I think the books are a bit confusing because Bartimaeus, a 2000 + year old djinny (mid-level spirit) with a serious attitude problem, is not the villain of the story, he's more like the hero although he comes across as a villain. He has intelligence, extreme wit, and standards. Nathanial, the boy magician-in-training who summons Bartimaeus, does not display many heroic characteristics early on. By the end of the third book I completely adored both of them. Nathanial, however, is definitely an acquired taste.
Together Nathanial and Bartimaeus battle a rebellion in the world of London magicians who parallel the politicians of our world. In their world, the magicians have all the political power, even though they rely on the spirits they summon and control for their magical powers. There is intrigue, murder, revolution, betrayal, and an enormous amount of humour – all the good stuff.
In the Prequel, The Ring of Solomon, which came out in 2010, Bartimaeus creates a similar kind of irreverent havoc in Jerusalem in 950 AD. There he is involved in a plot to by Asmira, a young woman who, as Captain of the Guard, has been enlisted by her Queen (the Queen of Sheba) to assassinate Solomon. More mayhem, murder, magic, and sarcasm – perfect!
I downloaded all four books for free through the BC Public Library's Library to Go site. You can download excerpts from there, or from the Random House Audio links below.
I downloaded all four books for free through the BC Public Library's Library to Go site. You can download excerpts from there, or from the Random House Audio links below.
Listen up!
The Amulet of Samarkand (13 hours, 30 minutes) Listening Library, (2003)The Golem's Eye (16 hours, 32 minutes) Listening Library, (2004)
Ptolemy's Gate (15 hours, 32 minutes), Listening Library, (2005)
The Ring of Solomon (12 hours, 38 minutes), Listening Library, (2010)
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