I'll check it out...
Thanks for the title...[8D]
Another name for that book is "Northern Lights."
I love the series, albeit the ending is a tad on the sad side.
I shan't say more. I'm reading LOTR for the first time now, and I still can't say which one I like more...
~FT
"The Golden Compass", Part 1 of 3, of the Dark Materials Series, by Philip Pullman.
This is hands down the best fantasy book I have ever read, I enjoyed reading it more than the LOTR series. The book has a fairly recognizable occult theme, to go along with the great story line.
Its about a girl named Lyra and her daemon Pantamalion, on numerous adventures throughout the world(s). I'm not going to say anymore, so read it yourself!