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!
John O. (buzzby) -
Great story, but why, oh why, do all villians have to stop just before the climax of their diabolical schemes to destroy everything that matters, to chit-chat with the supposedly helpless hero? Must be something faulty in their schooling.
This book is told from two points of view, depending on the chapter. The two main characters, Bartimaeus (a demon) and Nathaniel (human), foil each other. Bartimaeus is comical while Nathaniel is serious. With Nathaniel's need for revenge, Bartimaeus is summoned to help Nathaniel get his revenge.
Susan F. (Lilybugs) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
nathan is 11 years old and a magician's apprentic, learning the traditional art of magic. All is well until he has a life changing run in with Simon Lovelace, a magician with unrivaled ruthlessness and ambition. When Lovelace publicly humiliates Nathaniel, he decides to speed up his education, learning spells way beyond his years.
Lissette H. (yolen) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 92 more book reviews
I absolutely LOVE this series, and highly recommend it for older kids and adults alike :).
Karen K. (krin) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 407 more book reviews
I enjoyed this fantasy featuring the djinii Bartimaeus. I liked his footnote asides and his trying to fulfill his missions without getting caught. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Golem's Eye.
Derrick J. (ravensknight) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 178 more book reviews
The story was ok, in my opinion. Nothing wonderful or original, but amusing.
However. The footnotes. They completely ruined the flow of reading. Just when I got started, there was a footnote to distract me and throw me off my reading rhythm. While the data was amusing and did add, in a very slight manner, to the story, it was very poorly executed.
However. The footnotes. They completely ruined the flow of reading. Just when I got started, there was a footnote to distract me and throw me off my reading rhythm. While the data was amusing and did add, in a very slight manner, to the story, it was very poorly executed.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 1728 more book reviews
Awesome read even for adults. You will find yourself immeresed in a wonderful world of characters and story.
Carolyn J. (CJ73) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Very good read.
Excellent
Alicia R. (saracenbeast) reviewed The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
My cover is different.
