The Amulet of Samarland is a mysterious and powerful artifact that has captivated the imagination of many throughout history. Legends and folklore surround this ancient talisman, with tales of its origin and purpose varying from culture to culture. According to some accounts, the Amulet of Samarland is said to have been forged by the gods themselves. Others believe it was created by a powerful sorcerer who sought to harness the elemental forces of nature. Whatever its true origin, the amulet is said to possess incredible magical abilities. One of the most common legends surrounding the amulet is the story of its ability to grant the wearer protection and good fortune.
It was then passed to Lovelace from Verroq. Nathaniel would later order Bartimaeus to steal the amulet from Lovelace, and hide it in the study of his, Nathaniel's, master, Arthur Underwood. Bartimaeus isn't sure what demon or demons are stuck inside the amulet; all he knows is that they are extremely powerful and that it makes the wearer invulnerable to magical attack. The secrets of how to make the amulet were lost to time, although Bartimaeus mentions that it must have been a hard task to imprison the being(s) inside.
Nathaniel retorts impolitely and incurs Lovelace s wrath, in the form of an invisible demon which holds him immobile, allowing Lovelace to deride his helpless condition. Nathaniel has an interesting assignment for Bartimaeus he must steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivaled ruthlessness and ambition.
One of the most common legends surrounding the amulet is the story of its ability to grant the wearer protection and good fortune. It is said that those who possess the amulet are shielded from harm and guided towards success in their endeavors. This has led many to seek out the amulet in hopes of gaining its power for themselves.
Amylet of samarland
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
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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 Amulet of Samarkand is an extremely potent magical artifact of a passively protects its bearer from magic-based assaults, even from the strongest magic and spirits.
However, obtaining the Amulet of Samarland is no easy task. It is said to be hidden deep within a labyrinth of ancient ruins, guarded by powerful creatures and booby traps. Many adventurers and treasure hunters have lost their lives in pursuit of the amulet, adding to its air of mystery and danger. Despite the risks involved, the allure of the amulet continues to draw people from all walks of life. Some seek its power for personal gain, while others believe it could be used for the greater good. The amulet's true nature and purpose remain a subject of speculation and debate. In various folktales, the Amulet of Samarland is also said to have the ability to bring about great calamity if it falls into the wrong hands. It is believed that only those with pure intentions and a strong moral compass can wield its power without consequence. Whether the Amulet of Samarland is merely a figment of imagination or a powerful relic of the past, its presence in storytelling and mythology continues to captivate and inspire. As long as its legend lives on, the search for the amulet will persist, and its mystical power will continue to be a subject of wonder and fascination..
Reviews for "The Epic Battles Fought by Amylet in Samarland"
- John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Amylet of Samarland". The plot felt really disjointed and confusing, and the pacing was all over the place. The characters were also one-dimensional and lacked any depth. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
- Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't even finish "Amylet of Samarland". The writing was so cliché and predictable, and the dialogue felt forced. The world-building was also poorly executed, leaving me feeling completely detached from the story. I found it to be a frustrating and unoriginal read.
- Mark - 2 out of 5 stars - "Amylet of Samarland" wasn't what I was hoping for. The author's writing style was difficult to follow, with overly descriptive prose that often bogged down the narrative. The storyline also lacked originality and felt like a rehash of other fantasy novels. I struggled to connect with the characters and ultimately found the reading experience to be a bit tedious.
- Anna - 3 out of 5 stars - While "Amylet of Samarland" had its moments, I personally found it to be underwhelming. The story had potential, but it was let down by weak character development and inconsistent pacing. The author attempted to explore complex themes but fell short in their execution. Overall, it was an average read that didn't leave a lasting impression.