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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
An interesting addition to the series. Nathaniel continues to be the less likable and flawed human foil to that of Bartameus’s djinn self. Kitty features as an interesting character, as well. While I’m not clambering to read the next in the series, I will eventually read it.
We really start to see more of the world in this second book, a peak into the corruption of power and imminent tragedy for the British magicians. The tone is still nuanced and charming as the first book, but it is a little laborious as chapter after chapter the senior magicians deny what is happening as implausible simply because it's not convenient. It certainly makes its point about the arrogance of magicians, but throughout the entire book it does wear you down a touch.
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
All the same notes that made the first book great and then some--the addition of new plotlines and the developments of old hinted ones adds an amazing intrigue. My only reason for docking a star is during some points (mainly Kitty's chapters) I found my mind wandering off. The rest of the story is extremely engaging and you can tell the author put a lot of love into this.
adventurous
dark
funny
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
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I'm very nostalgic for this series, which probably colors my opinion of it a bit, but uh...even after 20+ years this book holds up. The Golem's Eye is a bit more cluttered than the Amulet of Samarkand, but it's still just as much fun, just as hilariously funny as the first book.
I can't recommend this series enough -- for people of any age, honestly. If you like sarcastic, funny narrators, than you'll like Bartimaeus.
I'm very nostalgic for this series, which probably colors my opinion of it a bit, but uh...even after 20+ years this book holds up. The Golem's Eye is a bit more cluttered than the Amulet of Samarkand, but it's still just as much fun, just as hilariously funny as the first book.
I can't recommend this series enough -- for people of any age, honestly. If you like sarcastic, funny narrators, than you'll like Bartimaeus.
The Bartimaeus trilogy (and prequel) is tied with Harry Potter as my #1 favorite series of all time. The Bartimaeus trilogy is the only series EVER to be tied with Harry Potter as my most favorite series. I really want to go to England for the sole purpose of getting my Bartimaeus books (and my Lockwood and Co books by the same author) signed. As you can tell, I am totally in love with this series. The plot is amazing, the characters are phenomenal (the amazingly witty and entertaining Bartimaeus in particular), and the writing itself is superb. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone and everyone of all ages everywhere ;)
Nathaniel is still an unrelenting douche but in this second book all the other characters acknowledge it and mock him for it, so it is more tolerable. Bartimaeus the djinni is funnier and more nuanced this time around and we see more of Kitty Jones and discover she is a strong female character. The story centres around a golem and is twisty and turny and very engaging. Glad to see Stroud's characterisation has caught up with his excellent plotting and description! Really looking forward to book 3.
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No