The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman

Lyra and her daemon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of the sight of the kitchen.

Lyra lives a carefree life until she begins to notice that children are disappearing including her friend, Roger. She decides to solve the mystery with help from her daemon. A mysterious woman comes to dinner and Lyra is sent to live with her bringing with the golden compass. Soon, Lyra begins to unravel the mystery and runs off. Themes of religion, freedom, love, human nature and choice are found throughout the book.

It was difficult to summarize this book because there were many characters and themes to narrow down to a few sentences. I didn't find the religious references to be offensive but than I wouldn't because it is a FICTION BOOK!

Pullman, P. (1995). The golden compass. New York, NY: Laurel-Leaf Books.
ISBN: 9780440238133
351 pages

Midnighters #1: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfield

The halls of Bixby High School were always hideously bright on the first day of school.

Jessica Day moves to Bixby, Oklahoma and discovers she is one of a select group of people that have the ability to fight creatures that live in the midnight hour. The creatures are more determined than ever to harm Jessica and it with the help of her other class mates that she stay unharmed.

The author has created unique characters and abilities for the Midnighters. I loved the idea of a 25th hour when the world is still except for a few select people. The description of the rain when Jessica discovers this hour is lovely.

Westerfield, S. (2004). Midnighters #1: The secret hour. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 9780060519537
297 pages