Jonathan Stroud

Six months have passed since the events in The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, and at last Scarlett's past is catching up with her: to save two of her friends, our two fearless outlaws are being blackmailed to undertake the theft of their lives, in the Buried City in the north, where ancient artefacts from before the Cataclysm are being mined for. But the undertaking is extremely dangerous, even more so as a formidable enemy is tracking them at all times ...

I loved the boldly inventive first show more volume in Jonathan Stroud's new series, and in the sequel the stakes are even higher. The rag-tag bundle of strangers that dedicated loner Scarlett McCain picked up in the first novel in the series have turned from travelling companions into friends and even a family of sorts, which is not good news for someone with a criminal past like Scarlett's. The gradual softening of the hardened criminal is a joy to read, especially the interplay between Scarlett and Albert, and the reader is treated to a few glimpses into Scarlett's childhood that had a pivotal influence on the person she has become. There are a few moments of peace and relaxation for the two protagonists, but most of the time the novel proceeds at break-neck speed, with perils coming from every angle, without ever losing its credibility. After a particularly tense section I felt quite exhausted and out of breath, so engaged was I with the characters and events on the page.

The final chapter sets things up neatly for the third volume in the series, which promises to be a personal quest for both Scarlett and Browne. I can't wait. show less

The Amulet of Samarkand is a sharp, clever, and wildly entertaining start to The Bartimaeus Trilogy. Told through the alternating perspectives of Nathaniel—a gifted but arrogant young magician—and Bartimaeus, the sarcastic djinni he summons, the story blends magic, political intrigue, and biting humor. Jonathan Stroud’s world-building is outstanding, creating a London ruled by magicians who rely heavily on enslaved magical beings for power.

Bartimaeus’s footnoted commentary steals the show more show, offering witty observations, snarky insults, and unexpected honesty. Meanwhile, Nathaniel’s ambition and insecurity set the stage for moral complexity rather than a simple hero–villain divide. Their uneasy partnership drives the plot, which is full of action, betrayal, and escalating danger surrounding the powerful Amulet.

Both funny and unsettling, this book hooks readers with its unique voice and rich fantasy world. It’s an engaging start to a trilogy known for its intelligence, originality, and emotional depth. show less

This series (a trilogy beginning with The Amulet of Samarkand) was just meant to be an HP rebound for me, but I ended up really caring about it. Like the Great Rowling, Stroud's really good at making serious ethical questions exciting by giving them a magical spin; but where Harry is a sympathetic character that has greatness thrust upon him, Nathaniel is a total douche most of the time. It'd be like HP following Draco Malfoy's moral development. Also, in many ways this series is a bit more show more sophisticated than HP. It's got a lot of that dry British sarcasm going on and the alternative London Stroud imagines is way more unsettling than Rowling's. Imagine a world that's 98% Slytherin and you'll get the idea.

I'm not saying this is better than HP. I'll admit there were times when I thought about putting it down and just rereading Order of the Phoenix, but I'm really glad I finished it. It was worth it. show less

In the final book in the Bartimaeus trilogy, Bartimaeus has been serving Nathaniel for two years straight and his essence is aching to go back home to the Other Place. Nathaniel - John Mandrake - is firmly ensconced as a magician and there is little of his young self left as he serves the government and works on putting out propaganda for the war in America. Kitty Jones, safe in a new identity, is meanwhile learning a little bit of magic on the side, commoner though she is.

This is a really show more fitting end to a fantastic fantasy series. The characters are great - especially Bartimaeus with his wise cracks and boasting - and Stroud shows how much of a history he's created for this alternate world as we also see a bit more of Bartimaeus's backstory with Ptolemy. Definitely worth reading and rereading; the audio read by Simon Jones is also excellent. The end still makes me cry. show less