In a parallel world where people's souls live outside their bodies as animal companions called daemons, brave orphan Lyra Belacqua lives at Oxford University. When children start disappearing, including her friend Roger, Lyra sets out on a dangerous journey to the frozen North to rescue them. Along the way, she discovers a mysterious substance called Dust, faces armored bears and witch clans, and learns shocking truths about the powerful adults in her world. Her adventure becomes a battle against those who want to control human freedom and destiny.