The Talisman of Samarkand is the first book in the Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud. It is a fantasy novel set in an alternate version of London, where magic is a common practice. The story follows young magician Nathaniel, who is apprenticed to the cold and ambitious magician Arthur Underwood. Nathaniel is a talented wizard, but he is also impulsive and eager for revenge. He summons the djinni Bartimaeus to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from another magician, Simon Lovelace. The Amulet is said to grant immense power to its possessor.
The Amulet is said to grant immense power to its possessor. However, Nathaniel's plan backfires when he realizes that Lovelace is more dangerous than he anticipated. The magician is involved in a plot to overthrow the government and take control of London.
CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal.
Set in the Roaring ’20s, this is the first entry in a series starring puzzle-solving aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox.
Sam, whose father was killed during the Great War, has remained in her rural Illinois town to work in an antiquarian bookshop owned by the father of her childhood friends, siblings Joana and Bennett Steeling. One day, a package from Ireland with a mysterious book containing a coded letter is delivered. Before Sam can properly examine it, two Irishmen try to steal it, in the process setting fire to the shop. Sam, wisecracking sidekick Joana, and love interest Bennett learn that a centuries-old club is trying to enact an ancient curse to call forth Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of war and death. Traveling by train and steamship, the trio make their way to Dublin, encountering an array of additional characters along the way. With each chapter ending in a cliffhanger, the plot unfolds quickly. Classic elements include hidden clues, narrow escapes, a magical ritual object, and a fearsome mythical creature. Sam is an appealing heroine: smart, well-read, gutsy, and introspective. While solving the mystery (and discerning friend from foe), Sam comes to terms with the lingering effects of her grief, a plot element that provides unexpected emotional depth. However, repetitive bickering among the main characters proves tedious. All characters appear White.
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal. (Adventure. 13-18)
Pub Date: June 8, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-368-06398-2
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
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Nathaniel finds himself entangled in a web of deception and political intrigue. As the story progresses, Nathaniel forms an unlikely alliance with Bartimaeus. The djinni provides him with much-needed guidance and assistance. Together, they uncover the truth behind Lovelace's plans and work to stop him before it's too late. The main theme of The Talisman of Samarkand is power and its corrupting influence. Nathaniel's desire for revenge leads him down a dangerous path, as he becomes willing to sacrifice his own morality to achieve his goals. Lovelace, on the other hand, is consumed by his thirst for power and will stop at nothing to attain it. Stroud's writing style is fast-paced and engaging, making it a captivating read for both young adult and adult readers alike. The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique voice and motivations. Overall, The Talisman of Samarkand is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of our actions. It sets the stage for an exciting series that will leave readers eager to continue Nathaniel and Bartimaeus's journey in the subsequent books..
Reviews for "The Talisman of Samarkand: A Story of Forbidden Love and Magic"
1. Emma - 1 star - I really did not enjoy reading "The Talisman of Samarkand". The story felt disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were also unrelatable and lacked depth, leaving me uninvested in their journey. Overall, I found the book to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to others.
2. Matthew - 2 stars - Although "The Talisman of Samarkand" had an interesting premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The writing style was average at best, with long-winded descriptions that didn't add much to the story. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and the plot lacked excitement, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a thrilling fantasy read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As a fan of fantasy novels, I had high hopes for "The Talisman of Samarkand". Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The world-building felt underdeveloped and lacked the necessary depth to truly immerse the reader. The main characters came across as one-dimensional and their actions often felt forced or unexplained. While the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired, resulting in a mediocre reading experience.
4. Adam - 3 stars - "The Talisman of Samarkand" had an interesting premise and some enjoyable moments, but overall, it wasn't my favorite read. The writing style was a bit dry and lacked the spark that would have made the story more engaging. The characters were also difficult to connect with, as their motivations and personalities were poorly developed. Although it had some redeeming qualities, this book left me wanting more.
5. Olivia - 2 stars - "The Talisman of Samarkand" had a lot of potential, but it didn't quite deliver for me. The plot felt predictable and lacked surprises, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. Additionally, the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural, which hindered my ability to connect with the characters. While it did have some interesting aspects, overall, this book left me underwhelmed.