The Golden Compass

Starred review from May 15, 2021
In this illustrated 25th-anniversary edition of the 1996 classic, Lyra and her d�mon leave their home in Oxford bound for the North, magic, and dark secrets. Lyra Belacqua and her animal-shaped d�mon, Pantalaimon, have been raised by Jordan College's scholars while exploring the rooftops and making war with the children in town. But whispers of Dust and missing children herald changes in Lyra's rough-and-tumble life. With new illustrations by Wormell, Lyra's journey north to find the kidnapped children and uncover the mysteries of Dust comes alive for another generation of readers. Wormell's art highlights classic elements from the story, such as Lyra's golden compass, the truth-telling alethiometer. Other abiding images drawn from scenes in this first book in the series--gyptian canal-boats, witches, the Aurora, armored bears, and the ever present d�mons--appear both as spot art and in full-page illustrations, dramatically enhancing but never overpowering the text. Dark lines underscore the dynamic movement and emotions of the depicted moments while the colors, drawn from a limited but vibrant color palette, convey the magic Lyra sees in the world and the great mysteries she has yet to unravel. Lyra and most other characters read as White. Sure to evoke nostalgia in existing fans and instill wonder in those new to the series. (Fantasy. 10-16)

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