Jonathan Stroud - The Golem's Eye Books

Pros: Better than average writing, interesting approach to the magical fantasy genre for young readers
Cons: Central character is a little ambiguous.

My book reviews, following my reading trends, seem to be clumping together in thematic batches lately. First it was cookbooks, and now it's juvenile fiction. The genre has never seen better pickings in these latter days of J.K. Rowling bounty. It ...

Pros: The writing is even better than in The Amulet of Samarkand
Cons: Main character is even more annoying than in The Amulet of Samarkand

Jonathan Stroud's The Golem's Eye is the second book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy. While it has many of the same strengths as the first book in the series, The Amulet of Samarkand, it also suffers from the some of the problems typical of ...

Pros: Wonderful plot, wonderful writing and a strong theme without sounding preachy!
Cons: You want so badly to root for Nathaniel but ... !

Having successfully thwarted Simon Lovelace’s ill-fated conspiracy in “The Amulet of Samarkand”, Nathaniel is “adopted” by Jessica Whitwell, Security Minister in Britain’s dark and oppressive government by magic and begins ...

Pros: interesting world, unique
Cons: dislikable characters, a bit slow to get started

In the recent splurge of fantasy-based children’s novels, The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud has garnered some attention at bookstores for its unique take on the genre. Like Harry Potter, Nathaniel lives in London, a world rich with magic and a ...

Pros: A pleasant, fast moving story well-suited to young adults. An enjoyable, light snack.
Cons: Not as fun as Harry Potter, clever as Pratchet, or complex as more adult series.

This first book in the Bartimeus Trilogy is a pleasant fantasy story. Although nothing about it is particularly ingenious or creative, it is a engaging, well-written story that is worth the time. The story is set in a modern day London run by ...

Pros: Cool concept, good writing style, action-packed and fun to read
Cons: Dislikeable central character, slow in the middle, too political for young kids

In the second book of the Bartimaeus Trilogy, we meet the fourteen-year-old magician Nathaniel once again, as well as the witty djinni Bartimaeus. There's also a not-so-new face on the block - Kitty Jones, the ringleader of the Resistance - a group of ...

Pros: An unexpected twist to Nathaniel that is perfectly realistic and believable.
Cons: At the same time the new Nathaniel gets to be very annoying.

******MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!****** I highly loved the first book of the trilogy: The Amulet of Samarkand. The fantasy world Stroud creates is unique and refreshing. Even though many people did not find Nathaniel too likable, I really liked him ...

Pros: Everything about it
Cons: None

A modern day London run by demons. Magicians only think they run it- they are helpless without the power of the spirits, demons, djinni.This young apprentice summons a demon of the 14th class to steal his rival's stolen property- The Amulet of Samarkand. This seemingly small theft leads to an awesome tale of murder, mystery, intrigue, and demons controlled by magicians. An awesome story, I would highly recommend it. I could hardly bear to put it down when I was reading it. I can't wait to read the next two the minute they come out.