Summary: The past & present collide when Kate and Peter find themselves transported back to 1763, England. At first, they are unaware that they have traveled back in time. All they remember is chasing Molly, their canine companion. But before long, the cast of characters they meet convince them that they are far from home–two hundred and forty years. Therefore, they must rely on the help of Gideon, a suspected cutpurse, or thief to get them back to their own time by helping them track down the machine that landed them here. Soon, they realize that they aren’t the only ones who want that machine, and must navigate the dangerous side of 1763 London to get it back.
In a parallel story, their parents and investigators are trying to solve the riddle of the missing children and the ant-gravity machine. It doesn’t immediately occur to them that the anti-gravity properties of the machine can warp time, but mysterious sighting of ghosts resembling Kate and Peter lead them to this conclusion. These sightings arouse the suspicions of Detective Wheeler, who leads the investigation to find Kate and Peter, despite NASA scientists’ intentions to keep the machine a secret.
But the question remains: if the machine created a time warp and transported Kate and Peter back to 1763, how will that knowledge help to return them safely to the 21st century? A twist of events answers that question with a surprise ended that even Gideon couldn’t anticipate.
Review: A good book that took some time to develop. The style of writing was unusual and took some getting used to. The characters were well drawn and the setting was vivid; I felt as if I had been transported back in time.
The characters in the story, Lord Asriel and his counterpart, Mrs. Coulter seek to control the time/space connection by collecting ‘dust’ from children. Through experiments and study, both scholars learn that the ‘dust’ or particles of energy found on children provides the necessary means to build a bridge between the world of northern England and the one visible through the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The golden compass or alethiometer is a crucial tool in this quest because it provides the keys to unlocking the secrets of the universe and finding the point at which these two worlds meet.
The story centers around a golden compass or alethiometer, a tool quite different from the compasses we use to tell us what direction we are traveling in. In contrast, this compass doesn’t give a direction, but through its sophisticated symbols and codes, provides answers to profound questions and helps the possessor peer into the thoughts and actions of other people. This compass proves extremely helpful to Lyra Belacqua, who gains possession of the object through the Master of Jordan College before she goes north with a group of Gyptians or people who live in boats.The goal is to rescue her father, Lord Asriel and children who had been kidnapped by the “Gobblers”, or members of the General Oblation Board, which her mother, Mrs. Coulter.They form alliances with three key characters, the Witch Queen, Serafina Pekkala; Lee Scoresby, a Texan Aeronaut and owner of a hot air balloon; and Iorek Byrinson, an armored polar bear, to confront their foes. Along the way, they encounter challenges, including Lyra’s capture and rescue from Bolvangar. In the end, the forces of good trump evil as Lyra and her friend Roger escape the grasp of Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel, as they travel to another world.
Filled with a mixture of suspense, adventure and fantasy, the author offers a compelling, colorful narrative. The relationship between human and animal characters seems natural and believable. Although the plot slowly developed, the ending proved to be a satisfying conclusion to a worthwhile read.
I’ve decided to expand the scope of this blog to include reviews of books I’ve read. I’ll be adding comments/recommendations of at least one book each month. However, I’d love to hear what others are reading. Please share your comments.
