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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Always fun to revisit Bartimeus and Nathaniel, though this one has a lot going on, completely forgot about Kitty and the Crypt, enjoyed that :)
It is good, and I enjoyed the ending. But the main boy is getting annoying and I don't know if I want him to succeed.
Second book in and Nathaniel as a main character doesn't do a thing for me. He is highly annoying and his hair is too long. The only thing that kept me reading through this book is Bartimaeus and Kitty, and the reluctant friendship in the latter part of the book. The second book is not as satisfying as the first, and the character development for Nathaniel is minimal. Sure, I see the development from being Nathaniel to being John Mandrake, as Bartimaeus commented in the last few chapters, but it makes him infuriating. All I see him as is a poser.
This book also raises the question of free will of the demons, and I'm glad that Kitty is going to explore this aspect in the third novel, hopefully. More Kitty, less Mandrake!
This book also raises the question of free will of the demons, and I'm glad that Kitty is going to explore this aspect in the third novel, hopefully. More Kitty, less Mandrake!
Another fun read. Stroud was smart to add kitty as a POV character. Nathaniel being unlikable wouldn't have worked as well in a second book on it's own. Excited to read the next book.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First read: November 28, 2010
Second read: July 29, 2012
Second read: July 29, 2012
I just love this whole series, mainly because of the wit and sarcasm of the title character, Bartimaeus. All around, it's a well written fantasy series, and another good point is that it's only 3 books long (I hate series that go on too long).
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A good sequel to [b:The Amulet of Samarkand|334123|The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus Trilogy, #1)|Jonathan Stroud|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266527188s/334123.jpg|1121748]. Bartimaeus is back. And his former, temporary master, Nathaniel. Or, as he is known to everyone else, John Mandrake. Nathaniel. once again, summons the djinni on order to save his career. However things go from bad to worse for Nathaniel. From the Resistance, golems, skeletons and inner enemies amongst other magicians, this duo has their work cut out for them. Also, this story brings in a third perspective. Kitty, the thief leader we briefly met in the first book. She is a active member of the Resistance. However, things for her go bad to and soon all three meet up, once again.
Overall, well done. I am very much enjoying this series. Bartimaeus is still a great character, however Nathaniel has become career and self obsessed and often frustrating. I loved learning about Kitty, her backround, personality and more. A strong, well-written character. Even Nathaniel is, in a unlikeable way. The story is nicely paced with a blend of past and present. Also a great character blend. It made for a fun read.
Overall, well done. I am very much enjoying this series. Bartimaeus is still a great character, however Nathaniel has become career and self obsessed and often frustrating. I loved learning about Kitty, her backround, personality and more. A strong, well-written character. Even Nathaniel is, in a unlikeable way. The story is nicely paced with a blend of past and present. Also a great character blend. It made for a fun read.