The original final novel in the His Dark Materials series. Leaves off on a high point, and also leaves me wanting more, which every good entertainer knows is a sign of success, and every fantasy author knows is an opening for another sequel. Did not diminish in the decade plus since I last read this series. I liked the evil giant swan creatures in the world of the Mulefa. I wonder if they were meant to be some sort of counterparts to the Armored Polar Bears. Makes me now want to read the new(er) sequel novellas & series, & to find my copy of Lyra’s Oxford, which I haven’t read