REVIEW: La Belle Sauvage (Philip Pullman)

Book: La Belle Sauvage

Author: Philip Pullman

Premise: Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, live with his parents on the banks of the River Thames, which Malcolm navigates using his beloved canoe, La Belle Sauvage. Across the River is the Godstow Priory where the nuns live in quiet seclusion. But Oxford’s peace is about to be shattered. When Malcolm learns the nuns have an unusual guest with them, a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous world of secrets, intrigue and vengeance.

This is a prequel to Northern Lights and I picked this up having finished watching His Dark Materials. The first half of the book builds up the mystery and danger, which also introducing the politics of the world through Malcolm's eyes. The second half of the book was pure adventure and magic. I couldn't stop reading when I got to this bit as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I think because I've read Northern Lights, I knew what had to happen in the end which took the edge off the danger. But still a fun read in a world I love.