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fantasynovel's review against another edition
5.0
For a book with a golem in it, there could have been more Jews. Besides that, this book was just as much fun as the first one. There are some plot holes, but also it's a book for kids. I love the characters, especially Bartimaeus and Kitty. Now I'm going to start the third book.
remmerich1's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
4.75
Fantastically engaging, lightning quick, and with really wonderful dialogue. Its biggest strength remains the fascinating magic system Stroud has invented, and the characters of the "demons" we meet. Bartimaeus, Nathaniel, Kitty all work well as protagonists, and there's some really great stuff with an Afrit called Honorius. It's not subtle, but it's not trying to be, and the whole magic as a metaphor for wealth thing works so well I wasn't bothered by it. Great read, worth checking out the trilogy
hannahhbic's review against another edition
5.0
Kitty Jones is one of my favorite ladies in a very, very long time. It's a shame that we have to deal with Nathaniel as well.
victorsvales's review
4.0
“I didn't say ‘Nathaniel’. That’s because I see you more as Mandrake now. The boy who was Nathaniel’s fading, almost gone.”
I felt that a lot. bartimaeus, what happened to our boy?
I felt that a lot. bartimaeus, what happened to our boy?
ruhi_d's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
komali_2's review against another edition
3.0
A compelling sequel, yet at times frustrating. The development of the main character is slow and grinding, and the end result, while fitting to the story, is dreary. While I dislike the result, I have to admit it is very relevant, and makes for a great book.
is_book_loring's review against another edition
3.0
Bartimaeus was gold. Loved Kitty's characterization and couldn't wait for her even more significant role in the final. Nathaniel was ridiculous and more a jerk than ever, but I found the development of this naive, lonely teenager kind of intriguing. Mythology element in the series needed more exposure and exploration, especially the history and inner working of the spirit various classes. Writer seriously needed to make less caricatures of the magicians. None of them was distinctive in any way. Sadly, the story in this sequel itself was less exciting, sort of predictable and dull.