This book serves as a prequel to the regular main trilogy- even though you wouldn't be out of the loop skipping it, I wouldn't recommend it given that the main core trilogy is one of the best series of books ever written. It's up to you to read this one before or after the main trilogy- either way is fine. This was written after the entire core series was published. Masterfully written with a sardonic sharp tongue and liveliness as found in the Bartimaeus sequence.

Unlike the core series that is written in alternating perspective- this book is linear and told from one character the entire way cover to cover. Superb choice of reading for fantasy fans that are looking for something new and are tired of the generic tropes and predictable stories.

Once you are done with this- head on over to Book # 1 of the Bartimaeus Sequence! Read my review of the core series here (be sure to check it out, I have a special offer going on about it) :
https://www.librarything.com/work/56997/reviews/228006079 ( )

How I love sequels that are well-thought out. It's like getting back together with an old friend and picking right back up from where you left off. However, to clarify, this isn't a sequel. It's a prequel that feels like a sequel. But Bartimaeus is still his delightfully charming, impertinently saucy, and good(!) self. Great fun. ( )

Review can be found at Love at First Write ( )

Bartimaeus’ interaction with King Solomon (and his magical ring) was often brought up during the original trilogy of books, so it was an obvious move for Stroud to publish this story to give readers some added historical content. He could have also done a whole series on Bartimaeus’ time with Ptolemy, but this choice would have been too obvious, since the majority of their story was described in bits and pieces throughout his interactions with Nathaniel and acted as a good foil for their antagonistic relationship. Unlike the original trilogy, which defined itself by being a fresh take on the urban fantasy genre, this book was quite a bit more predictable in that it was simply a romp through one of Bartimaeus’ many adventures. Not that this is a bad thing, because it was still a very entertaining book, and I quite enjoyed the surprise reveal at the end! ( )

I loved this book! This is the prequel to The Bartimaeus Trilogy, of which I've listened to just the first one (The Amulet of Samarkand). I was eager for more Bartimaeus, but not so much for more Nathaniel, the main human character in the first book of the trilogy. The Ring of Solomon, however, goes back in time to Bartimaeus' adventures in the time of King Solomon, and it was excellent. I listened to the audiobook version and again, the narrator's voice was a real pleasure to experience. ( )