The Amulet of Samarkand
A boy named Nathniel one day summons the wise cracking Djinn Batimaeus with revenge on his mind. That's trouble...for Bartimaeus that is who has to carry out the deed and steal the amulet of Smarkand. And it's not long before Nathaniel feels the pressure too...
The Golem's eye
Nathaniel (now John Mandrake) has now progressed up the ranks of the British government, consisting mainly of magicians but his career is under threat as the Resistance gets more troublesome. All he has on them is the fact that Kitty Jones is one of them. Bartimaeus is summoned once again to try and solve Nathaniel's problem. They must go to the enemy city of Prague to locate the source of the attacks on london. but there is corruption in th higher ranks....
Ptolemy's Gate
Nathaniel is now the minister of informationa nd sits on the council of the British government as a close ally to the prime minister. However, the empire is crumbling as more people get the resiliance and the war in America goes badly. He is haunted by Kitty Jones' death (but she isn't actually dead). Meanwhile Bartimaeus is weakining badly tot he point he can barely beat an mob of imps. Kitty is trying to unlock his past to overthrow the magicians and as events fold, the three are forced to contend with a great enemy adn their greatest nightmare; they have to work together.
I found this trilogy great. It was hilarious, rich and the characters were simply great (especially Bartimaeus). It might seem liek ruddy comments but this seiries was just great. Hats off to Mr. Stroud.
I know some others have read them in YWS so any comments?
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125,022 Literary Works • 672,759 Reviews
These books are brilliant! Bartimaeus is one of my favorite characters of all time!
The third was definitely my favorite. In fact, I think that the book got progressively better. At first I thought that they would be sort of geared towards a younger audience, but I think they got... older, as well as better, as they progressed.
He has such complex characters in general. Nathaniel and I definitely have a very love-hate relationship:) It's wonderful when authors can do that, and yet you still give that character your undying support!
It was so hysterical sometimes! Especially the footnotes. At first I thought they'd just be obnoxious and distracting and I wouldn't bother with them, but it didn't take me long to realize that to do so would be a huge loss!
The end was sad. I didn't want it to end that way. But I guess it was fitting. And I loved the Bartimaeus-Nathaniel relationship.
Jonothan Stroud definitely writes some of the best, most convincing characters. They're his biggest strong point, in my opinion
These books definitely get a 10/10 from me.
*adna*
Geez, these books are most certainly in my top five.
Nathaniel was such a complex character. I loved him one minute, hated his guts the next. Bartimaeus was such an treat, but Nathaniel was really human. I cried at the end, I really did. And Kitty was great the whole way. Together, that trio makes up some of my most favorite characters ever.
The first book was actually hard for me to read (I should reread it though, I was younger the first time) but the second two were quite easy to follow. And Bartimaeus's quips and comments the whole way were fantastic. I didn't at first understand the concept of the footnotes, but after I caught on, they were my favorite part of the book.
Jonathan Stroud is a genius. That is all I can say... Absolutely brilliant books and a five stars from me!
~GryphonFledgling
Bartimaeus is probably one of the best characters of all time. He is witty, insightful, and yet slightly compassionate.
I need to forget the books so that I can enjoy re-reading them!
Personally, my favorite part of the whole series was the redemption of Nathaniel at the very end. Nathaniel was a new type of protagonist, one you hated, felt sorry for, and could forgive. The distinction between Nathaniel and John Mandrake was reminiscent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Brilliant.
My best friend said she wouldn't talk to me until I read them (hardly a big deal, she's practically mute anyway), but I got 'em anyway. *get that?* *snickers*
Of course, I was immediatly hooked. I love, love, love Bartimaeus, and Kitty's great. Nathaniel's okay for the first few pages in the first book, and the second half of the third. Other than that he's the protagonist you love to hate ^_^
Don't tell my friend I liked the book !_!
Yes, these books are amazing.
I love how Stroud's characters are so multi-dimensional and nothing is black and white. You know it's a Stroud book when the MC who you think is completely a "good guy" gets evil intentions... ^_^
Has anyone ever read his other stuff? Like The Last Siege, A Leap, or Buried Fire? They are really good, I highly recommend them all. Stroud is one of my biggest role models.
~Azila~
I loved this series. I've reread them at least three times. Bartimaeus was awesome and I applaud Johnathan Stroud for writing this trilogy. They are on my top five series list, even if the third one was awfully depressing.
And, though I know people will find me odd for saying this and perhaps insane, but i kind of enjoyed Farquals character. Nowhere near as much as Barty or Nat, but Farqual was a nice addition to the story. [spoiler]Even if he DID lock Barty in a silver soup vat and leave him to die...[/spoiler]
I HIGHLY recommend these books to anyone how hasn't read them.
Yes, as i said in an earlier post That series is one of my favourites!
i like Bartimaeus and Kitty in particular but i also liked john mandrake although it was a bit sad in the third book when [spoiler] He died [/spoiler] and also when he became a snob like the rest of the magicians, that really got me angry.
I can't be the only one who was sad because they were shipping Kitty/Nathaniel, can I?
Bartimaeus' perspective is a treat, truly a delight to read, especially with the rather Pratchett-ish footnotes.
I loved Nathaniel, but I wanted to give John Mandrake a punch in the face. Now Kitty, I liked. And Bartimaeus. He is just awesome.
This series is the best ever! Don't even *TRY* to argue with me.
Bartimaeus is AWESOME! I loved his little quips and footnotes, made it seem...not quite realistic, but closer, more human.
I voted for Bartimaeus the Monkey just b/c of Bartimaeus the Djinn
When is he going to write more?!
Heh, yeah, I was throwing fits through Ptolemy because there wasn't much of Bartimaeus. >.<"
Hah, I do the same!
Nathaniel got on my nerves, he was a whiny little idiot for the first two, but I really felt bad for him in the third one. I think I started crying at the end.
Kitty rocks, but my heart belongs to Bartimaeus.
Awesome series, if you haven't read it, go buy it.
I admit, once in a while I would stop reading, and then look through the sections to find the next one Bartimaeus was in. His little comments at the bottom of the page are amazing.
yes the Bartimaeus Trilogy would probably rate in my Top 10 right after the Charlie bone Series
My lib doesn't have Ptolemy's Gate. :*wretched sob*:
[quote]Sohini wrote:
Heh.
I am in love with Bartimaeus.
Any more questions?
Yes.
How'd you get to him first?!?!!? [/quote]
Yeah, Amulet of Samaraknd was awesome. Really unique; I love how it's funny and lighthearted instead of wordy and melodramatic, like some fantasy novels.
I keep meaning to read the rest of the trilogy, but get distracted by other books.
Yes.
How'd you get to him first?!?!!?
I am in love with Bartimaeus.
Any more questions?
Pure gold, this trilogy; awe-inspiring. A monolith of originality and style in the fantasy genre.
The first is in my Top 20 books list. I've got The Golem's Eye right now, but I'm waiting to finish another book.
My only comment is: GO BARTIMAEUS!
I love it when he comments on the home decor. XD