The Amulet of Samarkand

Author Jonathan Stroud delivers such a potent and unforgettable mix of magic, history and intrigue with The Amulet of Samarkand, the first part of his compelling Bartimaeus Trilogy, that it is difficult not to want to read the next novel immediately. Undoubtedly the shortest 480 pages you'll ever read, The Amulet of Samarkand is a superb novel of revenge and adventure with the most original central character for years.

Bartimaeus is a wisecracking Djinni (pronounced "Jinnee" we're reliably informed) unlike no other. Summoned from some otherworldly place to do the bidding of a pipsqueak trainee magician called Nathanial, he sets about his given task reluctantly but with aplomb. Nathanial is after revenge and that makes him dangerous. Previously humiliated by a powerful magician called Simon Lovelace in front of his impotent master, Nathanial has spent every waking hour for years cramming knowledge of the highest magic into his head so that he can exact his own special kind of vengeance.

Bartimaeus is charged to steal a precious and powerful object--the Amulet of Samarkand--from Lovelace's residence, which the Djinni achieves but not without angering a few old mates on the same astral plane and having to spend the night annoyingly disguised as a bird. Bartimaeus, despite being bound to Nathaniel, discovers the boy's real name--a tool he can use to his own advantage. But he is constantly outwitted. Then an overriding danger becomes apparent that threatens the whole fabric of society and they must work together to combat it.

Stroud's fantasy world is familiar, yet fascinatingly different. It's almost Victorian London, yet Magicians hold overall power and inhabit parliament. The writing is captivating, the story intelligent and mesmerising. It's difficult to imagine a more scintillating collection of characters and situations. Unmissable. (Recommended for ages 10 and over.) --John McLay

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An adventure story for boys - Rated
I have just been reading this to my 10 year old son, and we were both completely gripped. We were given the book as a present, so were unaware of the "next Harry Potter" hype surrounding it. It is a poor comparison as the only resemblance to J. K. Rowling is superficial. This is much more straightforward adventure story for boys, though one that is well written, with well drawn, engaging characters, so it is not without literary merit. The most attractive of the two protagonists is an extremely funny, but quite brutally cynical and amoral character, always ready to deploy gratuitous cartoon violence on his next helpless victim. So not for the oversensitive, or anyone likely to react badly to the very boyish attitude on display here, but a cracking and highly entertaining ride for everyone else.

Highly recommended, and we can't wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.

Is it worth it? - Rated
In short Yes it is worth it. The audio CDs are well presented and the narration is very good. The voice and dialogue for jinn are very well done. Some people will think that the central Character is less then perfect. But think - this makes the story, well thats my feel. The price tag is not too bad, if you wish to buy to hear more then once. If not try to get it from the Library, it is worth it.

Superb trilogy - Rated
Trainee magician Nathaniel wants revenge, he calls upon djinn Bartimaeus to help, but he just wants to kill Nathaniel. Books 2 & 3 also superb. One of my favourite children's fiction reads. I cannot recommend the wonderful 'Bartimaeus Trilogy' highly enough. This is a book I could read many times over. The positive reviews posted on Amazon are much deserved. Also recommended - Gordon & Williams 'Tunnels', Philip Reeve 'Mortal Engines' quartet, P. B Kerr 'Children of the Lamp' series, Angie Sage 'Magyk' series and Stuart Hill 'The Cry of the Icemark' and sequel.

Really good, funny, entertaining - Rated
I have finished it over a couple of days, reading it on the taxi on the way to the office, at night in bed, while cooking or drying my hair... the story was really exciting and I cannot wait to move to the 2nd book in the trilogy.
The way Stroud explains how magic happens is genial and the Bartimeus character is the perfect narrator, witty, funny, ironic, always true to its demonic self.

An imaginative fantasy novel - it gripped me from the first page - Rated
This book was read out of boredom - I wanted a book to read, and my brother had this on the bookshelf. I didn't regret it. The first page had me hooked.
The main storyline is that London is ruled by magicians. A magicians apprentice, Nathaniel, summons the djiini, Bartimaeus, to steal the Amulet of Samarkand. This isn't your ordinary demon though - Bartimaeus is witty, fast-thinking and has a sense of humour (of sorts).
The chapters flit from 3rd person (Nathaniel) to 1st person (Bartimaeus). This is played off very effectively though: Bartimaeus injects character into his accounts and through Nathaniel you see the consequences of his actions, and the magicians rule over London. Each end of a view leaves you on tenterhooks - you're almost diasppointed at the change. But then something interesting happens to the other, and you can't wait to see what happens. This leaves you hanging on each page, and makes you unwilling to put the book down.
I have to hand it to Jonathan Stroud - this is a magnificent fantasy book. I've also read The Golems Eye and Ptolemy's Gate, which were fabulous as well. In fact, had it not been that my brother had all 3, I'm not sure I would be able to survive without the sequel!