La Belle Sauvage is a prequel to Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, focusing on a young infant Lyra. The story follows Malcolm, the son of innkeepers, who embarks on an adventure to protect Lyra from various threats. is praised for its dense and slow-moving narrative, the inclusion of characters from the original trilogy, and the ability to stand alone as a good read. The writing style is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the plot involves elements of fantasy that blend seamlessly with the more realistic style of the series.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Malcolm serving as a strong, heroic figure, while Alice adds complexity, although her development is debated.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and clear, combining elements of adventure with deeper philosophical questions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Malcolm and Alice's quest to save baby Lyra during a catastrophic flood, facing various threats from a powerful hierarchy.

Setting:

Set in an alternate version of Oxford, the environment plays a crucial role, showcasing a struggle against oppressive powers.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, initially slow to establish context but gaining urgency during the flood, though some point out disjointed moments later.

Three miles up the river Thames from the center of Oxford, some distance from where the great colleges of Jordan, Gabriel, Balliol, and two dozen others contended for mastery in the boat races, out wh...

Notes:

La Belle Sauvage is a prequel set about 11 years before the events of The Golden Compass.

The protagonist is Malcolm, an 11-year-old boy who works at his parents' inn called the Trout.

Malcolm becomes devoted to protecting a baby named Lyra, who is under the care of nuns.

The story includes a significant flood that adds urgency to Malcolm's quest to save Lyra from dangerous forces.

Malcolm's character is seen as heroic, embodying qualities like resourcefulness and kindness.

The narrative is described as having elements of a quest, with characters facing various challenges and encounters along the way.

The book features familiar characters like Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter from the original series but introduces new protagonists like Malcolm and Alice.

Alice is a character who works at the inn and accompanies Malcolm on his journey, although some feel her role is underdeveloped.

The book deals with darker themes, such as sexual violence and authoritarianism represented by the League of St Alexander.

The writing captures a mix of nostalgia for returning readers and new explorations of the world, but some find the pacing uneven with a slow start and a chaotic second half.

Philip Pullman is noted for his clear and engaging writing style, which remains compelling in this new installment.

This volume is the first in a trilogy called The Book of Dust, with the next book, The Secret Commonwealth, released in 2019.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for La Belle Sauvage include discussions of violence, sexual violence, child endangerment, and themes of oppressive societal structures.

From The Publisher:

Eleven-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his d�mon, Asta, live with his parents at the Trout Inn near Oxford. Across the River Thames (which Malcolm navigates often using his beloved canoe, a boat by the name of La Belle Sauvage) is the Godstow Priory where the nuns live.

Malcolm learns they have a guest with them; a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua . . .

Ratings (18)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (39):

Read It (20)
Want To Read (16)
Not Interested (3)

2 comment(s)

ehanut203

It Was OK

4 months

look

i read the original books

i think i reviewed them well

but i never really got them

i just don't get it, i like the books but i feel like something is going over my head

same with this one, a great adventure and fun book but WHAT IS THE WHAT HERE

Pallavi

Incredible

4 months

5*

RTC

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