The Book of Dust Book Summary

In 'The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage', Philip Pullman returns to the mesmerizing world of Lyra Belacqua four centuries before her story begins. The narrative follows young Malcolm Polstead, a curious innkeeper's son, who embarks on an extraordinary adventure to protect a mysterious baby destined for greatness. As he navigates through sorcery and danger, Malcolm's daemon Asta provides unyielding companionship. With a fierce flood threatening everything he holds dear, Malcolm discovers the depths of courage and sacrifice. This enthralling tale is a prelude to secrets and revelations that will echo throughout the beloved His Dark Materials series.

By Philip Pullman

Published: 2017

"In the world of dreams, the heart knows no bounds, and the courage to protect what is loved can change the course of destiny."

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (Book of Dust, Volume 1)Book binding

Start Listening to Book Summary

0:000:00

Book Review of The Book of Dust

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Philip Pullman returns to the parallel world of His Dark Materials--now an HBO original series starring Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Andrew Scott, and Lin-Manuel Miranda--to expand on the story of Lyra, “one of fantasy’s most indelible heroines” (The New York Times Magazine). Don’t miss Volume II of The Book of Dust: The Secret Commonwealth! Malcolm Polstead and his daemon, Asta, are used to overhearing news and the occasional scandal at the inn run by his family. But during a winter of unceasing rain, Malcolm finds a mysterious object—and finds himself in grave danger. Inside the object is a cryptic message about something called Dust; and it’s not long before Malcolm is approached by the spy for whom this message was actually intended. When she asks Malcolm to keep his eyes open, he begins to notice suspicious characters everywhere: the explorer Lord Asriel, clearly on the run; enforcement agents from the Magisterium; a gyptian named Coram with warnings just for Malcolm; and a beautiful woman with an evil monkey for a daemon. All are asking about the same thing: a girl—just a baby—named Lyra. Lyra is at the center of a storm, and Malcolm will brave any peril, and make shocking sacrifices, to bring her safely through it. “Too few things in our world are worth a seventeen-year wait: The Book of Dust is one of them.” —The Washington Post “The book is full of wonder. . . . Truly thrilling.” —The New York Times “People will love the first volume of Philip Pullman’s new trilogy with the same helpless vehemence that stole over them when The Golden Compass came out.” —Slate

Book Overview of The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (Book of Dust, Volume 1)

About the Book Author

P

Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman is a celebrated British author best known for his groundbreaking 'His Dark Materials' trilogy, which includes the acclaimed novels 'Northern Lights' (also known as 'The Golden Compass'), 'The Subtle Knife', and 'The Amber Spyglass'. His writing is recognized for its imaginative storytelling, intricate world-building, and philosophical themes that explore morality, religion, and the search for knowledge. Beyond 'His Dark Materials', Pullman has written numerous other works, including the 'Bartimaeus' series and 'The Book of Dust'. Pullman's literature often combines elements of fantasy with rich character development, making him a significant figure in contemporary literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Philip Pullman
Published
October 2017
Publisher
Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN
0375815309
Language
English
Pages
466
Genres
High FantasyFantasy

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Captive PrinceBook binding

Captive Prince Book Summary

In "Captive Prince," the captivating tale of power and betrayal unfolds as Laurent, the cunning prince of Vereck, must navigate the treacherous politics of his enemy's court. When Damen, the exiled warrior prince of Akielos, becomes a slave to Laurent, forced into a world of subterfuge and intrigue, unexpected alliances begin to form. As the two grapple with their conflicting loyalties and simmering desires, they are drawn into a dangerous game that could alter the fate of their kingdoms. The tension escalates with each page, revealing secrets that could shatter their lives and reshape their loyalties. Will love conquer all, or will the weight of a fractured legacy seal their doom?

Captive Prince
C. S. Pacat
Throne of GlassBook binding

Throne of Glass Book Summary

In "Throne of Glass," young assassin Celaena Sardothien is offered a chance at freedom: win a deadly competition to become the king's champion. As she navigates treacherous politics and faces off against formidable opponents, she uncovers a web of dark magic and long-buried secrets that threaten her life and the kingdom. With every challenge, Celaena must confront her own past and decide what she's willing to sacrifice for power—and for those she loves. As loyalties shift and danger lurks in every shadow, the stakes soar beyond mere survival. Will she embrace her destiny, or will the weight of her choices crush her ambitions?

Throne of Glass
Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and RosesBook binding

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Summary

In "A Court of Thorns and Roses," Feyre Archeron, a skilled huntress, is thrust into a deadly faerie world after killing a wolf in the woods. Captured by Tamlin, a powerful High Fae lord, she discovers an enchanting realm steeped in danger and magic. As Feyre grapples with her feelings for Tamlin, a dark curse looms, threatening his home and all he loves. Chilling choices lead her into a treacherous game where betrayal and sacrifice become part of the dance. Will she embrace her fate and uncover her true strength before it’s too late?

A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas
The Star-Touched QueenBook binding

The Star-Touched Queen Book Summary

In "The Star-Touched Queen," Maya, a girl cursed with a deadly horoscope, finds herself trapped in a tumultuous fate. Drawn into a world of magic and intrigue, she becomes the bride of a mysterious ruler, only to uncover astonishing secrets about her past and the kingdom. Haunted by visions and the whispers of an ancient prophecy, Maya must navigate a web of love, betrayal, and destiny. As celestial events unfold, her choices could either save or doom her world. Will she embrace her true power and rewrite her stars, or will darkness consume her?

The Star-Touched Queen
Roshani Chokshi
The Lord of the RingsBook binding

The Lord of the Rings Book Summary

In J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, "The Lord of the Rings," an unsuspecting hobbit named Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous quest to destroy a powerful ring that could plunge Middle-earth into darkness. As he journeys through treacherous lands and faces formidable foes, he is joined by a diverse fellowship of allies, each with their own secrets and strengths. Betrayals and sacrifices abound, testing their bonds and resolve as the shadow of evil looms ever closer. With breathtaking landscapes and profound themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil, Tolkien crafts a rich tapestry that captivates the imagination. Will Frodo and his companions triumph against the dark forces, or will the allure of the ring claim them all?

The Lord of the Rings
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
The Name of the WindBook binding

The Name of the Wind Book Summary

In "The Name of the Wind," follow Kvothe, a gifted young man with a tumultuous past, as he weaves his extraordinary life story. From his harrowing childhood as a traveling performer to his years at an elite university, Kvothe's journey is filled with magic, music, and mystery. As he seeks to uncover the truth behind the legendary beings known as the Chandrian, he grapples with love, loss, and the weight of his own destiny. With each page, the line between myth and reality blurs, revealing the man behind the legend. Prepare to be captivated by a tale that explores the power of storytelling itself, leaving you yearning for more as the secrets of Kvothe's world unfold.

The Name of the Wind
Patrick Rothfuss
The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of TimeBook binding

The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time Book Summary

In the epic fantasy saga "The Wheel of Time," the fate of the world hangs in the balance as young Rand al'Thor discovers he is the Dragon Reborn, destined to battle the Dark One. With a diverse cast of characters, including powerful Aes Sedai and fearless warriors, Rand and his friends embark on a perilous journey filled with ancient prophecies and perilous magic. As they navigate treachery and alliances, the line between good and evil blurs, leaving them questioning their own destinies. Secrets of the past and the cyclical nature of time weave a tapestry that draws readers deeper into a richly constructed universe. Will they overcome their fears and unite against a looming darkness, or will history repeat itself in a devastating cycle?

The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time
Robert Jordan, Teresa Patterson
HyperionBook binding

Hyperion Book Summary

In Dan Simmons' epic sci-fi novel *Hyperion*, seven pilgrims embark on a treacherous journey to the distant world of Hyperion, each driven by their own profound and haunting secrets. As they share their interconnected tales amidst a backdrop of war and the looming threat of the mysterious creature known as the Shrike, the very fabric of time and fate is revealed. Richly layered with literary allusions, philosophical quandaries, and vivid world-building, each character’s story uncovers the deep human desires and fears that transcend the cosmos. But as their pilgrimage unfolds, they are forced to confront a powerful force that could alter their destinies forever. Will they survive the trials of Hyperion, or will they become mere pawns in a much larger game?

Hyperion
Dan Simmons

Showing 8 of 25 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Similar Book Recommendations →

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

Artificial IntelligenceTechnology and FutureMindfulness
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureInspiring Reads
Emily Blunt's Book Recommendations

Emily Blunt's Book Recommendations

Emily Blunt is an acclaimed British actress known for her versatility and powerful performances in film and television. Though not primarily recognized for contributions to literature, her portrayal of literary characters in film adaptations, such as "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, has brought literary works to a broader audience. Her role in this film was highly praised and showcased her ability to bring depth to complex characters. Blunt has received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, solidifying her status in the entertainment industry. Her contributions extend beyond acting, as she continues to inspire through her diverse roles and commitment to her craft.

Media and Pop CultureInspiring Reads
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

Creativity and InnovationInspiring ReadsSelf-Improvement
Bridget Phetasy's Book Recommendations

Bridget Phetasy's Book Recommendations

Bridget Phetasy is a multi-talented writer, comedian, and podcaster known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary on contemporary culture and politics. She gained prominence through her work with Playboy, where her essays and columns attracted a wide readership. Bridget is the host of the popular podcast "Walk-Ins Welcome," where she engages in deep, humorous conversations with a variety of guests. Her candid and often provocative takes on societal issues have garnered her a loyal following on social media. Additionally, she created the satirical YouTube series "Dumpster Fire," where she humorously dissects current events.

Media and Pop CulturePolitics
Cleo Abram's Book Recommendations

Cleo Abram's Book Recommendations

Cleo Abram is a distinguished journalist and content creator known for her incisive storytelling and engaging multimedia presentations. She gained widespread recognition as a producer and host for Vox's acclaimed series, "Glad You Asked," where she explored complex topics with clarity and depth. Abram's work often intersects with technology and culture, making intricate subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles to various esteemed publications. Her innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence and inspire both readers and aspiring journalists.

Media and Pop CultureTechnology and FutureInspiring Reads
Julie Zhuo's Book Recommendations

Julie Zhuo's Book Recommendations

Julie Zhuo is a product design expert and author, best known for her work as the Vice President of Product Design at Facebook, where she played a key role in shaping the platform's user experience. Zhuo is also the author of the best-selling book The Making of a Manager, which offers insights into leadership and team management, especially for first-time managers. She is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of leadership and product development. Since leaving Facebook, Zhuo has continued to focus on writing, advising, and mentoring leaders in the tech industry. Her expertise in design and management has made her a respected voice in Silicon Valley.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life LessonsInspiring Reads
George R.R. Martin's Book Recommendations

George R.R. Martin's Book Recommendations

George R.R. Martin is the author of the acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Known for his complex characters, intricate political intrigue, and epic world-building, Martin has reshaped modern fantasy literature. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo and Nebula awards, and is considered one of the greatest fantasy writers of his time. His storytelling, often marked by its unpredictable nature, has captivated millions of readers and viewers worldwide. Martin continues to work on the highly anticipated next installment of the series.

Fantasy and Science FictionPopular Picks

Showing 8 of 21 related collections

In the world of dreams, the heart knows no bounds, and the courage to protect what is loved can change the course of destiny.

The Book of Dust

By Philip Pullman

Frequently Asked Questions