Lyra lies sleeping in a cave near a rainbow, drugged into unconsciousnessby her mother, Mrs Coulter, whose love for her daughterclosely rivals her own ruthless ambition. Now, the latter threatensto overcome the former, as she strives to prevent the events whichare dependent on the decisions Lyra is fated to make. Meanwhile,Will-scarred and traumatised after his last, fatal meeting withhis father-seeks blindly for her, with only two of Lord Asriel'sangels as companions on his dangerous search. The two are fatedto meet once more, however, and begin their most treacherous journey.For Lyra owes a great debt, and she must repay it-she mustrescue her friend from the Land of the Dead. Neither are preparedfor the terrible sacrifice they must endure, or for the universalconsequences of their actions. Lyra and Will must play theirpart in the war between the worlds and heaven...