Cheryl R. (Spuddie) -
Helpful Score: 9
First in the Bartimaeus fantasy trilogy. Story of a London ruled by magicians, where 'commoners' (non-magic folk) are despised, and magicians are all-powerful. Political intrigue abounds around the story of one twelve-year-old apprentice magician, Nathaniel, and the demon he summons, Bartimaeus. Having devoured every book in his master's study and being far beyond what a magician of his age should be, Nathaniel gets cocky and makes a big mistake that twists his life into channels he never dreamed of. Excellent story, well-written, and very enjoyable. I know some folks weren't crazy about the footnotes (which add some dry humor to the story) but I loved 'em!
Kendall R. (peeps2013) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Love this book!
Rachele D. (hottmamashell) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Good fantasy book, more for the younger people but I love them all. This is not one I can read over and over but still a good book.
Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
Helpful Score: 1
The Amulet of Samarkand is the first book of The Bartimaeus Trilogy. It is about a 12 year old boy named Nathaniel who becomes an apprentice to a magician. The magician is uncaring and hard on Nathaniel while the magician's wife is very kind to him. Nathaniel dreams of going to Parliament with the other magicians and is bored by how slow his studies are going. He decides to study on his own and learns a great deal more than an apprentice his age should. After being humilated in front of many other magicians by Simon Lovelace (a magician himself), Nathaniel is set for revenge. He summons a djinni named Bartimaeus. From there many things happen that seem to get the both of them into more trouble than they were in the beginning. But they both know that Simon Lovelace is up to something bad but can they prove it? Will they ever be to overcome their bad luck? Will Nathaniel's dream of Parliament ever come true? You must read to find out!
