I think *The Golden Compass* does just about everything right as a fantasy novel: gripping narrative, great characters, fascinating insights into our own world by looking at another world, etc. It's really wonderful! Sadly, the second and third novels get a little "preachy" (if that's the right word to describe Pullman) and a little far out there. They did still have some powerful moments and I'm glad I read the whole series, but I definitely highly recommend at least the first one, *The Golden Compass*.