Reviewed by K. Osborn Sullivan for TeensReadToo.com

He's back! But this time around, the smart-mouthed djinni, Bartimaeus, is exhausted from too much work and not enough time to recover in his netherworld home. It's like they always say, "All work and no play makes Bartimaeus a dull supernatural being." Although, in this case, he's anything but dull. He's tired, weak, sharp-tongued, homicidal, and insulting. But definitely not dull.

In this third installment of THE BARTIMAEUS TRILOGY, the hero is again a djinni who has little respect for humans and even less interest in their petty wars and government squabbles. The magicians who rule England in this series of books insist on summoning Bartimaeus and scores of other demons to fight their wars, provide magical assistance of all sorts, and generally do their bidding. The demons see this treatment as slavery, and for good reason. What would you call forced servitude for no pay under threat of intense pain?

PTOLEMY'S GATE opens to find poor Bartimaeus stretched to the breaking point by his magician master, Nathaniel. A war in America is going poorly, the commoners of London are growing tired of the ruling class of magicians, and young Nathaniel is looked upon with jealousy and mistrust by his co-workers. As a result of all of these threats, Nathaniel rationalizes the need to keep Bartimaeus around to help him deal with the many problems that he faces. After a long association with the djinni, it is almost as if Nathaniel trusts his reluctant servant. And it is almost as if Bartimaeus has a shred of concern for human dealings. Almost.

PTOLEMY'S GATE is an excellent capstone to the extraordinary Bartimaeus series. I enjoyed all of these books immensely and recommend them to anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy. Like the first two books, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND and THE GOLEM'S EYE, this one is filled with humor and excitement. These books also offer some social commentary for those who want to pay attention to such things. For example, the ruling class of magicians in these books take extreme measures to maintain their own positions, while claiming that they are really just interested in keeping the masses safe. There are resistance groups that oppose the government, and they engage in acts of terrorism to free themselves from the magicians' oppressive yoke.

The entiretrilogy is a fun-filled pleasure to read. Doubtless it would be possible to read PTOLEMY'S GATE without having read the previous two books, but I would not recommend it. There is quite a bit of background that would be missed, and the story would definitely suffer. While the first book in the series, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND, could probably stand alone, the second two (THE GOLEM'S EYE and PTOLEMY'S GATE) should be read together. And once the last page of PTOLEMY'S GATE is turned, readers will undoubtedly wish they could summon Bartimaeus back for more. ( )

SPOILER ALERT: I loved this book probably the best out of the three, though it is terribly hard to choose. The tension between Bartimaeus and John Mandrake (Nathaniel) mounts, and so does the conflict between commoners and magicians. The suspense and action all lead up to a satisfying climax, though the ending is heartbreaking. I did not want Nate to die of course, and maybe he could have saved London and his own life, but really, if he had saved the day again, he would just revert back to the greedy, selfish jerk he had become. He finally went back to being Nathaniel, the innocent, caring child he was, instead of his alias, John Mandrake, associated with all of the bad pieces of his personality. By sacrificing himself to save London, he remained Nathaniel forever. ( )

The final installment of the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Very satisfying in that we get more of the wonderful humor of Bartimaeus, find out more about Kitty, finally hear the back story on Ptolemaeus, and Nathaniel/John finds out what's really important in life. A fun, exciting read. ( )

I was really looking forward to finally reading the conclusion to a series I loved, but unfortunately I could barely stand this one. The plot was good, kinda. I liked that Nathaniel finally stopped being a jerk (does that count as a spoiler?), but I hated the way he got his "redemption." I do not agree with--SPOILER now-- redemption via death. It's too easy, for both the character and the author. It comes off as cowardly to me. It's just a cheap ending.

Thinking back on it now I can't actually recall anything I liked about the book besides Mr. Stroud's writing style. Oh well. ( )

The final installment of the Bartimaeus Trilogy is a "but" book. The plot is engaging BUT did not justify its full 505 pages. The story, to its credit, avoids the most obvious cliches BUT it was still predictable. The characters are interesting people BUT they fall just short of true emotional resonance. Finishing the trilogy provided a satisfying sense of completion BUT I felt like I was reading just to find out how it ended, not because I was truly absorbed. Bottom line: if you read the first two books, you'll probably want to read this one too. You won't be disappointed BUT you won't be amazed either. ( )

In the final volume of the Bartimaeus Trilogy, Bartimaeus is weakened, since Nathaniel can't afford to let him recharge in the "Other Place". Politics are tense in London, as the differences between commoners and magicians come to a head. Kitty, meanwhile, has schemes of her own, and has dedicated her time to learn as much as she can about the demons, and Bartimaeus in particular. In a dramatic conclusion, the plotlines come together, as do the major characters.

This is the best of the trilogy, in my opinion. Characters finally take on a hint of 3-dimensionality, we get a hint of Nathaniel's inner world, and the traitor is finally exposed. The plot and magic are original and compelling. If you can make it through the first two, this one is highly recommended. ( )

The third book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy, It is the most creative by far. This book is a great read but you have to read the others to understand it well. Nathaniel, a young but rising Magician saves the world with the help from his slave, the demon Bartimaeus. I couldn’t have imagined a book to follow The Golems Eye but this one did it well. READ IT.
Andrew

Three years have passed since the magician Nathaniel helped prevent a cataclysmic attack on London. Now an established member of the British Government, he faces unprecedented problems: foreign wars are going badly, Britain’s enemies are mounting attacks close to London, and rebellion is fermenting among the commoners. More and more commoners — for years held in disdain by the ruling magician class, relegated to the fringes of society, their role seen only to serve to their betters (the magicians, of course) — are showing increasing signs of unrest. And that's not all. Many of them seem to be able to withstand magical attacks and even spot magical creatures. Mandrake's war propaganda is seen with derision by many, and reports of commoner revolts are on the rise.
Bartimaeus, once-powerful smart-mouthed djinni, is exhausted from too much work and not enough time to recover in his netherworld home. He is helplessly trapped in this world, his essence wearing away, weakening him and making him increasingly vulnerable, thanks to the indifference of his master. Mandrake, paranoid about the fact that Bartimaeus knows his birthname, is hesitant to let him go. He holds on to him for vague reasons, sending him on meagre missions and even putting his life in danger. It's like they always say, "All work and no play makes Bartimaeus a dull supernatural being." Although, in this case, he's anything but dull. He's tired, weak, sharp-tongued, homicidal, and insulting. But definitely not dull.
We soon learn that the relationship Bartimaeus and Ptolemy had was incredibly close, filled with trust and loyalty, something Nathaniel knows nothing about. Kitty, however, has been studying magic with the hope of learning more about Ptolemy. Even though commoners aren't supposed to be able to, she hopes to summon Bartimaeus and learn about Ptolemy's Gate. Her theory is that the Gate is the way to bridge the gap between demons and humans, somehow ending the forced servitude and hatred between them and creating peace and equality.
The secret of the mysterious Mr Hopkins of Golem's Eye and the identity of the unknown magician benefactor of the Resistance are revealed. While the latter is not much of a surprise — many readers might have spotted it in the previous book — the devious plan they have hatched among themselves is truly horrifying. If they succeed, the consequences for the world do not bear thinking upon. There is only one way to stop them, and that will need both Kitty and Nathaniel, and Bartimaeus as well, to make sacrifices that could well cost their lives.
The Bartimaeus Trilogy is one of the most original series I’ve read in a long time and Ptolemy's Gate is an outstanding conclusion to the trilogy. Stroud is a creative writer who pushes this book to the limits and delivers an unexpected but wonderful ending. ( )

Second time reading the series.Great book, and I just love Bartimaeus's narrating voice, so dry, so sarcastic. ( )

The Bartimaeus trilogy is one of the few book series that improves as it goes along. Whereas in the first book the characters may seem a little shallow, a little pat, complexity and depth increase as the series continues. So of the three books, Ptolemy's Gate is the one that I have re-read the most, thought about and talked about the most and the reason I recommend the series so highly. It broke my heart, in the best possible way, while still being the entertaining, adventuresome read the other two are. ( )

This was a great book. I had listened to the first two in this series on CD, and I found that the reader was too slow for me. I decided to read the last book, I am am so glad that I did. This was really a stunning ending. I really like the ties with history that this book has. This series really intrigued me. I wish he could write more. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Harry Potter, or just magic in general. ( )

The conclusion to the Bartmeaus Trilogy sees Nathaniel (John Mandrake), Bartimeaus and Kitty Jones reunited against a common enemy. Bartimeaus is weak from having been kept in the human world, but Nathaniel is reluctant to dismiss him as he knows his true name. Kitty is still living in London under two different assumed names trying to instigate the commoners into rebellion. She is also learning about demons after something Bartimeaus said in the second book caught her attention. She is particularly interested in Bartimeaus and his relationship with his old master Ptolemy.

Another conspiracy against the government is revealed which turns out to be more complicated than it appears when demons get involved. London is laid to waste and it is typicall the commoners who suffer the most. Nathaniel must decide if he is the magician John Mandrake or the boy he once was Nathaniel.

I liked the way it ended. I had guessed correctly about who was behind the conspiracy, but did not see the next part coming. I enjoyed that the end was realistic (as realistic as a fantasy London with demons being summoned can be anyway!) and not everything worked out for all the characters involved. The series definitely picks up after an average start to the second book. ( )

My book review:
http://ganimede.dreamwidth.org/11101.... ( )

As I expected, I had just as tough a time putting down the last volume of Stroud's Bartimaeus trilogy as I did with the first two. In Ptolemy's Gate, the conflict between magicians and commoners bursts into the open as the magicians begin to lose their grip on power. Nathaniel's fortunes are waning along with his influence in the halls of power, and Bartimaeus' essence has been stretched to its limits by prolonged servitude. As Nathaniel seeks to unravel the great conspiracy which threatens the existence of the government, Kitty Jones re-enters his world and the two find themselves the victims of a very deep, very dangerous plot. With strong and malignant forces loose in London, Stroud's three protagonists find it necessary (no matter how distasteful) to cooperate for the greater good.

A fine conclusion to the series, with a healthy number of plot twists (most if not all of which were entirely unexpected). And for all those who are sick to death of happy endings, you needn't worry about that this time (and that's all I'll say about that). Truly an excellent series, and one which deserves more widespread attention.

http://philobiblos.blogspot.com/2008/... ( )

A hugely satisfying conclusion to this wonderful trilogy. This isn't a tacked on ending at all, characters and events from the first books pop up and are critically important to the final resolution. While John's change back to Nathaniel happened quickly, it was entirely believable under the circumstances.
It felt good to hear about Bartimaeus's relationship with Ptolemy, and to see how power changed Nathaniel, and the path Kitty chose after the resistance.
While I'll miss hearing about these characters, I am glad that the series ended on such a high note. ( )

Bartimaeus is back… and how! And I’m glad. In this final book his significant presence, with expected sharp-tongued vernacular and pithy commentary sit happily atop his customary pearls of footnotes, but with a not-so-alien attitude as he'd like us to believe - all this ensures, once again, a story-line which delights, entertains and ultimately satisfies.

Placed another few years after the last book, Ptolemy’s Gate finds Bartimaeus initially suffering under a prolonged spell of summoning by the now Whitehall Minister for Information, John Mandrake; and without the necessary respite for his essence, he is steadily losing his strength, and thus his power. In contrast, Kitty Jones is thriving and her power is burgeoning, literally – inasmuch as life for a commoner hiding her identity can allow. And, inevitably the paths of Kitty, Nathaniel and Bartimaeus intercept again, though not through anticipated directions, as they are forced to unite in a desperate fight to save the whole of London and perhaps the world. The original conspiracy begun three books back, and the identity of the main players and the desired outcome for their plots are finally revealed, along with the ultimate disclosure of the basis to the relationship between Bartimaeus and Ptolemy; the background, the rapport and the cornerstone for their bond so strong, that it still influences the actions of the djinni thousands of years later.

Ptolemy’s Gate is a fitting finale to a wonderful trilogy. Jonathan Stroud has again used his mastery of language, and a superb writing skill, to mould together such assorted characters into a robust, convincing but sympathetic totality of a fantastical world. Whilst these books are pointedly directed to a youthful appeal, they hold much for a reader of any age, with their clever ingenuity, brilliant other-world constructs and political conniving, upheaval and power-plays; subtly applicable, in many instances, to our world today. Fittingly, as Nathaniel changes his name so, too, does the story complement his persona, becoming obnoxious and unlikeable as John Mandrake, but redeeming and uplifting as the young magician returns to his roots, and his birth name; emphasising to the reader the need to be, like Bartimaeus and Kitty, constant to your true self, even as you grow.

It is very refreshing to find a set of three books which maintains the quality and the reader’s interest consistently throughout the whole, as this series did; and importantly, without disappointing at the very end. Ultimately this is a tale of friendship in adversity, and diversity; and though quite bleak at times, it is funny, engrossing and heart-warming, an eminently enjoyable read. Even so, it would be nothing without the wearied, ancient, sardonic voice of Bartimaeus himself – whose scathing remarks and acidic determinations cut keenly to the crux of the matter, but convey enough humour, poignancy and clever intuition to produce a wry, intelligent observation of ourselves. And how we need it. I do hope that Bartimaeus, one day, may be summoned back into our lives again!

(Sep 12, 2008) ( )

.....it's rare that a series follows it's first with something that leaves you feeling like it just might have been better than the first book.....this one does that!! Bartamaeus hasn't lost his edgy humor and the characters all round out a little more to make this a series that no child should miss. ( )

A wonderful ending to a wonderful trilogy. ( )

The last book of the series is just as enjoyable as the first, brining everything to a close even if it is in a rather sad and depressing way but the ending really makes you feel for the main character another nice read by Stroud I'd read this series over Mr. scar on my forehead makes me so cool any day. ( )

I liked this book up unitl the ending. SPOILER: I can't believe Stroud killed off Nathaniel. It made me so angry! ( )

This is the final book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy and I personally think it was great. This one was fairly fast pasted and if felt like everything was going to fall apart in the next few minutes. Sometimes it did. At the conclusion I felt that the whole series fit together very well and I was impressed with the ending.

Bartimeus has been run ragged for over the last 3 years and he's barely able to defend himself anymore when we meet him at the beginning of the book. London has been under constant attack by spies and agitators all the while most of the military are across the sea trying to subdue the American rebellion. Things just seem to keep getting worse from there.

Overall I found this series to be excellent and I highly recommend it. Couldn't put it down. ( )

I just finished reading the last book of The Bartimaeus Trilogy a few minutes ago. The whole set is exciting and very funny. I just loved it.

The Bartimaeus Trilogy is made up of the following books: The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate. The story revolves around Nathaniel, a young magician who develops his powers and ascends the ranks in the English government, which is run by magicians. In the story, magicians get their power from spirits summoned from the Other Place. Nathaniel's demon slave is a djinni named Bartimaeus. He's a wisecracking character and provides much of the humor in the story.

It seems like a formulaic enough beginning, but Nathaniel's story progresses in a way that is less common in fantasy stories. It's not just about discovering one's power and using it for a great purpose. It's not about growing into one's destiny. Or maybe, to an extent, it is. But, it takes an uncommon path.

There's quite a bit of politics in the story, but underneath all the action and the witty repartee, and the intricate yet solid plot, is a story about redemption. While it takes you on a thrilling ride along the plot, it also deals a wallop of heart. And it's neither forced nor awkward. This is one series that's good from the first book to the very last word.

Read it! Read it! ( )

The final volume of The Bartimaeus Trilogy.

And once again, Stroud delivers a fun, thought-provoking and genuinely touching read that gives its target audience full credit. I remain very pleased with the author's willingness to craft an intricate, meaningful story for young people without ever writing down to them.

Everything comes together here. Seeds planted in the first book finally come to fruition, and the three lead characters continue to develop as the plot thickens. Nathaniel, in particular, begins to move in a direction the reader can sympathize with. I found him frustrating in earlier books; he constantly turned down opportunities to improve himself and become a better person in favour of anything that could enhance his political power and personal prestige. He'd arrive at fork in the road, then travel down the opposite path to the one I, (and Bartimaeus), hoped he'd choose. Readers who shared my frustration will be glad to learn that he finally starts to get it here. It's a gradual change that leads up to one of the best climaxes I've ever read in a children's book. It's definitely worth every moment of irritation Stroud handed out in the first two books.

This is far from a conventional, good-vs-evil, happily-ever-after book. Everyone has their weaknesses and moral hiccups. (Some of them have full-blown moral influenzas). Everyone is required to make sacrifices. It's entertaining, thought-provoking, and sometimes just downright heartwrenching. I highly recommend it as a fitting end to a wonderful trilogy. ( )

Fantasy. Solid conclusion to a solid series. ( )