The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
Published December 12, 2003
The plot is not overly complicated but there are enough twists and turns to keep you reading. Stroud begins with the summoning of Bartimaeus and the theft of the amulet and only slowly fills in the details that led up to that point. This gives the story some punch at beginning and allows the story to build in tension as events unfold. Stroud also avoids excessive background information that might cause the story to drag. The world of the story, for the most part, is filled in by dialogue, and regular and often snarky footnotes by Bartimaeus, instead of straightforward descriptive prose. The sub-plots and lesser characters are never heavy handed or over-the-top. All in all, it was an interesting and entertaining story.
As I was reading I was trying to figure out what exactly makes this a book for young adults. If it is the lack of hard core adult themes then count me in. In a world saturated with sex a book largely devoid of it is a relaxing relief. On the other hand, like Harry Potter, many of the themes relate to the adult world. In fact, the book has a dark side to it; one facused on loss and tragedy. If it is due to the fact that the main character is eleven, that seems arbitrary. Surely, adult fiction can be written that involves an eleven year old boy. It seems to me an interesting story is worthwhile no matter what age you are.
The world is often full of heaviness and sadness, not to mention fear and violence (here in Ohio someone is shooting at people on the expressway), so I find an entertaining tale relieves stress. There is certainly a time for serious literature and educational non-fiction, but there is also a place for fantasy and intrigue; a time to escape with your imagination. So, if like me you enjoy a light hearted romp once in a while, especially one with exotic characters and locale, pick up The Amulet of Samarkand and enjoy. Heck, if you want hipness and an obsession with sex you can always read Martin Amis.
- The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
- Published: December 12, 2003
- Type:
- Section: Books
- Filed Under: Books: Children, Books: Fantasy
- Writer: Kevin Holtsberry
- Kevin Holtsberry's BC Writer page
- Kevin Holtsberry's personal site
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Adolf! You've still got that victory psychosis I see which your generals despaired of in the last days of the war
The Bartimaeus Trilogy is the best set of books since Harry Potter. It makes Harry Potter look so insignificant if compared, Jonathan, i absolutly love these books.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE BEST SET OF BOOKS EVER!!!
I realy enjoyed the Bartimaeus Trilogy but I strongly diliked the way he ended the last one. But I still realy love the whole trilogy
I think you should contiue the trilogy so your fans find out more about how Nathanial dies and how Kitty goes on with her life. You forshadowed but left us hanging we didn't expect that at all. You are a briliant author but your fans need more information. We all fell in love with Kitty, Nathanial, and Bartimaeus as they became friends and found themselvs. I would be the first in line to buy that book. Please consider my thoughts. thanks.
I think that this book is the best out of the trilogy, as the first books always are. Still, this set of books make Harry Potter sound almost childish. Keep up to good work, Mr. Stroud!! you're my favorite author ever. I'll be looking foward to a second trilogy.
You should write like an epilogue to the third book and can perhaps save Nathanial somehow. It was unfair to kitty..their relationship just started growing, its sad to end it like that. Hope you can consider what everyone says and write up the epilogue to your wonderful books(making the trilogy even more wonderful..but it wouldn't be called a Trilogy actually).
i love the bartimaeus trilogy. it is cool how the magic comes from summoning demons and not just being born with magic like in harry potter. this was obviously a copy of harry potter with quite a few differences made but alot of similarities remain. it is confusing how there are "magicians" (not "wizards") and "commoners" (not "muggles") that do associate with each other and there are even magicians that run the country. there are too many historical footnotes that completely run off subject and become very boring. other than that, all three books ROCK!!!!
PLEASE AN EPILOGUE!!! The third book is amazing but it has such a disapointing ending!!kitty and nathaniel are like totally in love with eachother, please incorporate that someway into an EPILOGUE
He's definatly a better author than any other child authors, if thats what you can call him. The last book was brill but the ending wasnt enough. We need an epilogue or a fourth book to finish the trilogy off.
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This was a awesome book i am your biggest fan theats why im doing my academic fair on you Jonathan Stroud.
AWESOME BOOKS