The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

This is a story that takes place in another demention that is parallel to our own, where people's souls are located on the outside of their bodies, called daemons. These daemons take shape of animals and are unique to the person. A young girl named Lyra goes on a whirlwind adventure with her daemon where they discover secrets about an evil corporation who is run by an evil woman who are bent on taking the magic daemons possess away from children. All in all, it leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more.