"The Amulet of Samarkand" by Jonathan Stroud is an enthralling fantasy book that takes the readers on an exciting journey into a world of magic and sorcery. To enhance the reading experience, an audio performance of the book was created, bringing the characters and the story to life. The audio performance of "The Amulet of Samarkand" is a masterful production that captivates the listeners from the very beginning. The narrator's voice is rich and engaging, perfectly capturing the atmosphere and the personalities of the characters. The range of accents and voices used for different characters adds depth to the story and allows the listeners to easily distinguish between them. One notable aspect of the audio performance is the seamless fusion of sound effects and music, which adds an extra layer of immersion.
UK Hardback Edition
Doubleday 2003
ISBN: 0385 605994
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Short-listed for the British Book Awards, 2004; the WH Smith Teen Choice Award UK 2004; Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis German Youth Literature Award 2005. The narrative slips skilfully from first person to third and back and Bartimaeus s voice is laugh-out-loud sassy, while Nathaniel s story has an engaging poignancy as he tries to prove himself in a world in which he has always been despised.
One notable aspect of the audio performance is the seamless fusion of sound effects and music, which adds an extra layer of immersion. The sound effects, such as the crackling of magic or the bustling streets of London, make the story feel more vivid and real. The music, on the other hand, enhances the emotions and sets the tone for each scene, whether it be suspenseful, lighthearted, or intense.
Amulet of Samarkand audio performance
The djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by a young magician, Nathaniel, and sent off to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the sinister Simon Lovelace. All sorts of trouble ensues.
UK Hardback Edition
Doubleday 2003
ISBN: 0385 605994
BUY BOOK
UK Paperback Edition
Corgi 2004
ISBN: 0 552 55029 9
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US Hardback Edition
Hyperion/Miramax 2003
ISBN: 0 7868 1859 X
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US Paperback Edition
Hyperion/Miramax 2004
ISBN: 0 7868 5255 0
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Winner of a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor 2004 (USA).
Winner of Lancashire Children's Book Award 2005 (UK).
Short-listed for the British Book Awards, 2004; the WH Smith Teen Choice Award (UK) 2004; Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (German Youth Literature Award) 2005.
"Not since Gulliver's Travels has a children's writer managed to combine a thrilling tale of magic and adventure with such deliciously pointed comedy… Stroud's sinister world is imagined in baroque and energetic detail…"
Amanda Craig, The Times
"Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling"
Nicholas Tucker, Independent
"the truly original touch is the way Stroud alternates Nathaniel's story with the djinni's own knowing and irascible first-person narrative"
Diana Wynne Jones, Guardian Review
"One of this year's most inventive and ingenious novels…Both the djinn and the boy exist in a world described with great imaginative detail…The action-packed adventures of Nathaniel and Bartimaeus…are sustained over nearly 500 pages by the immensely enjoyable characterisation. The narrative slips skilfully from first person to third and back and Bartimaeus's voice is laugh-out-loud sassy, while Nathaniel's story has an engaging poignancy as he tries to prove himself in a world in which he has always been despised."
Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times
"What a delight… is The Amulet of Samarkand. Jonathan Stroud's cracker, the first of a trilogy (yes, more, please) following the adventures of a middle-ranking djinni in (another) dystopian alternative future London is pure enjoyment from beginning to end…Almost purely amoral, if not downright wicked, the character of Bartimaeus manages to convey the benefits of thoughtfulness, politeness and kindness by glorying in their converse. A tonic for anyone age 12 and up."
Times Educational Supplement
The djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by a young magician, Nathaniel, and sent off to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the sinister Simon Lovelace. All sorts of trouble ensues.
Furthermore, the audio performance of "The Amulet of Samarkand" expertly conveys the humor and wit present in Jonathan Stroud's writing. The timing and delivery of certain lines are spot on, resulting in comedic moments that are sure to elicit laughter from the listeners. In addition to the exceptional narration and production, the audio performance of "The Amulet of Samarkand" also includes bonus content, such as author interviews or discussions, which provide further insights into the world and the creation of the book. Overall, the audio performance of "The Amulet of Samarkand" is a remarkable demonstration of storytelling. It enhances the reading experience by immersing the listeners in the world of the book and bringing the characters to life through captivating narration, sound effects, and music. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply enjoy a good story, this audio performance is a must-listen..
Reviews for "Magical Soundscapes: Creating the Audio Atmosphere of the Amulet of Samarkand"
Laura - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the audio performance of "Amulet of Samarkand". The narrator's voice was so monotone and lacked any emotion or enthusiasm. It made it very hard for me to stay engaged and interested in the story. I felt like I was listening to someone reading a grocery list rather than a thrilling fantasy novel. I would not recommend the audio version of this book.
Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the audio performance of "Amulet of Samarkand", but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The narrator's accents and character voices were inconsistent and often felt forced. It was distracting and took away from the overall enjoyment of the story. I also found the pacing to be too slow, which made it difficult to stay engaged. I would suggest reading the physical book instead.
Sarah - 2 stars - I found the audio performance of "Amulet of Samarkand" to be lackluster. The narrator's voice felt robotic and lacked the necessary excitement and energy to bring the story to life. I also had difficulty distinguishing between the different characters, as their voices all sounded very similar. It made it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the world of the book. I would recommend reading the book instead of listening to the audio version.