Nathaniel is a magician’s apprentice, taking his first lessons in the arts of magic. But when a devious hot-shot wizard named Simon Lovelace ruthlessly humiliates Nathaniel in front of his elders, Nathaniel decides to kick up his education a few notches and show Lovelace who’s boss. With revenge on his mind, he summons the powerful djinni, Bartimaeus. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling him … controlling him are two different things entirely, and when Nathaniel sends the djinni out to steal Lovelace’s greatest treasure, the Amulet of Samarkand, he finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of magical espionage, murder, and rebellion.
The Amulet of Samarkand
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I picked this one up when I was in middle school, but it’s stuck with me as a favorite thanks to the snarky Bartimaeus and the vivid magic and shape-shifting of this particular fantasy world. Thinking about finishing the series–has anyone read them recently?
The Amulet of Samarkand follows the quest of a young boy named Nathaniel, and his spirit “friend” Bartimaeus as they attempt to avenge themselves from a seemingly mischievous and lethal adversary. What dark secrets does Simon Lovelace hold up his sleeve, and can Nathaniel overcome the trial of both reining in a wily djinni and thwarting Simon’s …
This is a fun book with well-developed characters and excellent world building. I like the fact that, instead of waiting on his master to teach him what he wanted to know, Nathaniel took his education upon himself. His impatience did result in some very negative consequences, but he had gained the knowledge to take steps toward righting his …
Strong character building well beyond the common stereotypes for middle-grade/teen fantasy. An excellent choice for stronger readers on the young end of the teen spectrum. By which I mean no foul language or overly adult situations, but plenty of intrigue and lots of wit from the snarky Bartimaeus.
This was one of my son’s favourite books when he was growing up, and now that I’ve finally got round to reading it, I can see why. Nathaniel, the twelve-year-old magician at the centre of the tale, captures a high-level djinn who soon runs rings around him. Bartimaeus, who, has the abilities to change forms, see on several planes, and extricate …
This is the best trilogy out there!
The audio books are amazing.
DNF @ 12%
I want to like this book because the concept of it sounds great but it just isn’t keeping my attention. After a month of trying to read it and only be at 12% I am calling it quits.
The Amulet of Samarkand is book one of the Bartimaeus Trilogy, Jonathan Stroud’s highly original fantasy series. In an alternate Victorian England, magicians are the ruling class and control the government through the use of powerful spirits. Young apprentice Nathaniel mistakenly calls up Bartimaeus, a powerful djinni with a snarky sense of …