Author: Jonathan Stroud
Target: Grades 6 and up
Series: Yes
Posted by Ford
What this book is about:
The Amulet of Samarkand is told from two perspectives. The third person perspective follows the apprentice magician Nathaniel, who meddles in powers beyond his understanding. It chronicles his life from the start of his apprenticeship, how he was humiliated by a powerful magician, to how he came to require the assistance of the djinn Bartimaeus, who is the other main character in the story. The first person perspective is Bartimaeus’ account of the events, which gives you a unique perspective on the story.
Both accounts explore the world of magicians and the various things they use and the creatures they summon. There is tension between Bartimaeus and Nathaniel because Bartimaeus is forced to oblige to whatever Nathaniel wants, and Nathaniel has some dangerous requests. But together, they discover a plot of treason against the government, and must work together in an attempt to stop it.
Why I like this book:
As I mentioned before, the fact that one part of the story is told in first person, and another in third, gives you an interesting perspective. I found that when Bartimaeus and Nathaniel conflicted, I sympathized more with Bartimaeus, because of his first person perspective. His sections felt more personal and I understood his views more clearly than Nathaniel’s. I would have to assume that this is intended, as the author does a very good job of it.
During the Bartimaeus sections, the author includes subtitles which often feature witty and amusing remarks that are worth your time to read, so don’t skip over them! This is a cleverly written book that I strongly recommend.
You will like this book if you enjoy:
Harry Potter
Lord of the Rings
The Amulet of Samarkand is told from two perspectives. The third person perspective follows the apprentice magician Nathaniel, who meddles in powers beyond his understanding. It chronicles his life from the start of his apprenticeship, how he was humiliated by a powerful magician, to how he came to require the assistance of the djinn Bartimaeus, who is the other main character in the story. The first person perspective is Bartimaeus’ account of the events, which gives you a unique perspective on the story.
Both accounts explore the world of magicians and the various things they use and the creatures they summon. There is tension between Bartimaeus and Nathaniel because Bartimaeus is forced to oblige to whatever Nathaniel wants, and Nathaniel has some dangerous requests. But together, they discover a plot of treason against the government, and must work together in an attempt to stop it.
Why I like this book:
As I mentioned before, the fact that one part of the story is told in first person, and another in third, gives you an interesting perspective. I found that when Bartimaeus and Nathaniel conflicted, I sympathized more with Bartimaeus, because of his first person perspective. His sections felt more personal and I understood his views more clearly than Nathaniel’s. I would have to assume that this is intended, as the author does a very good job of it.
During the Bartimaeus sections, the author includes subtitles which often feature witty and amusing remarks that are worth your time to read, so don’t skip over them! This is a cleverly written book that I strongly recommend.
You will like this book if you enjoy:
Harry Potter
Lord of the Rings
