that of the daemons. Each person has a daemon. These are creatures that are the external manifestations of the persons “inner-self”. Before adolescence these animals can change form to become any creature. During adolescence the daemon undergoes “setting” in which it permanently assumes the animal that most resembles the person’s character.

Not only is it thought-provoking but it is full of adventure. It takes us to the frozen north and on into other worlds. There are witches and giant armoured polar bears. There are gobblers chasing children and darker dangers. An addictive read to be sure.