Pullman doesn't waste time in introductions and dives straight to the plot very early in the novel. The writing slowly introduces a new world that's neatly built with its set of rules and logic. The characters aren't always black and white though they always seem to be so. Lyra doesn't simper, makes quick decisions and outwits adults. Like a chess game, she takes off pieces from the board one after the other till the end. 
 There is magic, there are spirit animals and there is an intelligent child driving it all.