"The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

This is the first book in Pullman's brilliant "His Dark Materials" trilogy. Wildly popular since its release in Britain, the acclaimed saga is finally catching on with American readers (particularly now on the cusp of its theatrical release). His sweeping vision of story, soul and heroism will mezmerize you as Pullman crafts a gorgeous tale of striving, surprising characters and employs one of the most effective conceits in modern literature: the daemon. The series is also available in an omnibus! After you tear through this first volume, check out the next book in the series, "The Subtle Knife."

-Jill