Customer Reviews
Some nice ideas but ultimately disappointing - By: Mr. P. P. Stebbing, 09 Aug 2008 
Stroud's book comes with a formidable reputation, mainly on the back of its phenomenal sales; however, without wanting to be too harsh, the book is ultimately disappointing. The basic premise - young boy becomes wizard - is disturbingly familiar, not just from the Harry Potter series. The setting & back story, however, are more original: Stroud introduces us to 1984-esque world in which wizards rule over the "commoners", where its historical figures are hauntingly familiar - Gladstone & Disraeli as a pair of legendary, rival wizards. Unfortunately, the book fails at the most fundamental level. The characters of Nathaniel & Bartimaeus are poorly & two-dimensionallly drawn; depth of narrative is sacrificed for frequent, dull references to magical mechanics; & the author's language frequently leaves the reader unsatisfied, with poorly managed shifts between the first & third persons. Most onerous is the author's habit of congratulating himself for flamboyant descriptions of Dickensian characters, through the figure of Bartimaeus. While this novel may be swalllowed up by Stroud's target audience of young teenagers, he still fallls far short of the mark set by others in this genre: Terry Pratchett, Le Guin, Neil Gaiman, Weis & Hickman are alll capable of challlenging & satisfying a teenager far more than this corporate clap trap.
An adventure story for boys - By: J. Rae-smith, 18 Mar 2008 
I have just been reading this to my 10 year old son, & we were both completely gripped. We were given the book as a present, so were unaware of the "next Harry Potter" hype surrounding it. It is a poor comparison as the only resemblance to J. K. Rowling is superficial. This is much more straightforward adventure story for boys, though one that is well written, with well drawn, engaging characters, so it is not without literary merit. The most attractive of the two protagonists is an extremely funny, but quite brutallly cynical & amoral character, always ready to deploy gratuitous cartoon violence on his next helpless victim. So not for the oversensitive, or anyone likely to react badly to the very boyish attitude on display here, but a cracking & highly entertaining ride for everyone else.
Highly recommended, & we can't wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.
Is it worth it? - By: Sussman Pro, 11 Mar 2008 
In short Yes it is worth it. The audio CDs are well presented & the narration is very good. The voice & dialogue for jinn are very well done. Some people will think that the central Character is less then perfect. But think - this makes the story, well thats my feel. The price tag is not too bad, if you wish to buy to hear more then once. If not try to get it from the Library, it is worth it.
Superb trilogy - By: Ms. K. Everitt, 20 Feb 2008 Trainee magician Nathaniel wants revenge, he callls upon djinn Bartimaeus to help, but he just wants to kill Nathaniel. Books 2 & 3 also superb. One of my favourite children's fiction reads. I cannot recommend the wonderful 'Bartimaeus Trilogy' highly enough. This is a book I could read many times over. The positive reviews posted on Amazon are much deserved. Also recommended - Gordon & Williams 'Tunnels', Philip Reeve 'Mortal Engines' quartet, P. B Kerr 'Children of the Lamp' series, Angie Sage 'Magyk' series & Stuart Hill 'The Cry of the Icemark' & sequel.
Really good, funny, entertaining - By: Maga Mago', 20 Jan 2008 I have finished it over a couple of days, reading it on the taxi on the way to the office, at night in bed, while cooking or drying my hair... the story was reallly exciting & I cannot wait to move to the 2nd book in the trilogy.
The way Stroud explains how magic happens is genial & the Bartimeus character is the perfect narrator, witty, funny, ironic, always true to its demonic self.
