The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass, written by Phillip Pullman, is the exhilarating story of a young, curious girl named Lyra. While hiding in a closet during a secret meeting of the scholars, Lyra first hears of a mysterious thing called Dust. Filled with curiosity, Lyra begs her uncle to take her to the north. Yet when he refuses, the rapturous Mrs. Coulter takes Lyra under her wing, bringing her on amazing travels to meet all the elegant people. Yet Lyra discovers the gruesome truth soon enough, that Mrs. Coulter is part of the Gobblers, a terrible group of people who tear apart children and their deamons. Lyra doesn't take extreme notice at first, until her friend Roger is kidnapped. Escaping Mrs. Coulter, she and her own deamon, Pan, run to the North, hiring an armored bear to assist them. Yet when they get there, nothing is as they expected. And the alethiometer Lyra was given to keep secret is suddenly the greatest power. This novel is a thrilling, adventurous story, filled with mystical and magical ways. It grasps the reader's attention and pulls them into this story of truth, lies, and everything in between.

Star rating: 5/5 * * * * *

Orwell's Luck

Orwell's Luck, written by Richard Jennings, is the charming story of a magic rabbit. When a 12-year-old girl finds an injured rabbit in her front yard, she decides to take it in and name it Orwell. This girl is an avid horoscope reader, and bases each day solely off her horoscope. Yet, as time progresses with the rabbit, the horoscopes begin to change, no longer the broad, general messages, but deeper and more personal. Could it be Orwell? While all the pieces fit, there is still the mysterious question: how can a rabbit do it? The girl begins to look forward to each new message, until her father cancels the newspaper subscription. Upset, the girl believes it's over, until new messages begin popping up in new places. The story follows the life of the 12-year-old as she learns about life, faith, and hope, all from a mysterious rabbit named Orwell. This book is a rustic tale, filled with coziness and warmth. It is a quick read, and a great story, as well as proof that miracles can happen.

Star rating: 4/5 * * * *