A boy called Christopher is visiting his reclusive grandfather when he witnesses an avalanche of mythical creatures come tearing down the hill. This is how Christopher learns that his grandfather is the guardian of one of the ways between the non-magical world. Then a girl, Mal, appears in Christopher's world. She is in possession of a flying coat and is being pursued by a killer. Together the two must face the problem of power, and of knowledge, and of what love demands of us. 9+ First in a landmark trilogy for fans of His Dark Materials.