The ancient amulet of Samarkand is a unique and mysterious artifact that dates back to the ancient Silk Road era in Central Asia. It is believed to hold powerful protective properties and has been revered by the people of Samarkand for centuries. The amulet is intricately crafted with symbols and patterns that represent various aspects of Central Asian culture and spirituality. It is typically made of precious metals such as gold or silver and adorned with gemstones and colorful enamel work. The amulet is worn as a necklace, pendant, or attached to clothing for protection and good fortune. Legend has it that the amulet was created by the ancient Silk Road traders who passed through the city of Samarkand.
The main thing that struck me about this book, though, is how dark it is, and how there is no sense of good. The magicians are selfish, conceited, and opportunistic, and the demons are violent, amoral, and cruel. Underwood's wife and one of Nathaniel's tutors (also a woman) are the only kind characters in the entire book, and though Nathaniel is devoted to them, his attempts at showing any love toward them are immediately condemned as immature and useless. Most books of this type highlight the struggle between good and evil, but this one focuses instead on the continual struggles between different types of evil. I guess parts of the book were entertaining, and certainly the sections written in Bartimaeus's voice are clever and fun to read, but I never felt fully comfortable with the idea of indulging in the evil thoughts of these characters without so much as a glimmer of hope for their conversion to the good. I would have serious reservations about handing this book to my own children, not only because of the lack of hope and beauty, but also because of the chance that they might try to emulate Nathaniel's actions. (As Simcha Fischer says, "[Satan] doesn't care if you are kidding or not when you call him by name." I don't think playing around with pentacles and such is a good idea.)
The point of view shifts back and forth between Bartimaeus, whose witty first-person narration includes lots of references to historical events and footnotes on nearly every page, and Nathaniel, whose chapters are told in the third person. I would have serious reservations about handing this book to my own children, not only because of the lack of hope and beauty, but also because of the chance that they might try to emulate Nathaniel s actions.
Legend has it that the amulet was created by the ancient Silk Road traders who passed through the city of Samarkand. These traders, who came from diverse cultures and backgrounds, believed that the amulet possessed magical qualities that provided protection against evil spirits, misfortune, and ill health. The amulet of Samarkand is said to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness to its wearer.
Ancient amulet of Samarkand
In a Britain ruled by magicians, Nathaniel is the apprentice to the unpopular and ineffective Arthur Underwood. Underwood routinely underestimates Nathaniel's true powers, and on one fateful day when Nathaniel is eleven, he allows the powerful magician Simon Lovelace to humiliate Nathaniel. Determined to have his revenge - and to prove his abilities - Nathaniel takes it upon himself to summon a djinn named Bartimaeus. He sends Bartimaeus to steal the amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, and to hide it in his own master's study, hoping to get his revenge by embarrassing Lovelace. What Nathaniel does not realize, however, is the importance of the amulet, or the dangers of summoning a demon who might be able to learn his true name. Before long, Nathaniel's and Bartimaeus's fate are bound up together, and there is a good chance neither of them will survive what is to come.
This is a very long book, and it took me a very long time to read (two weeks) compared to the 2-3 hours it usually takes me to read a middle grade or YA novel. The point of view shifts back and forth between Bartimaeus, whose witty first-person narration includes lots of references to historical events and footnotes on nearly every page, and Nathaniel, whose chapters are told in the third person. There is a lot of information to take in about the world of this story - alternate history, the complex procedures for summoning demons, the different types of demons and their different powers, the rules for naming wizards, etc. - but I didn't have trouble catching on. Everything is well-established and revealed as needed in the text. From a purely structural standpoint, the book is solid, and the characters are interesting, even if they are not likable.
The main thing that struck me about this book, though, is how dark it is, and how there is no sense of good. The magicians are selfish, conceited, and opportunistic, and the demons are violent, amoral, and cruel. Underwood's wife and one of Nathaniel's tutors (also a woman) are the only kind characters in the entire book, and though Nathaniel is devoted to them, his attempts at showing any love toward them are immediately condemned as immature and useless. Most books of this type highlight the struggle between good and evil, but this one focuses instead on the continual struggles between different types of evil. I guess parts of the book were entertaining, and certainly the sections written in Bartimaeus's voice are clever and fun to read, but I never felt fully comfortable with the idea of indulging in the evil thoughts of these characters without so much as a glimmer of hope for their conversion to the good. I would have serious reservations about handing this book to my own children, not only because of the lack of hope and beauty, but also because of the chance that they might try to emulate Nathaniel's actions. (As Simcha Fischer says, "[Satan] doesn't care if you are kidding or not when you call him by name." I don't think playing around with pentacles and such is a good idea.)
I do think the story could be read as a cautionary tale about the dangers of magic, and the way history would be forever altered if men were allowed to accomplish their every whim by summoning all-powerful beings to their aid, but few teens are going to think of it that way on their own. It is possible (even likely) that this first book only sets the stage for the full journey, and Nathaniel will find the good in life yet, but this book, on its own, is not something I can say I would recommend to other like-minded readers. (C. Orthodoxy has a great post about this that goes into much greater detail. But beware of spoilers.)
Overall, as an adult reader, I found this book compelling, and I think a child with a well-formed conscience could read it and take something away from it without his own sense of morality being affected. Still, I don't see this at all as a Harry Potter read-alike, and I would not feel comfortable giving it to readers under age 16.
This is a very long book, and it took me a very long time to read (two weeks) compared to the 2-3 hours it usually takes me to read a middle grade or YA novel. The point of view shifts back and forth between Bartimaeus, whose witty first-person narration includes lots of references to historical events and footnotes on nearly every page, and Nathaniel, whose chapters are told in the third person. There is a lot of information to take in about the world of this story - alternate history, the complex procedures for summoning demons, the different types of demons and their different powers, the rules for naming wizards, etc. - but I didn't have trouble catching on. Everything is well-established and revealed as needed in the text. From a purely structural standpoint, the book is solid, and the characters are interesting, even if they are not likable.
It is believed to ward off negative energy, evil spirits, and bad luck. Many people in Samarkand still wear this amulet as a symbol of their cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs. The city of Samarkand, located in present-day Uzbekistan, is known for its rich history and opulent architecture. It was an important trading hub on the ancient Silk Road, and its strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The amulet of Samarkand is a testament to the city's vibrant past and reflects the diverse cultural influences that shaped its history. Today, the amulet of Samarkand is not only a cherished symbol of cultural heritage but also a popular souvenir for tourists visiting the region. Its intricate craftsmanship and unique design make it a sought-after item for collectors and enthusiasts around the world. In conclusion, the ancient amulet of Samarkand is a treasured artifact that holds immense cultural and historical significance. Its intricate design, believed protective powers, and connection to the ancient Silk Road make it a fascinating symbol of Central Asian spirituality and heritage..
Reviews for "Rediscovering the Lost Civilization of Samarkand through the Amulet"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Ancient Amulet of Samarkand". The plot felt rushed and the characters were underdeveloped. I found it hard to connect with any of them or care about what happened to them. Additionally, the writing style was quite simplistic and lacked depth. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - "Ancient Amulet of Samarkand" had an interesting premise and the potential for a captivating story, but it fell short for me. The pacing was inconsistent, and there were times when the plot seemed to drag on without any significant developments. The world-building was also lacking, as I didn't feel fully immersed in the setting. While it had its moments, this book ultimately didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Robert - 2/5 stars - I struggled to get through "Ancient Amulet of Samarkand". The writing seemed amateurish and the dialogue was often cringe-worthy. The characters were one-dimensional and their motivations felt forced. The book also suffered from a lack of originality, borrowing heavily from other fantasy novels without adding anything new or interesting. Overall, I found this book to be uninspired and lacking in depth.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really hoping for an exciting adventure with "Ancient Amulet of Samarkand", but it fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with long stretches of dull moments and sudden bursts of action that felt disconnected. The main character lacked development and I struggled to understand their motivations. While the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired. I wouldn't recommend this book to others.