"The Amulet of Samarkand" is the first book in the "Bartimaeus Trilogy" written by Jonathan Stroud. It is set in a world where magicians hold power over commoners and demons are summoned to do their bidding. The story follows the journey of Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a cunning and sarcastic djinni, as they navigate through political intrigue, magical battles, and personal revenge. The main idea of the book revolves around the amulet itself, which is an ancient and powerful artifact that grants its owner control over any demon it contains. Nathaniel, seeking to gain power and vengeance after being humiliated by a magician, steals the amulet from his master and summons Bartimaeus to help him achieve his goals. However, the amulet becomes a symbol of both power and vulnerability, as Nathaniel must learn to master it while also avoiding the attention of those who seek to take it from him.
Nathaniel is a 12-year-old magician in training in an alternate London where magic is real and perilous creatures and artifacts abound. Bartimaeus is a cocky, 5,000-year-old djinni whom Nathaniel summons to help him get revenge against an arrogant adult wizard. The plot involves stealing the powerful amulet of Samarkand, which Bartimaeus does, setting off a series of increasingly dangerous events. Stroud's popular prose fantasy series elevates a familiar situation with multileveled characters; sharp, evocative writing; and a fascinating setting of wizardly government that, far from being wondrous, is more often mundane or selfish. This graphic novel adaptation by Donkin and Sullivan wisely keeps all the virtues of the original, adding fantastic visuals of this complicated world and colorful characters. While sometimes the narration goes on longer than is strictly necessary when a picture is supposed to be telling a story, it's usually in the service of Stroud's lively dialogue. The comics version doesn't quite improve the tale—Sullivan's characters tend to have only a handful of expressions—but it does justice to the imaginative, engrossing original. Ages 9–12. (Oct.)
The Amulet is only mentioned during the events of The Golem s Eye once when John Mandrake Nathaniel attempts to use the fact that he saved the Prime Minister and gave him the amulet to evade being imprisoned in the Tower of London. 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.
However, the amulet becomes a symbol of both power and vulnerability, as Nathaniel must learn to master it while also avoiding the attention of those who seek to take it from him. The book explores various themes such as the abuse of power, the consequences of revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Nathaniel is portrayed as a complex character who initially appears driven by ambition and revenge, but gradually becomes more aware of the ethical implications of his actions.
The amulet of samarkand
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.
Bartimaeus, on the other hand, provides a contrasting perspective with his cynical and comedic narration, often questioning the authority and motives of magicians. The plot is filled with twists, turns, and thrilling action sequences, keeping readers engaged and eager to know what happens next. The world-building is also meticulously crafted, with detailed descriptions of magical rituals, creatures, and historical events. Stroud's writing style combines witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and vivid imagery, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. "The Amulet of Samarkand" is not only a gripping fantasy adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of power, morality, and the true nature of human and supernatural beings. It sets the stage for the next two books in the series, which further delve into the complex relationships between magicians, demons, and commoners. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and engaging storytelling..
Reviews for "The Amulet of Samarkand: An Ancient Artifact with Contemporary Relevance"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "The Amulet of Samarkand" as it came highly recommended, but I was quite disappointed. The story started off strong with an interesting premise, but it quickly became convoluted and confusing. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing of the book was too fast, and important moments felt rushed or glossed over. Overall, I found "The Amulet of Samarkand" to be underwhelming and it didn't live up to the hype.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - I had mixed feelings about "The Amulet of Samarkand". While the concept was intriguing and the magical elements were well-developed, the writing style was lacking. The narrative felt disjointed and the dialogue was often stilted. I also felt that the world-building could have been more immersive, as I struggled to fully picture the settings. Despite these issues, I appreciated the creativity of the plot and the unique spin on magic. However, I can't say that "The Amulet of Samarkand" left a lasting impression on me, and I'm hesitant to continue with the series.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I found "The Amulet of Samarkand" to be a disappointing read. The story had potential, but it quickly lost me with its heavy reliance on magical jargon and complex political intrigue. The writing felt confusing and inaccessible, making it hard for me to stay engaged. Additionally, the characters were not well-developed, and their motivations seemed muddled. I wanted to enjoy this book, but I struggled to connect with the story and ultimately felt disinterested by the end. I'm afraid I won't be continuing with the series.