Product Description

The first volume in the brilliant Bartimaeus Trilogy; a gripping fantasy centred on the relationship between a magician`s apprentice and a djinni, with humorous undertones of satire.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9897 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-07
• Binding: Paperback
• 259 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
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

Synopsis
When the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, he expects to have to do nothing more taxing than a little levitation or a few simple illusions. But Nathaniel is a precocious talent and has something rather more dangerous in mind: revenge. Against his will, Bartimaeus is packed off to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long, both djinni and apprentice are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical intrigue, murder and rebellion. Set in a modern-day London controlled by magicians, this hilarious, electrifying thriller will enthral readers of all ages.

From the Back Cover
'One of this year's most inventive and ingenious novels' Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times

A young magician's apprentice, Nathaniel, secretly summons the irascible 5000-year-old djinni, Bartimaeus, to do his bidding. The task for Bartimaeus is not an easy one - he must steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long, Barimaeus and Nathaniel are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical intrigue, rebellion and murder.

Set in modern-day London controlled by magicians, this hilarious, bestselling thriller will enthral readers of all ages.

Customer Reviews

An adventure story for boys
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?
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
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.