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Bartimaeus #2
The Golem's Eye
At only fourteen, Nathaniel is a rising a young magician who is quickly climbing the ranks of the government. There is seemingly nothing he cannot handle, until he is asked to deal with the growing Resistance movement, which is disrupting London life with its thefts and raids. It's no easy the ringleader Kitty and her friends remain elusive, and Nathaniel's job -- and perhaps his life -- are soon as risk. As the pressure mounts, he is distracted by a new series of terrifying attacks in the capital. But is it the Resistance again, or something more dangerous still? To uncover the perpetrators, Nathaniel must take desperate a journey to the enemy city of Prague and -- worse -- summoning once again the troublesome, enigmatic, and quick-witted djinni Bartimaeus. Meanwhile, Kitty and her fellow rebels are planning their most daring exploit of all -- one that will make their fortune and change the history of London forever. A thrilling sequel to the best-selling Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye is a roller-coaster ride of magic, adventure, and political skullduggery, in which the fates of Nathaniel, Bartimaeus, and Kitty explosively collide.
576 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2004
About the author
Jonathan Stroud
56 books10.5k followersJonathan Anthony Stroud is an author of fantasy books, mainly for children and youths.
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. He worked with different types of books there and this soon led to the writing of his own books. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success.
In May 1999, Stroud published his first children's novel, Buried Fire, which was the first of a line of fantasy/mythology children's books.
Among his most prominent works are the bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy. A special feature of these novels compared to others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done by examining the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus. The books in this series are The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate, his first books to be published in the United States.
Stroud lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his two children, Isabelle and Arthur, and his wife Gina, an illustrator of children's books.
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. He worked with different types of books there and this soon led to the writing of his own books. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success.
In May 1999, Stroud published his first children's novel, Buried Fire, which was the first of a line of fantasy/mythology children's books.
Among his most prominent works are the bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy. A special feature of these novels compared to others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done by examining the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus. The books in this series are The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate, his first books to be published in the United States.
Stroud lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his two children, Isabelle and Arthur, and his wife Gina, an illustrator of children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,433 reviews
August 15, 2021
(B) 74% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: It could do with a more elaborate mythology. Improving on the first book, it's still, for a fantasy, not terribly exciting.
Notes: It could do with a more elaborate mythology. Improving on the first book, it's still, for a fantasy, not terribly exciting.
April 29, 2024
(B) 74% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: New point of view if déjà vu, a sequel that repeats—big loss of lives, a thief survives—same notes just different beats.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
Notes: New point of view if déjà vu, a sequel that repeats—big loss of lives, a thief survives—same notes just different beats.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
February 17, 2024
It would have been plainly good, if it wasn't for Bartimaeus' sarcastic comments. I'm gonna read the third book just to laugh at stupid humans with him.
October 29, 2022
Nathaniel, Kitty and Bartimaeus duke it out!
Having successfully thwarted Simon Lovelace's ill-fated conspiracy in The Amulet of Samarkand, Nathaniel is "adopted" by Jessica Whitwell, Security Minister in Britain's dark and oppressive government by magic and begins life anew in The Golem's Eye. Recognized as an up and coming hotshot young magician, Nathaniel (known only as John Mandrake to his colleagues) is appointed the youngest ever Assistant to the Head of Internal Affairs and charged with the elimination of the bothersome Resistance. Nathaniel, initially cocky and confident that he can rid the government of this pesky Resistance problem in short order discovers he is up against sterner stuff than he had anticipated.
Deadly sharks, senior ministers in the government intensely angry and jealous of Nathaniel's rising star, circle quickly and close in for the kill as Nathaniel runs into roadblocks and fails to shut down the Resistance as ordered. Kitty and her fellow Resistance members seem uncannily able to thwart Nathaniel's best efforts at every turn. Nathaniel's future and, indeed, his very life seem in jeopardy when a Golem runs on a destructive rampage through London. Everyone except Nathaniel is convinced that the Resistance is behind the unleashing of the Golem and blame quickly falls on Nathaniel for the continuing mayhem.
The fast-paced narrative shifts point of view with every chapter, rotating from Nathaniel through Kitty, the young fiery heroine who lives life on the run with her fellow Resistance members, and Bartimaeus, the acerbic, witty djinni who continues to regale us with his clever, barbed but dead on point observations. Even though Stroud has produced a plot that never flags and pulls us along at an almost breakneck pace, The Golem's Eye is still a much darker, gloomier, minutely detailed and more atmospheric novel than its predecessor. The dominant theme is very clearly the corrupting influences of power, ambition and greed and the reader is left mourning flawed Nathaniel's fall from grace wondering whether he can find the moral strength and intestinal fortitude to re-assert himself as the fine young man we left far behind in The Amulet of Samarkand.
Despite this rather more gothic approach to the story than its predecessor, readers need not worry that Stroud has lost his flair for comedy. Footnotes, while not quite as plentiful as in the first novel, are still a veritable fountain of wit. One scene in particular in which Bartimaeus destroys an incredibly valuable artifact in the British Museum thinking it to be merely a sign with a set of written rules for the museum patrons is laugh out loud hilarious.
The resolution of the plot line revolving around Gladstone's magical staff and the rampaging Golem provide a perfect opportunity for Stroud to bring this particular novel to a close. But it is quite clear that Nathaniel, now reduced to the status of a failing anti-hero, and Kitty, the charming yet resolute young commoner and apparently sole survivor of her Resistance cell will butt heads once again with Bartimaeus who, for the moment, has been dismissed to his spirit world.
Ptolemy's Gate awaits although I'm not sure I can!
Paul Weiss
Having successfully thwarted Simon Lovelace's ill-fated conspiracy in The Amulet of Samarkand, Nathaniel is "adopted" by Jessica Whitwell, Security Minister in Britain's dark and oppressive government by magic and begins life anew in The Golem's Eye. Recognized as an up and coming hotshot young magician, Nathaniel (known only as John Mandrake to his colleagues) is appointed the youngest ever Assistant to the Head of Internal Affairs and charged with the elimination of the bothersome Resistance. Nathaniel, initially cocky and confident that he can rid the government of this pesky Resistance problem in short order discovers he is up against sterner stuff than he had anticipated.
Deadly sharks, senior ministers in the government intensely angry and jealous of Nathaniel's rising star, circle quickly and close in for the kill as Nathaniel runs into roadblocks and fails to shut down the Resistance as ordered. Kitty and her fellow Resistance members seem uncannily able to thwart Nathaniel's best efforts at every turn. Nathaniel's future and, indeed, his very life seem in jeopardy when a Golem runs on a destructive rampage through London. Everyone except Nathaniel is convinced that the Resistance is behind the unleashing of the Golem and blame quickly falls on Nathaniel for the continuing mayhem.
The fast-paced narrative shifts point of view with every chapter, rotating from Nathaniel through Kitty, the young fiery heroine who lives life on the run with her fellow Resistance members, and Bartimaeus, the acerbic, witty djinni who continues to regale us with his clever, barbed but dead on point observations. Even though Stroud has produced a plot that never flags and pulls us along at an almost breakneck pace, The Golem's Eye is still a much darker, gloomier, minutely detailed and more atmospheric novel than its predecessor. The dominant theme is very clearly the corrupting influences of power, ambition and greed and the reader is left mourning flawed Nathaniel's fall from grace wondering whether he can find the moral strength and intestinal fortitude to re-assert himself as the fine young man we left far behind in The Amulet of Samarkand.
Despite this rather more gothic approach to the story than its predecessor, readers need not worry that Stroud has lost his flair for comedy. Footnotes, while not quite as plentiful as in the first novel, are still a veritable fountain of wit. One scene in particular in which Bartimaeus destroys an incredibly valuable artifact in the British Museum thinking it to be merely a sign with a set of written rules for the museum patrons is laugh out loud hilarious.
The resolution of the plot line revolving around Gladstone's magical staff and the rampaging Golem provide a perfect opportunity for Stroud to bring this particular novel to a close. But it is quite clear that Nathaniel, now reduced to the status of a failing anti-hero, and Kitty, the charming yet resolute young commoner and apparently sole survivor of her Resistance cell will butt heads once again with Bartimaeus who, for the moment, has been dismissed to his spirit world.
Ptolemy's Gate awaits although I'm not sure I can!
Paul Weiss
May 11, 2024
Compulsively readable!
This is our misfit djinni's second installment, and I dare say his antics in this one even tops the first book complete with another friend of his, an insane afrit running amok and causing the usual exasperating mayhem to boot. I'll highly recommend this series to any Fantasy lover. A modern classic work.
2022 Read
This is our misfit djinni's second installment, and I dare say his antics in this one even tops the first book complete with another friend of his, an insane afrit running amok and causing the usual exasperating mayhem to boot. I'll highly recommend this series to any Fantasy lover. A modern classic work.
2022 Read
May 5, 2008
Reviewed by K. Osborn Sullivan for TeensReadToo.com
He's rude. He's surly. He won't hesitate to tell you when your haircut looks stupid. And in over 5000 years, he's seen some bad haircuts. I'm talking about my favorite djinni, Bartimaeus, back in book two of his young adult fantasy trilogy.
THE GOLEM'S EYE is an excellent sequel to the first book in the series, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND. In the first book, we meet Bartimaeus, an ancient creature of enormous power that can best be described as a type of demon. Unfortunately, he and all of his kind hate the word demon. He classifies himself as a djinni, so we'll just go with that for the purposes of this review. Why annoy anyone who can shoot magical firebolts at you, right? Anyway, Bartimaeus, and other creatures like him, are summoned by human magicians to do their bidding. Needless to say, this forced servitude, or slavery, is not popular with the servants, so they do their best to turn the tables on their human masters whenever possible.
Enter Nathaniel, a boy who is in training to become a powerful magician. In book one of the series, he summons Bartimaeus from the netherworld and an involuntary partnership begins. In THE GOLEM'S EYE, young Nathaniel again finds himself in need of the djinni's aid, so he again turns to reluctant Bartimaeus. This time, a revolutionary group is blowing things up in London, which may or may not be related to a series of unusual occurrences that have the police stumped. Nathaniel feels that his career would take off if he can solve these crimes. But the stakes are high because he knows that his career, and possibly his life, are in jeopardy if he fails.
A key part of THE GOLEM'S EYE storyline centers on the activities of a London resistance group that is fighting to overthrow the magicians' government. Nathaniel's inability to track down these criminals is part of the reason he needs Bartimaeus's help. Of course, the djinni has little interest in helping magicians maintain their dominance. After all, they're the ones who continually force him and his kind into servitude. This conflict of interest makes for some entertaining scenes and conversations.
If you have not read THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND, I strongly recommend you pick that one up before diving into THE GOLEM'S EYE. Technically, you don't have to read the first one, but there is an awful lot of background you will miss if you don't. Plus, it's really fun.
Normally I find myself disappointed in sequels. Somehow they never seem to live up the expectations established by the original. But in this case, I was pleasantly surprised. This book is full of excitement, political intrigue, and humor. Bartimaeus is back with all of his cheeky comments, and there are plenty of thrills to go around. Overall, a great book.
He's rude. He's surly. He won't hesitate to tell you when your haircut looks stupid. And in over 5000 years, he's seen some bad haircuts. I'm talking about my favorite djinni, Bartimaeus, back in book two of his young adult fantasy trilogy.
THE GOLEM'S EYE is an excellent sequel to the first book in the series, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND. In the first book, we meet Bartimaeus, an ancient creature of enormous power that can best be described as a type of demon. Unfortunately, he and all of his kind hate the word demon. He classifies himself as a djinni, so we'll just go with that for the purposes of this review. Why annoy anyone who can shoot magical firebolts at you, right? Anyway, Bartimaeus, and other creatures like him, are summoned by human magicians to do their bidding. Needless to say, this forced servitude, or slavery, is not popular with the servants, so they do their best to turn the tables on their human masters whenever possible.
Enter Nathaniel, a boy who is in training to become a powerful magician. In book one of the series, he summons Bartimaeus from the netherworld and an involuntary partnership begins. In THE GOLEM'S EYE, young Nathaniel again finds himself in need of the djinni's aid, so he again turns to reluctant Bartimaeus. This time, a revolutionary group is blowing things up in London, which may or may not be related to a series of unusual occurrences that have the police stumped. Nathaniel feels that his career would take off if he can solve these crimes. But the stakes are high because he knows that his career, and possibly his life, are in jeopardy if he fails.
A key part of THE GOLEM'S EYE storyline centers on the activities of a London resistance group that is fighting to overthrow the magicians' government. Nathaniel's inability to track down these criminals is part of the reason he needs Bartimaeus's help. Of course, the djinni has little interest in helping magicians maintain their dominance. After all, they're the ones who continually force him and his kind into servitude. This conflict of interest makes for some entertaining scenes and conversations.
If you have not read THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND, I strongly recommend you pick that one up before diving into THE GOLEM'S EYE. Technically, you don't have to read the first one, but there is an awful lot of background you will miss if you don't. Plus, it's really fun.
Normally I find myself disappointed in sequels. Somehow they never seem to live up the expectations established by the original. But in this case, I was pleasantly surprised. This book is full of excitement, political intrigue, and humor. Bartimaeus is back with all of his cheeky comments, and there are plenty of thrills to go around. Overall, a great book.
October 30, 2016
I was really looking forward to reading this second novel in the Bartimaeus series. I was quite curious to see what it would be like, not just in the sense of the development of the story and the characters, but of the world building as well. I kept wondering how will this world ruled by magicians develop further? I was eager to see what place will our protagonist Nathaniel take in it, will he become like the rest of them (i.e. all the other corrupted magicians)? The world that the author created in the first novel was of great interest to me. In the first novel, I found the setting as fascinating as the story itself. I must say that I wasn't disappointed with how the world building evolved in this one. This sequel was wonderful, an absolute joy to read. Often the sequel disappoints, not being able to retain its original charm, but not this time. It is obvious that the author already had things worked out in his mind because everything seems to flow naturally. This sequel opens up as a mystery novel. Nathanial has to solve the mysterious attacks that are bringing shame to the government. He is utterly engrossed in this task, for his career and his life, depend on his ability to solve the mystery and find the group that is behind these attacks. There are many twists and turns in The Golem’s Eye and many secrets to be discovered. In fact, the secret identity of the person behind the golem’s eye is only one of them. This is an excellently plotted novel with enough food for the thought- or at least that is my experience.
If one cares to, one can draw many parallels to our own world, just switch the magicians with modern politicians. The magic could be used as a metaphor for power and money. In this alternative world, the general public doesn’t have much say in anything. It is understood that the magicians know better and that the commoners should just look after their own business and stay out of magicians’ way. In other ways, exactly like democracies in Europe and USA. As far as I can recall, nobody asked us, the European public, would we like to stop trading with Russia? There was no referendum on that subject in any EU country. I’m not an expert on economy, but one doesn’t have to be to know that the record high unemployment in Europe is a sign of economic collapse and you don’t need to be one smart cookie to figure out that a bit of trade would go a long way right now. Likewise, I didn’t notice that American politicians are consulting the public on the subject of whether it is a good idea to provoke a nuclear superpower into a war? If some politician decides it is time to go to war, that’s what happens. Nobody asks the public anything. Yes, we get to choose between people serving identical power groups every few years but that doesn’t amount to much, does it? If it seems to you that this scenario where one small group dominates another larger group seems unlikely, think again.
I swear this real world we live in sometimes sounds more ridiculous than a third-rate fantasy novel. No wonder I feel the need to escape it by reading first class fantasy novels. This novel seems a lot more logical and better thought through than our own ‘real’ world (and the sense of humour is right up my alley, so no wonder I like it so much). I mean there is a logical explanation to why people don’t rebel against politicians/magicians in this novel, they have a complete control over the schools, the media, the education, every aspect of life. What is the explanation for general public being so passive and believing everything it is told in our world? Golem’s Eye does give us plenty of explanations as to why this world is the way it is, but this time the dynamics of a narrative are a bit different, it is no longer only about the boy and the djinn, now it there is another character that takes the prominent place. When I wondered, what characters would be a part of this sequel, I didn’t expect any of the old ones to reappear (I mean at the end of the previous novel, most people surrounding Nathaniel are killed and off he goes to be the part of the elite). I completely forgot about Kitty, a girl that shows up shortly in the Bartimaeus narrative and makes a fool out of him. Well, she turns out to be an important character in this novel and there is a good reason for her introduction for it makes sense not just in terms of the plot but in adding a human dimension to this novel.
You see another thing I wondered about was what the relationship between the boy and the djinn would be like in the sequel. I took it for granted that there will be a relationship between the two of them. I assumed that the boy will, despite promising otherwise, summon the djinn to serve him once again. I was not mistaken, for Nathaniel indeed summons Bartimaeus when he finds himself in trouble. I guess we can give him some credit for at least attempting to avoiding his promise. What make the dynamics of their relationship so interesting in the first one is the fact that Nathaniel is vulnerable to Bartimaeus because the spirit knows his name. In addition, Nathaniel’s naivety (not to mention young age) made him less like other magicians. However, Nathaniel of Golem’s Eye, is not a very likeable character. He is only a few years older, but he is very much changed. Bartimaeus still can negotiate with him, because he knows his secret, but the relationship between them is different. Surely, Bartimaeus said some bad things about Nathaniel in the first sequel, but it was obvious that the boy’s youth got to him and that he felt some sympathy for him- probably because he reminded him of the Egyptian boy, the only master Bartimaeus seems to have respected. Nathaniel does show some sheds of decency that his superiors lack. Nevertheless, everything is different now. Hence, comes Kitty! As the only individual with some moral decency, she is contrasted sharply with all the other’s characters. This works very well with the premise of the novel that states that magicians are inheritably bad. As I said, I quite liked how the magicians need for power is showed to be pathological in essence. Indeed, I could strike some parallels with 1984, if only there wasn’t so much humour in this one. Everyone who says anything against magicians is, a priori, considered an enemy of the state in much the same way as described in 1984. So, my initial question of whether this sequel would elaborate on politics, revealing more about the power structures and dynamics of this would, could be answered with yes. There is a lot of serious issues tacked through Bartimaeus sarcasm, from slavery to colonialism. He is notorious for his funny remarks on humans, but this time we also get to see another side of him, the one hidden behind his sarcasm.
What makes this possible is Kitty. The author digresses into past to give us her background. This was also necessary because her story is connected with the plot in many ways. The reasons why Kitty hates magicians so much are quite relevant for the context of her story. In addition, the injustice Kitty suffered from the hands of magicians allows us to understand her actions. Her character development is handled with care. We understand why she is so driven to take revenge. We understand why even when everything seems futile, she doesn’t stop. Being the moral character she is, makes her invoke admiration in Bartimaeus, invoking him to share his knowledge of history and human societies with her. His discussions and dialogues with Kitty were really interesting and well developed. For me, Bartimaeus was always the star of the story and I was quite happy with his role in this novel. His bond with Kitty seemed quite genuine. All this happens later on in the story (exactly how their paths cross again I won’t say), but I will say it feels very real and meaningful all the same. The fact that spirits are forced to serve magicians is something we’re told from the beginning, but the sequel elaborates on it, comparing spirits (djinns and other lesser spirits and beings) with slaves. This sequel made me sympathize with others djinns, not just our charming Bartimaeus but it was through Bartimaeus conversation with Kitty that I realized how much spirits really hate being materialized and how it takes a toll on them.
I think that I said in my review of The Amulet how that first novel seemed (to me) more suitable for young adult and adult audience than for young children because it was quite dark in tone (no graphic description of violence in neither of these two, but there are plotted murders and deaths). However, this one seemed a bit lighter for some reason (even if it discussed serious matters at times) so it might very well be suited for older kids. It could have felt that way because there was a lot of humour in it, in all shapes and forms. Maybe it felt a bit ‘lighter’ because Kitty represents imminent if not evident hope for change. Moreover, Nathaniel’s turn into a ‘serious magician’ is not without a sense of comedy. He might be losing his moral compass, but his djinn is there to remind him of it and make fun of him every step of the way. His intellectualism still serves him well, but he seems lame in comparison with Kitty, who is the heroine of this one. That was refreshing- having a girl be a hero for once!
I pretty much liked everything about this one. There were only a few minor things bugging me. One of them was the way that the narration kept switching from first to third person when Bartimaeus would change form. For example, when he would become a cat, the sentence would be- the cat did this or that but then it would return to the first-person narration. Perhaps, this was to give us a better visual perspective of events. It might even serve to enable Bartimaeus to focus on narrating things his way, without having to explain what is he doing on the physical level. This was only a bit irritating at start, soon I got used to it and didn’t mind it. One thing that I did mind was how naïve Nathaniel still was, despite his obvious high intelligence. At a few places, I think he could have been less abashed with what was going on. Apart from that, his character development, with his teenage insecurities contrasted with incredible ambition, was well balanced. Another thing that I felt was lacking was a few good conversations between Bartimaeus and his master. I know that the novel was fast paced and that really wasn’t much place for it (especially with Kitty’s past and present life being introduced) but it would have been fun seeing more dialogue between them. Their changed relationship and estrangement did make sense; I was just left wanting a bit more. In this review, I focused mostly on characters and the world building. I know that didn’t really say much about the plot, but hey I didn’t want to spoil anything for anyone. That- and truthfully as entertaining as the story itself has been (who doesn’t like a nice detective story?) that was not my primary field of interest. However, I will comment on the ending. I must say that the climax is really superb and that it all ties nicely in the end. Towards the end, I kept asking myself how will everything get resolved, but actually the ending felt quite natural. All in all, the sequel was more than satisfactory. I expected it to be good, but not this good. In my view, it was perfect.
If one cares to, one can draw many parallels to our own world, just switch the magicians with modern politicians. The magic could be used as a metaphor for power and money. In this alternative world, the general public doesn’t have much say in anything. It is understood that the magicians know better and that the commoners should just look after their own business and stay out of magicians’ way. In other ways, exactly like democracies in Europe and USA. As far as I can recall, nobody asked us, the European public, would we like to stop trading with Russia? There was no referendum on that subject in any EU country. I’m not an expert on economy, but one doesn’t have to be to know that the record high unemployment in Europe is a sign of economic collapse and you don’t need to be one smart cookie to figure out that a bit of trade would go a long way right now. Likewise, I didn’t notice that American politicians are consulting the public on the subject of whether it is a good idea to provoke a nuclear superpower into a war? If some politician decides it is time to go to war, that’s what happens. Nobody asks the public anything. Yes, we get to choose between people serving identical power groups every few years but that doesn’t amount to much, does it? If it seems to you that this scenario where one small group dominates another larger group seems unlikely, think again.
I swear this real world we live in sometimes sounds more ridiculous than a third-rate fantasy novel. No wonder I feel the need to escape it by reading first class fantasy novels. This novel seems a lot more logical and better thought through than our own ‘real’ world (and the sense of humour is right up my alley, so no wonder I like it so much). I mean there is a logical explanation to why people don’t rebel against politicians/magicians in this novel, they have a complete control over the schools, the media, the education, every aspect of life. What is the explanation for general public being so passive and believing everything it is told in our world? Golem’s Eye does give us plenty of explanations as to why this world is the way it is, but this time the dynamics of a narrative are a bit different, it is no longer only about the boy and the djinn, now it there is another character that takes the prominent place. When I wondered, what characters would be a part of this sequel, I didn’t expect any of the old ones to reappear (I mean at the end of the previous novel, most people surrounding Nathaniel are killed and off he goes to be the part of the elite). I completely forgot about Kitty, a girl that shows up shortly in the Bartimaeus narrative and makes a fool out of him. Well, she turns out to be an important character in this novel and there is a good reason for her introduction for it makes sense not just in terms of the plot but in adding a human dimension to this novel.
You see another thing I wondered about was what the relationship between the boy and the djinn would be like in the sequel. I took it for granted that there will be a relationship between the two of them. I assumed that the boy will, despite promising otherwise, summon the djinn to serve him once again. I was not mistaken, for Nathaniel indeed summons Bartimaeus when he finds himself in trouble. I guess we can give him some credit for at least attempting to avoiding his promise. What make the dynamics of their relationship so interesting in the first one is the fact that Nathaniel is vulnerable to Bartimaeus because the spirit knows his name. In addition, Nathaniel’s naivety (not to mention young age) made him less like other magicians. However, Nathaniel of Golem’s Eye, is not a very likeable character. He is only a few years older, but he is very much changed. Bartimaeus still can negotiate with him, because he knows his secret, but the relationship between them is different. Surely, Bartimaeus said some bad things about Nathaniel in the first sequel, but it was obvious that the boy’s youth got to him and that he felt some sympathy for him- probably because he reminded him of the Egyptian boy, the only master Bartimaeus seems to have respected. Nathaniel does show some sheds of decency that his superiors lack. Nevertheless, everything is different now. Hence, comes Kitty! As the only individual with some moral decency, she is contrasted sharply with all the other’s characters. This works very well with the premise of the novel that states that magicians are inheritably bad. As I said, I quite liked how the magicians need for power is showed to be pathological in essence. Indeed, I could strike some parallels with 1984, if only there wasn’t so much humour in this one. Everyone who says anything against magicians is, a priori, considered an enemy of the state in much the same way as described in 1984. So, my initial question of whether this sequel would elaborate on politics, revealing more about the power structures and dynamics of this would, could be answered with yes. There is a lot of serious issues tacked through Bartimaeus sarcasm, from slavery to colonialism. He is notorious for his funny remarks on humans, but this time we also get to see another side of him, the one hidden behind his sarcasm.
What makes this possible is Kitty. The author digresses into past to give us her background. This was also necessary because her story is connected with the plot in many ways. The reasons why Kitty hates magicians so much are quite relevant for the context of her story. In addition, the injustice Kitty suffered from the hands of magicians allows us to understand her actions. Her character development is handled with care. We understand why she is so driven to take revenge. We understand why even when everything seems futile, she doesn’t stop. Being the moral character she is, makes her invoke admiration in Bartimaeus, invoking him to share his knowledge of history and human societies with her. His discussions and dialogues with Kitty were really interesting and well developed. For me, Bartimaeus was always the star of the story and I was quite happy with his role in this novel. His bond with Kitty seemed quite genuine. All this happens later on in the story (exactly how their paths cross again I won’t say), but I will say it feels very real and meaningful all the same. The fact that spirits are forced to serve magicians is something we’re told from the beginning, but the sequel elaborates on it, comparing spirits (djinns and other lesser spirits and beings) with slaves. This sequel made me sympathize with others djinns, not just our charming Bartimaeus but it was through Bartimaeus conversation with Kitty that I realized how much spirits really hate being materialized and how it takes a toll on them.
I think that I said in my review of The Amulet how that first novel seemed (to me) more suitable for young adult and adult audience than for young children because it was quite dark in tone (no graphic description of violence in neither of these two, but there are plotted murders and deaths). However, this one seemed a bit lighter for some reason (even if it discussed serious matters at times) so it might very well be suited for older kids. It could have felt that way because there was a lot of humour in it, in all shapes and forms. Maybe it felt a bit ‘lighter’ because Kitty represents imminent if not evident hope for change. Moreover, Nathaniel’s turn into a ‘serious magician’ is not without a sense of comedy. He might be losing his moral compass, but his djinn is there to remind him of it and make fun of him every step of the way. His intellectualism still serves him well, but he seems lame in comparison with Kitty, who is the heroine of this one. That was refreshing- having a girl be a hero for once!
I pretty much liked everything about this one. There were only a few minor things bugging me. One of them was the way that the narration kept switching from first to third person when Bartimaeus would change form. For example, when he would become a cat, the sentence would be- the cat did this or that but then it would return to the first-person narration. Perhaps, this was to give us a better visual perspective of events. It might even serve to enable Bartimaeus to focus on narrating things his way, without having to explain what is he doing on the physical level. This was only a bit irritating at start, soon I got used to it and didn’t mind it. One thing that I did mind was how naïve Nathaniel still was, despite his obvious high intelligence. At a few places, I think he could have been less abashed with what was going on. Apart from that, his character development, with his teenage insecurities contrasted with incredible ambition, was well balanced. Another thing that I felt was lacking was a few good conversations between Bartimaeus and his master. I know that the novel was fast paced and that really wasn’t much place for it (especially with Kitty’s past and present life being introduced) but it would have been fun seeing more dialogue between them. Their changed relationship and estrangement did make sense; I was just left wanting a bit more. In this review, I focused mostly on characters and the world building. I know that didn’t really say much about the plot, but hey I didn’t want to spoil anything for anyone. That- and truthfully as entertaining as the story itself has been (who doesn’t like a nice detective story?) that was not my primary field of interest. However, I will comment on the ending. I must say that the climax is really superb and that it all ties nicely in the end. Towards the end, I kept asking myself how will everything get resolved, but actually the ending felt quite natural. All in all, the sequel was more than satisfactory. I expected it to be good, but not this good. In my view, it was perfect.
October 22, 2020
«The Golem's Eye»
Novel by Jonathan Stroud
@doubleday
@randonhousechildrensbooks
Originally published: 2004
1 The Amulet of Samarkand
3 Ptolemy's Gate
⠀
«Бартімеус. Книга 2. Око Ґолема»
Джонатан Страуд
А-ба-ба-га-ла-ма-га 2018
@ababahalamaha
Переклад: Володимир Панченко
⠀
Осінь для мене пахне магією...
⠀
Період книг і ароматного чаю, коли температура і листя падають, а виникає бажання дочекатися туконі й впасти в зимову сплячку.
⠀
Око Ґолема - це ще одна історія про чаклунський Лондон.
⠀
Про пошуки магії і протистояння їй. Тут немає рожевих єдинорогів, але є дуже харизматичний і говіркий джин Бартімеус.
⠀
Вас не захоплюватимуть пихаті чарівники-міністри, ваше серце заполонить безстрашна дівчина Кіті з «Спротиву».
⠀
Коли магія не твориться легко (пентаклі, книги та багато різних магічних предметів).
⠀
Коли навколо тебе лише вороги (серед чаклунів немає друзі, є лише вороги, конкуренти й приховані вороги та конкуренти).
⠀
Коли один невірний крок може вбити (прочитав неправильно закляття - бам і пожовтів, намалював неправильний пентакль - ням і тебе з‘їли).
⠀
Коли у світі не цінується мораль, вірність і дружба. Коли навіть поневолені злі демони й джини, знають більше про свободу й силу даного слова ніж їхні господарі величні чарівники.
⠀
Ця книжка, як і перша частина «Бартімеус. Книга 1. Амулет Самарканда» мені дуже сподобалася!
⠀
#примхливачитака
Novel by Jonathan Stroud
@doubleday
@randonhousechildrensbooks
Originally published: 2004
1 The Amulet of Samarkand
3 Ptolemy's Gate
⠀
«Бартімеус. Книга 2. Око Ґолема»
Джонатан Страуд
А-ба-ба-га-ла-ма-га 2018
@ababahalamaha
Переклад: Володимир Панченко
⠀
Осінь для мене пахне магією...
⠀
Період книг і ароматного чаю, коли температура і листя падають, а виникає бажання дочекатися туконі й впасти в зимову сплячку.
⠀
Око Ґолема - це ще одна історія про чаклунський Лондон.
⠀
Про пошуки магії і протистояння їй. Тут немає рожевих єдинорогів, але є дуже харизматичний і говіркий джин Бартімеус.
⠀
Вас не захоплюватимуть пихаті чарівники-міністри, ваше серце заполонить безстрашна дівчина Кіті з «Спротиву».
⠀
Коли магія не твориться легко (пентаклі, книги та багато різних магічних предметів).
⠀
Коли навколо тебе лише вороги (серед чаклунів немає друзі, є лише вороги, конкуренти й приховані вороги та конкуренти).
⠀
Коли один невірний крок може вбити (прочитав неправильно закляття - бам і пожовтів, намалював неправильний пентакль - ням і тебе з‘їли).
⠀
Коли у світі не цінується мораль, вірність і дружба. Коли навіть поневолені злі демони й джини, знають більше про свободу й силу даного слова ніж їхні господарі величні чарівники.
⠀
Ця книжка, як і перша частина «Бартімеус. Книга 1. Амулет Самарканда» мені дуже сподобалася!
⠀
#примхливачитака
February 2, 2018
The Golem's Eye, Jonathan Stroud, 2003
The Golem's Eye is a children's novel of alternate history, fantasy and magic. It is the second book in the Bartimaeus trilogy written by British author Jonathan Stroud. The first edition was released by Miramax 1 January 2004 in the United Kingdom. 6 million copies have been sold in 36 countries. It was a New York Times best-seller in 2004. The book and series are about the power struggles in a magical dystopia centred in London, England featuring a mixture of modern and ancient, secular and mythological themes.
Characters: Bartimaeus, Kathleen "Kitty" Jones, Nathaniel
تاریخ خوانش: از بیست و ششم ماه فوریه سال 2014 تا هشتم ماه مارس سال 2014 میلادی
عنوان: چشم گولم؛ اثر: جاناتان استرود؛ برگردان: محمد قصاع؛ نشر: تهران، افق، 1391، در 835 ص، فروست: رمان نوجوان؛ 88، رمانهای سه گانه ی بارتیمیوس؛ 2، شابک: 9789643697518؛ چاپ دوم: 1392؛ موضوع: داستانهای کودکان از نویسندگان انگلیسی -- قرن 20 م
ناتانیل، جادوگر چهارده ساله، اکنون ماموریت دارد گروهی را که در مراکز مهم شهر حادثه میآفرینند، شناسایی و نابود کند. اما این کار، ساده نیست. اعضای گروه مخفی، از جمله کیتی، خود را پنهان کرده اند و همزمان با حمله های دیگری به پایتخت، ذهن ناتانیل را به هم میریزند. آیا این حمله ها از سوی همان گروه مخفی ست یا گروهی خطرناکت در پشت کار استر؟ ناتانیل برای کشف حقیقت باید به پایتخت سرزمین دشمن برود و جن بزرگ، بارتیمیوس را احضار کند. ا. شربیانی
The Golem's Eye is a children's novel of alternate history, fantasy and magic. It is the second book in the Bartimaeus trilogy written by British author Jonathan Stroud. The first edition was released by Miramax 1 January 2004 in the United Kingdom. 6 million copies have been sold in 36 countries. It was a New York Times best-seller in 2004. The book and series are about the power struggles in a magical dystopia centred in London, England featuring a mixture of modern and ancient, secular and mythological themes.
Characters: Bartimaeus, Kathleen "Kitty" Jones, Nathaniel
تاریخ خوانش: از بیست و ششم ماه فوریه سال 2014 تا هشتم ماه مارس سال 2014 میلادی
عنوان: چشم گولم؛ اثر: جاناتان استرود؛ برگردان: محمد قصاع؛ نشر: تهران، افق، 1391، در 835 ص، فروست: رمان نوجوان؛ 88، رمانهای سه گانه ی بارتیمیوس؛ 2، شابک: 9789643697518؛ چاپ دوم: 1392؛ موضوع: داستانهای کودکان از نویسندگان انگلیسی -- قرن 20 م
ناتانیل، جادوگر چهارده ساله، اکنون ماموریت دارد گروهی را که در مراکز مهم شهر حادثه میآفرینند، شناسایی و نابود کند. اما این کار، ساده نیست. اعضای گروه مخفی، از جمله کیتی، خود را پنهان کرده اند و همزمان با حمله های دیگری به پایتخت، ذهن ناتانیل را به هم میریزند. آیا این حمله ها از سوی همان گروه مخفی ست یا گروهی خطرناکت در پشت کار استر؟ ناتانیل برای کشف حقیقت باید به پایتخت سرزمین دشمن برود و جن بزرگ، بارتیمیوس را احضار کند. ا. شربیانی
October 14, 2018
4.5 stars
This series is getting better and better and I honestly have no real reason not to give it 5 stars except that I find it really hard to give 5 stars to children and middle grade books, sorry XD
Just please tell me what is better than a morally grey 13 year old boy with a djinni as a servant? You can't can you?
It's so fascinating to see this in a children's book. I usually don't like morally grey characters because I can never see the reason behind their actions. The idea to hurt people and use them even if life did really deal you a crappy hand never really entered my head.
But to see this in a child, it's really interesting.
I can't put it into words. The difference between a grey character having a flashback to what happened to them to be this way and actually growing up with them till they become what they are is huge to me.
And the age makes all the difference too, if it's a younger character I sympathize more but if the character is of a certain age I really have a hard time seeing how certain events can lead them to be the way they become. Especially when they blame others for what happened to them, this always felt so childish to me.
Back to this series. I've heard a couple of reviews mentioning how good of an ending this series has and I can't wait. I sense there's a whole lot more to Bartimaeus's character and I really want to see more, I really like him.
I like Nathaniel and Katty too.
I don't really know what else to say, it seems that all my thoughts scattered away the moment I clicked the I'm finished button XD
This really one of those books I would've loved to read and experience as a child, it's not technically and underrated book but I can't believe it's not as hyped as other books.
This was a highly entertaining read and I recommend it.
This series is getting better and better and I honestly have no real reason not to give it 5 stars except that I find it really hard to give 5 stars to children and middle grade books, sorry XD
Just please tell me what is better than a morally grey 13 year old boy with a djinni as a servant? You can't can you?
It's so fascinating to see this in a children's book. I usually don't like morally grey characters because I can never see the reason behind their actions. The idea to hurt people and use them even if life did really deal you a crappy hand never really entered my head.
But to see this in a child, it's really interesting.
I can't put it into words. The difference between a grey character having a flashback to what happened to them to be this way and actually growing up with them till they become what they are is huge to me.
And the age makes all the difference too, if it's a younger character I sympathize more but if the character is of a certain age I really have a hard time seeing how certain events can lead them to be the way they become. Especially when they blame others for what happened to them, this always felt so childish to me.
Back to this series. I've heard a couple of reviews mentioning how good of an ending this series has and I can't wait. I sense there's a whole lot more to Bartimaeus's character and I really want to see more, I really like him.
I like Nathaniel and Katty too.
I don't really know what else to say, it seems that all my thoughts scattered away the moment I clicked the I'm finished button XD
This really one of those books I would've loved to read and experience as a child, it's not technically and underrated book but I can't believe it's not as hyped as other books.
This was a highly entertaining read and I recommend it.
March 1, 2014
This hilarious novel is the second in the Bartimaeus Trilogy. The story picks up where the first book in the trilogy (The Amulet of Samarkand) leaves off. Most of the story takes place in London, where the government is made up of magicians. These magicians are all power-hungry, calculating, feckless, craven, jealous, and self-serving to the n'th degree.
The 14-year-old Nathaniel is an up-and-coming magician in charge of security operations in the department of internal affairs. He is blamed for incompetence with regards to two threats; the resistance--a secret society blamed for stealing magical artifacts--and a golem, who is trouncing across London causing major havoc. Nathaniel's personality has changed since the first novel--he is now more power-hungry, and his ethics have taken a bit of a dive, becoming more like those of the average magician. Nathaniel does his best to unearth those to blame for these threats, mostly relying on his captive slave, the 5000-year-old jinni Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus is a lovable character--saucy, sardonic, witty, brave, fatalistic, and street-smart. His cheeky comments do not endear himself to his master, but they make for hilarious dialog. He is sagacious, and ever mindful of his limits and the limitations of the magicians.
Kitty is a teen-aged key player in the resistance. She is naive, but persistent, resilient, and somewhat resistant to magic. Her high ethical standards (as with most of the others in the resistance) are in sharp opposition to everyone else. Bartimaeus almost takes a liking to her, for her refreshing honesty, courage, and individualism.
Now, I didn't read this book--I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Simon Jones. I must say that Jones is a fantastic reader. His British accents are wonderful, his reading of the crazy skeleton demon is out of this world, and all of the characters come out clearly as individuals. My recommendation is do not read this book--listen to it!
The 14-year-old Nathaniel is an up-and-coming magician in charge of security operations in the department of internal affairs. He is blamed for incompetence with regards to two threats; the resistance--a secret society blamed for stealing magical artifacts--and a golem, who is trouncing across London causing major havoc. Nathaniel's personality has changed since the first novel--he is now more power-hungry, and his ethics have taken a bit of a dive, becoming more like those of the average magician. Nathaniel does his best to unearth those to blame for these threats, mostly relying on his captive slave, the 5000-year-old jinni Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus is a lovable character--saucy, sardonic, witty, brave, fatalistic, and street-smart. His cheeky comments do not endear himself to his master, but they make for hilarious dialog. He is sagacious, and ever mindful of his limits and the limitations of the magicians.
Kitty is a teen-aged key player in the resistance. She is naive, but persistent, resilient, and somewhat resistant to magic. Her high ethical standards (as with most of the others in the resistance) are in sharp opposition to everyone else. Bartimaeus almost takes a liking to her, for her refreshing honesty, courage, and individualism.
Now, I didn't read this book--I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Simon Jones. I must say that Jones is a fantastic reader. His British accents are wonderful, his reading of the crazy skeleton demon is out of this world, and all of the characters come out clearly as individuals. My recommendation is do not read this book--listen to it!
August 25, 2015
I really liked the first book in the series, but this second one just doesn't match up. I still admire the world-building (a magical system based on good old fashioned demon summoning!) and Bartimaeus himself is still a fun character to read. But Nathaniel has become almost unbearable to read. All the magicians, in fact, read like parodies of arrogant aristocrats. It isn't entirely unjustified, in this world, but it sure isn't fun to read. Sadly, I didn't like the so-called Resistance much more. Now, I'm generally going to be in favor of a small group of dedicated revolutionaries fighting against extreme odds (see: Les Misérables), but that is not this group. They don't seem to be terribly interested in doing anything other than petty thefts of magical artifacts and minor vandalism, which will do... what, exactly? Also, they were all pretty annoying, too. In fact, the only character I liked at all was Bartimaeus, but not nearly enough of the book was from his perspective. I'm really disappointed, because I do think the world-building is generally very good and the first book was so strong.
May 20, 2014
My first thought right after reading the book is that it is filled with temperamental and cocky teenagers, equally self-absorbed, bickering and snotty adult magicians and one Mr. Love guru called Bartimaeus. Which actually is not a bad thing cause he cracks me up.
Yup, ive been doing that quite a lot when Im reading :))
Character For me, they were pretty much 1-dimensional. The magicians are power-hungry, self-obsessed, egoistic, with really nothing to brag about except they could control the Spirits. Most of the time, they come off very easy to manipulate. As what Bartimaeus once said, they are all driven by power and greed. Or you know, something like that.
The commoners, or the people with no magical aptitude, are either stupid or mindless cowards who spend the rest of the book just being told what to do, clueless or cowering in fear from the magicians. But I get that, we must learn to bow down to authorities but they just come off rather too compliant and dull. And if there are actually people who are willing to fight for their rights, they come off too strongly.
Which brings me to the Resistance. what the Commoners lack, the Resistance are abundant of it. Even to the point of being too confident with their abilities that in the end, they ended up being cocky and arrogant themselves but the second book did tackle this one out and accepted the mistakes being made. It was dealt with properly and I liked the closure.
I could sympathize with the characters but I couldn't seem to make myself care for them. The only like-able character for me is Bartimaeus, the others fell kind of flat or annoying. It took me a while to warm up to Kitty and by the end of the book, I came to like her too. But not that much. Just enough so I could stop rolling my eyes during her POVs. teehee.
Aside from all of that, I still enjoyed reading it. The readers get to be introduced to new environments and delve deeper into the story. Like the history of other Empires, the magicians, djinns. More information were being laid out and there were a lot of actions to keep me excited. There were even time when I have to stop reading it cause I can't handle the suspense just like so:
Oh, and by the way, meet Honorius. I couldnt help but imagine him this way :))
But he actually looks like this:
So I am truly grateful that mine turned out to be cartoon/anime-ish than it really is cause I might not have slept last night.
Yup, ive been doing that quite a lot when Im reading :))
Character For me, they were pretty much 1-dimensional. The magicians are power-hungry, self-obsessed, egoistic, with really nothing to brag about except they could control the Spirits. Most of the time, they come off very easy to manipulate. As what Bartimaeus once said, they are all driven by power and greed. Or you know, something like that.
The commoners, or the people with no magical aptitude, are either stupid or mindless cowards who spend the rest of the book just being told what to do, clueless or cowering in fear from the magicians. But I get that, we must learn to bow down to authorities but they just come off rather too compliant and dull. And if there are actually people who are willing to fight for their rights, they come off too strongly.
Which brings me to the Resistance. what the Commoners lack, the Resistance are abundant of it. Even to the point of being too confident with their abilities that in the end, they ended up being cocky and arrogant themselves but the second book did tackle this one out and accepted the mistakes being made. It was dealt with properly and I liked the closure.
I could sympathize with the characters but I couldn't seem to make myself care for them. The only like-able character for me is Bartimaeus, the others fell kind of flat or annoying. It took me a while to warm up to Kitty and by the end of the book, I came to like her too. But not that much. Just enough so I could stop rolling my eyes during her POVs. teehee.
Aside from all of that, I still enjoyed reading it. The readers get to be introduced to new environments and delve deeper into the story. Like the history of other Empires, the magicians, djinns. More information were being laid out and there were a lot of actions to keep me excited. There were even time when I have to stop reading it cause I can't handle the suspense just like so:
Oh, and by the way, meet Honorius. I couldnt help but imagine him this way :))
But he actually looks like this:
So I am truly grateful that mine turned out to be cartoon/anime-ish than it really is cause I might not have slept last night.
May 2, 2022
Seconda avventura per i due protagonisti.
Come già per il primo libro Stroud ci regala un'altra buona avventura magica che scorre facilmente e ci diverte per qualche ora. Forse inferiore al primo. Il personaggio protagonista rimane sempre il demone Bartimeus che continua a farci sbellicare e il giovincello mago umano che continua a rendersi odioso.
Come già per il primo libro Stroud ci regala un'altra buona avventura magica che scorre facilmente e ci diverte per qualche ora. Forse inferiore al primo. Il personaggio protagonista rimane sempre il demone Bartimeus che continua a farci sbellicare e il giovincello mago umano che continua a rendersi odioso.
November 2, 2022
This is highly entertaining in that it is fast-paced, unpredictable, funny, and adventurous. This is the sequel to The Amulet of Samarkand, although it's not critical that you read that one first; both are self-contained stories and do not end with big cliffhangers. Like the first book, the story is told from the first-person view of Bartimaeus, the egotistical, condescending "genie," and the magician Nathaniel, who is now 14 and rising to prominence in the British government. This book also introduces Kitty, a "commoner" (non-magician) who belongs to the resistance against magician rule. Much of the book is told from her perspective, starting at the present and going back at times to show her background (like we had with Nathaniel in the first book).
I think the story is set in modern times, but Britain is still a great empire that still rules the American colonies. This alternate history adds to the creativity of the story.
The scene where Bartimaeus meets Nathaniel again is just hilarious. So is the part where Bartimaeus finally meets Kitty, whom he admires when he learns she punched Nathaniel.
All in all, great characters and plot. I had a hard time guessing what would happen next. The writing style itself is very good.
I think the story is set in modern times, but Britain is still a great empire that still rules the American colonies. This alternate history adds to the creativity of the story.
The scene where Bartimaeus meets Nathaniel again is just hilarious. So is the part where Bartimaeus finally meets Kitty, whom he admires when he learns she punched Nathaniel.
All in all, great characters and plot. I had a hard time guessing what would happen next. The writing style itself is very good.
November 2, 2016
Μια από τις αγαπημένες μου σειρές - παραμύθια, κυρίως λόγω του βιτριολικού χιούμορ που τη διακρίνει. Ο Βαρτιμαίος, το πειθήνιο τζίνι (το τι λέει από μέσα του όμως είναι άλλου παπά ευαγγέλιο) είναι από τους αγαπημένους μου ήρωες - καρικατούρες (πω πω, έτσι και με άκουγε να τον λέω έτσι, θα ερχόταν από το υπερπέραν με όλες τις δαιμονικές κατάρες που ήξερε!!!)
Με άρωμα ανατολής και μεσαιωνικής ευρώπης, ένα παραμύθι με πολέμους μάγων για μικρούς και μεγάλους (ποιους μικρούς δηλαδή.. ιεραρχήστε τις ανάγκες σας με τα πιτσιρίκια και αν γκρινιάζουν μέχρι να τελειώσετε εσείς με το Βαρτιμαίο δώστε τους το σπασίκλα!!)
Με άρωμα ανατολής και μεσαιωνικής ευρώπης, ένα παραμύθι με πολέμους μάγων για μικρούς και μεγάλους (ποιους μικρούς δηλαδή.. ιεραρχήστε τις ανάγκες σας με τα πιτσιρίκια και αν γκρινιάζουν μέχρι να τελειώσετε εσείς με το Βαρτιμαίο δώστε τους το σπασίκλα!!)
October 26, 2019
Друга частина не гірша попередньої. Хоча в ній є декілька гротескних епізодів, загалом текст піднімає важливіші питання. Наприклад, про доцільність тероризму для досягнення благородних цілей. Звісно, є й сюжети, притаманні young adult літератури: вірність своєму слову, підтримка близьких та рідних тощо.
Страуд в цьому тому розгулявся - і крім іронічно-саркастичного Бартімеуса з'явився безумний Гонорій! Але жодних спойлерів.
Крім того, інтрига виявилася більш закрученою, а стиль... Місцями Страуд пише першокласний горор! Якраз до місця!
В тексті провисає декілька питань, але маю надію, що в третьому томі на них дадуть відповідь!
Якщо ж говорити про "світ Бартімеуса", то якщо й порівнювати його з Гаррі Поттером, то хіба в такому формулюванні: "Соціологічна версія Гаррі Поттера". По-перше, Страуд описує класове (майже кастове) суспільство, де чарівники мають всю владу. Фактично, вони неодворяни, які зневажливо ставляться до простолюду. І дійсно, чому в Роулінґ Волдеморт чи Ґріндевальд не перемогли? Природна доброта магів? Please! Залізний закон олігархії тут все пояснює.
По-друге, Страуд робить омажі Орвелу: чаклуни вчать простолюд "правильній" історії, простолюд ще й вдячний "партії" за те, що турбується за нього тощо.
По-третє, Страуд показує, що в таких умовах точно виникне Спротив владі чарівників. Але яким він буде в умовах, коли відсутня свобода зібрань, та й влада не є демократичною, а становою. Ясна річ, що вони вдадуться до тероризму - як народовольці в Рос.імперії ХІХ ст. І з такими ж успіхами. Тобто в плані опису соціальних реалій Страуд має цілком продуману концепцію. І хоча вона аж ніяк не є приємною, але виглядає цілком правдоподібною. Тим цікавіше стежити, як герої не просто розгадують таємні змови, але й є маріонетками соціальних сил. Тому це фентезі ще й дуже соціологічне - і змушує думати і про сучасний світ!
П.С. а от український переклад не вельми... Відсутність літературного редактора дається взнаки, бо перекладач часто вдається до русизмів, тавтологій, а деколи і просто помилок (плутає персонажів). І так, офіційно тут, як і в попередньому томі, немає літредактора
Страуд в цьому тому розгулявся - і крім іронічно-саркастичного Бартімеуса з'явився безумний Гонорій! Але жодних спойлерів.
Крім того, інтрига виявилася більш закрученою, а стиль... Місцями Страуд пише першокласний горор! Якраз до місця!
В тексті провисає декілька питань, але маю надію, що в третьому томі на них дадуть відповідь!
Якщо ж говорити про "світ Бартімеуса", то якщо й порівнювати його з Гаррі Поттером, то хіба в такому формулюванні: "Соціологічна версія Гаррі Поттера". По-перше, Страуд описує класове (майже кастове) суспільство, де чарівники мають всю владу. Фактично, вони неодворяни, які зневажливо ставляться до простолюду. І дійсно, чому в Роулінґ Волдеморт чи Ґріндевальд не перемогли? Природна доброта магів? Please! Залізний закон олігархії тут все пояснює.
По-друге, Страуд робить омажі Орвелу: чаклуни вчать простолюд "правильній" історії, простолюд ще й вдячний "партії" за те, що турбується за нього тощо.
По-третє, Страуд показує, що в таких умовах точно виникне Спротив владі чарівників. Але яким він буде в умовах, коли відсутня свобода зібрань, та й влада не є демократичною, а становою. Ясна річ, що вони вдадуться до тероризму - як народовольці в Рос.імперії ХІХ ст. І з такими ж успіхами. Тобто в плані опису соціальних реалій Страуд має цілком продуману концепцію. І хоча вона аж ніяк не є приємною, але виглядає цілком правдоподібною. Тим цікавіше стежити, як герої не просто розгадують таємні змови, але й є маріонетками соціальних сил. Тому це фентезі ще й дуже соціологічне - і змушує думати і про сучасний світ!
П.С. а от український переклад не вельми... Відсутність літературного редактора дається взнаки, бо перекладач часто вдається до русизмів, тавтологій, а деколи і просто помилок (плутає персонажів). І так, офіційно тут, як і в попередньому томі, немає літредактора
July 15, 2010
3.5 stars. Bartimaeus is a great character and this is a fast, fun read. That said, I didn't like this installment as much as the first book in the series, The Amulet of Samarkand, which I thought was fantastic. My reasons are: (1) I thought Nathaniel (aka John Mandrake) was pretty annoying much of the time and sometimes downright unlikeable; (2) I didn't think the author expanded enough on the mythology underlying the story (i.e., the magic system, the histories and powers of the various classes of demons) which I think is very interesting; and (3) I didn't think the scope of the plot was as big or engaging as in the first novel.
Criticism aside, the story is well-written and Bartimaeus, when he is on page, is a ton of fun. I will certainly read the last book in the trilogy and hope that it resembles book 1 more than book 2.
Winner: Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for YA Novel
Nominee: Locus Award for YA Fantasy Novel
Criticism aside, the story is well-written and Bartimaeus, when he is on page, is a ton of fun. I will certainly read the last book in the trilogy and hope that it resembles book 1 more than book 2.
Winner: Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for YA Novel
Nominee: Locus Award for YA Fantasy Novel
September 20, 2022
Bartimaeus was gold. Loved Kitty's characterization and couldn't wait for her even more significant role in the final. Nathaniel was ridiculous and more a jerk than ever, but I found the development of this naive, lonely teenager kind of intriguing. Mythology element in the series needed more exposure and exploration, especially the history and inner working of the spirit various classes. Writer seriously needed to make less caricatures of the magicians. None of them was distinctive in any way. Sadly, the story in this sequel itself was less exciting, sort of predictable and dull.
September 16, 2010
THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND & THE GOLEM'S EYE BY JONATHAN STROUD: So I met Jonathan Stroud last Friday, author of the Bartimaeus triology, of which the first two are out: "The Amulet of Samarkand" and "The Golem's Eye." He came to the bookstore I work at in Petaluma, Copperfield's, and was pretty entertaining. He was the classic English guy writing about a doomed England of magic and magicians and the regular people known as "commoners": average English accent from near London area with some clipped Cockney when speaking, but when reading clear, upper class southern England accent; a very ordinary looking guy in a t-shirt and slacks, totally unassuming and seemingly unaware that he's a big famous author who's growing and growing in notoriety.
I was talking to him about how I really liked that in his fantasy books involving magicians being separate and higher in social stature than ordinary people like you and me, Stroud pays more attention to what is happening socially with the paradigm, than just telling a story about a hot-shot wizard doing great things. And he seemed happy to know that I had spotted this in his books. That they took a different direction to most of the kids fantasy books out today involving the Harry Potter character, which has now practically become an archetype.
In the world of the Bartimaeus triolgy, magicians don't actually have that much power. They have all their control and magic from summoning djinn from another world and using them to do magical things, and all the summoning of imps, djinn, and higher level afrits is done through reading incantations from books. So in this world, the magicians really don't have that much power. The magicians control the entire government from Parliament to the prime minister.
And then you have the ordinary people, the "commoners" who are a subjugated people who work in factories and any and all jobs that involve labor. And are meek and always do as they are told, and it comes off as an almost Orwellian distopia. Except there are a few that somehow possess some ability to take attacks from magicians and djinn and not be killed by them and that they are able to see on multiple planes. There are seven planes, humans can only see on the first, and magicians with the aid of lenses can see the first three, while the djinn and afrits are on all seven planes. And this group are known as the "Resistance," as they try to overthrow the magicians and take back control of the country.
And then there's the nebulous rest of Europe in which you have the east consisting mainly of the Czechs who are warring against the English and have been for a long time, but are now at truce.
So it's a very interesting world with lots going on instead of just some tough wizard kid fighting a bad guy. I recommend it to all who want to read a different kind of fantasy.
For more reviews, and author interviews, go to BookBanter.
I was talking to him about how I really liked that in his fantasy books involving magicians being separate and higher in social stature than ordinary people like you and me, Stroud pays more attention to what is happening socially with the paradigm, than just telling a story about a hot-shot wizard doing great things. And he seemed happy to know that I had spotted this in his books. That they took a different direction to most of the kids fantasy books out today involving the Harry Potter character, which has now practically become an archetype.
In the world of the Bartimaeus triolgy, magicians don't actually have that much power. They have all their control and magic from summoning djinn from another world and using them to do magical things, and all the summoning of imps, djinn, and higher level afrits is done through reading incantations from books. So in this world, the magicians really don't have that much power. The magicians control the entire government from Parliament to the prime minister.
And then you have the ordinary people, the "commoners" who are a subjugated people who work in factories and any and all jobs that involve labor. And are meek and always do as they are told, and it comes off as an almost Orwellian distopia. Except there are a few that somehow possess some ability to take attacks from magicians and djinn and not be killed by them and that they are able to see on multiple planes. There are seven planes, humans can only see on the first, and magicians with the aid of lenses can see the first three, while the djinn and afrits are on all seven planes. And this group are known as the "Resistance," as they try to overthrow the magicians and take back control of the country.
And then there's the nebulous rest of Europe in which you have the east consisting mainly of the Czechs who are warring against the English and have been for a long time, but are now at truce.
So it's a very interesting world with lots going on instead of just some tough wizard kid fighting a bad guy. I recommend it to all who want to read a different kind of fantasy.
For more reviews, and author interviews, go to BookBanter.
March 27, 2011
I am so disappointed in Nathaniel. I really am. I just miss the little boy from the first book so much. I have a feeling that he's the necessary collateral damage from the society that he lives in, and I guess that I can understand that not all of the good guys stay good and vice versa, but I really am sad that it had to end in this way.
Well, not end, there is still one more book to go before the ending of this story, but the end of this particular one. I really don't know what is going to happen next, and somehow I don't even want to find out. Whan you get your hopes up this low, I really don't see how they can get back up. But, aside from my sligh negative feelings about Nathaniel, I still think that this is really a book worth reading.
Maybe it's not for little children, like I thought so for the first one, because it deals with slightly subtler and not-as-refined human emotions. I don't believe that this series could actually ever have a happily-ever-after by the fairy tale standards, I believe that the ending was as happy as it could get in the given time. And I have to say that Stroud really made a marvelous job when it comes to the subtlety in this book.
The story is fascinating. Searching for the golem's eye was very interesting from both Bartimaeus' and Kitty's point of view, and their struggles and their small meeting really left me feeling nice. I don't believe any book ever had that nice feeling attached to it. But still, it was pretty dampened by Nathaniel's behavior, because I got really attached to him in th first book. I only hope that everything will be resolved in the next one.
Well, not end, there is still one more book to go before the ending of this story, but the end of this particular one. I really don't know what is going to happen next, and somehow I don't even want to find out. Whan you get your hopes up this low, I really don't see how they can get back up. But, aside from my sligh negative feelings about Nathaniel, I still think that this is really a book worth reading.
Maybe it's not for little children, like I thought so for the first one, because it deals with slightly subtler and not-as-refined human emotions. I don't believe that this series could actually ever have a happily-ever-after by the fairy tale standards, I believe that the ending was as happy as it could get in the given time. And I have to say that Stroud really made a marvelous job when it comes to the subtlety in this book.
The story is fascinating. Searching for the golem's eye was very interesting from both Bartimaeus' and Kitty's point of view, and their struggles and their small meeting really left me feeling nice. I don't believe any book ever had that nice feeling attached to it. But still, it was pretty dampened by Nathaniel's behavior, because I got really attached to him in th first book. I only hope that everything will be resolved in the next one.
July 1, 2017
اگه مدرسه محل تحصیل نبود با یه نفرین بر مدرسه شروع میکردم
ولی از حق نگذریم تموم کردن این کتاب ، اونم بعد از اتمام مدرسه ، وقتی که تابستون تازه شروع شده ، حس محشریه . خیلی خیلی از جاناتان استرود ممنونم و از زور کنجکاوی جلد بعد نمیدونم چی بگم (البته خیلی وقت هم هست که ریویو نذاشتم یادم رفته چی بنویسم) خلاصه که ، تا ریویو بعدی بدرود
ولی از حق نگذریم تموم کردن این کتاب ، اونم بعد از اتمام مدرسه ، وقتی که تابستون تازه شروع شده ، حس محشریه . خیلی خیلی از جاناتان استرود ممنونم و از زور کنجکاوی جلد بعد نمیدونم چی بگم (البته خیلی وقت هم هست که ریویو نذاشتم یادم رفته چی بنویسم) خلاصه که ، تا ریویو بعدی بدرود
October 29, 2019
I didn't enjoy the sequel as much as I would've liked to.
The Golem's Eye picks up a few years after The Eye of Samarkand. Nathaniel John Mandrake has gone from an ambitious wizard with some redeeming qualities to a pompous jerk (think Percy Weasly here!). I was never a big fan of Nathaniel in the first book, I really didn't like him in this one. However, I liked it that Bartimaeus nicely foiled with Nathaniel and found their scenes together absolutely hilarious. Also, adored Bartimaeus's footnotes. Meanwhile, we get newcomer, Kathleen "Kitty" Jones, who's on my list of top 10 best female protagonists. What I liked about her is that she's not the type of character you're supposed to root for but you do it anyway.
In The Golem's Eye, Nathaniel has been appointed the task to stop the resistance movement who's been terrorizing the magician community while simultaneously solving a case regarding a mysterious creature also attacking London. But Nathaniel can't do this alone, leading to him summoning his good ole chum, Bartimaeus- the snarky, sarcastic djinni we all know and love. Yet, Bartimaeus has very little interest in helping magicians resulting in plenty of confrontation with a side of comical footnotes. Meanwhile, Kitty is plotting revenge to destroy the man who ruined her reputation with help from her Resistance group and wreaking havoc upon London.
The plot seemed to drag on and on, however, things started to come together in the second half so that was a plus. However, I didn't really care for the plot so much regardless- this was a very character driven book for me and I was just there for Kitty and Bartimaeus the whole time.
Overall, not a bad sequel. I'll probably wind up reading the third book when my TBR stack gets shorter.
The Golem's Eye picks up a few years after The Eye of Samarkand.
In The Golem's Eye, Nathaniel has been appointed the task to stop the resistance movement who's been terrorizing the magician community while simultaneously solving a case regarding a mysterious creature also attacking London. But Nathaniel can't do this alone, leading to him summoning his good ole chum, Bartimaeus- the snarky, sarcastic djinni we all know and love. Yet, Bartimaeus has very little interest in helping magicians resulting in plenty of confrontation with a side of comical footnotes. Meanwhile, Kitty is plotting revenge to destroy the man who ruined her reputation with help from her Resistance group and wreaking havoc upon London.
The plot seemed to drag on and on, however, things started to come together in the second half so that was a plus. However, I didn't really care for the plot so much regardless- this was a very character driven book for me and I was just there for Kitty and Bartimaeus the whole time.
Overall, not a bad sequel. I'll probably wind up reading the third book when my TBR stack gets shorter.
December 20, 2020
Bueno, bueno. Volvemos a Londres con el (increíble) Bartimeo, el ya adolescente Nathaniel y, además, conociendo más a fondo a un nuevo personaje que ha resultado ser toda una sorpresa...
Pero voy a ir un poco por partes: Jonathan Stroud ha demostrado una vez más su habilidad escribiendo y creando personajes muy carismáticos. En serio, adoro a Bartimeo con todo mi corazón, se ha vuelto de mis personajes literarios favoritos. Y si bien el plato fuerte se lo lleva este genio, Nathaniel me gusta mucho también como lo ha desarrollado el autor.
Pero... el personaje "nuevo" que coge protagonismo... lo siento demasiado plano comparándolo incluso con Nathaniel. Aunque se nota que el autor lo intenta, para mí no brilla en absoluto de ninguna manera y siento que es un engranaje que ha cobrado un poco más de importancia pero solo sirve para que la trama continúe. No lo he sentido "vivo" como pasa con el dúo Nathaniel y Bartimeo.
La historia que se presenta unos años después de los acontecimientos del primer libro me parece muy interesante e incluso supera a su predecesor con algunos momentos MUY buenos, de los que más emoción he sentido no solo con esta trilogía, sino en toda mi vida como lectora... sin embargo para mí pegaba altibajos al llegar a los capítulos (que no son pocos en la primera mitad del libro) del mencionado nuevo personaje (no quiero desvelar el nombre para quien no haya leído el libro y fastidiar la sorpresa). Salvo en un par de casos puntuales, deseaba que acabara su parte para volver con Bartimeo o Nathaniel.
Por estos motivos no me siento conforme en puntuar al libro con 5 estrellas (y ojo, aún así podría merecerlas) PERO ha conseguido no solo que quiera terminar esta fantástica trilogía sino que quiera leer más del autor.
Y eso, queridos amigos, es por algo.
Pero voy a ir un poco por partes: Jonathan Stroud ha demostrado una vez más su habilidad escribiendo y creando personajes muy carismáticos. En serio, adoro a Bartimeo con todo mi corazón, se ha vuelto de mis personajes literarios favoritos. Y si bien el plato fuerte se lo lleva este genio, Nathaniel me gusta mucho también como lo ha desarrollado el autor.
Pero... el personaje "nuevo" que coge protagonismo... lo siento demasiado plano comparándolo incluso con Nathaniel. Aunque se nota que el autor lo intenta, para mí no brilla en absoluto de ninguna manera y siento que es un engranaje que ha cobrado un poco más de importancia pero solo sirve para que la trama continúe. No lo he sentido "vivo" como pasa con el dúo Nathaniel y Bartimeo.
La historia que se presenta unos años después de los acontecimientos del primer libro me parece muy interesante e incluso supera a su predecesor con algunos momentos MUY buenos, de los que más emoción he sentido no solo con esta trilogía, sino en toda mi vida como lectora... sin embargo para mí pegaba altibajos al llegar a los capítulos (que no son pocos en la primera mitad del libro) del mencionado nuevo personaje (no quiero desvelar el nombre para quien no haya leído el libro y fastidiar la sorpresa). Salvo en un par de casos puntuales, deseaba que acabara su parte para volver con Bartimeo o Nathaniel.
Por estos motivos no me siento conforme en puntuar al libro con 5 estrellas (y ojo, aún así podría merecerlas) PERO ha conseguido no solo que quiera terminar esta fantástica trilogía sino que quiera leer más del autor.
Y eso, queridos amigos, es por algo.
December 15, 2011
I really like this book series so far: Its definitely been one of the better things I have read recently. Its consistently entertaining, light in tone, and populated with memorable characters. The plot moves swiftly, and although there are definitely some borrowed elements, I think Stroud manages to be innovative within certain bounds. I was constantly entertained, and I really loved the snarky djinni. I also loved that they added a sympathetic character in this one. Kitty was wonderful. She was clever, strong, and brave. I think Stroud was smart to wait to introduce her in this volume, because it felt like I was finally getting the other side of the story that until this point I had only heard from Nathaniel’s perspective. It was good to see through a commoner’s eyes how the magicians affect and control the populace, and how their rule is not necessarily beneficial. This was hinted at before, and Bartimaeus certainly believes this, but it was good to get a clear view of the manipulation that is perpetrated by those in power.
I really love Bartimaeus: I just really love how snarky and funny he was. It kept the tone of the book light, and its nice to read a book that isn’t steeped in how seriously it takes itself. I really liked the footnotes, as it felt like a callback to Jasper Fforde to me (another book series I liked).
Recommend: Definitely. Its an entertaining read.
I really love Bartimaeus: I just really love how snarky and funny he was. It kept the tone of the book light, and its nice to read a book that isn’t steeped in how seriously it takes itself. I really liked the footnotes, as it felt like a callback to Jasper Fforde to me (another book series I liked).
Recommend: Definitely. Its an entertaining read.
March 31, 2011
I had mixed feelings about this one. As usual it took awhile to get going, but would have been worth it if the story had flowed a bit more. The plotlines, although neatly wrapped up in the end, felt awkward mixed together. It made sense until the entrance of Honorius the afrit. Emotionally, even though I have MAD respect for believable characters who act like real humans (i.e flawed), it was hard to watch Pennyfeather and his selfishly stupid and inept Resistance movement. And even though Kitty turns out to be undeniably awesome, getting through each of her chapters was a chore, and not very enjoyable, except where they concerned Bartimeaus. As usual, he was the most wonderful thing about the story (I'm sure he'd agree). On the other hand, the introduction of the golem was extremely cool, and the Czech sidelines ... it just got tainted with the whole bit about the Staff and all the political squabbling. Bleh. :-P Still, I am somewhat looking forward to the third, though I imagine it too will be hard to read, since already at the outset, Bartimeaus is suffering. :-( *sigh. 2.5 stars for this one Stroud. Please don't disappoint me again.
March 13, 2022
I love how nuanced all the characters are. They work with what they know and the assumptions they've made, about themselves and others, and their blindspots are understandable and human.
Nathaniel is still behaving like an arrogant idiot, which tracks, since he believes he's very clever and very talented in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, and Kitty has had her eyes opened to the reality of her situation and the way Bartimaeus and other beings are treated. I don't quite remember how the third book went because it's been around 15 years since I last read it, so I'm looking forward to finding out what Stroud does.
Nathaniel is still behaving like an arrogant idiot, which tracks, since he believes he's very clever and very talented in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, and Kitty has had her eyes opened to the reality of her situation and the way Bartimaeus and other beings are treated. I don't quite remember how the third book went because it's been around 15 years since I last read it, so I'm looking forward to finding out what Stroud does.
July 2, 2020
Книга вдало потрапила під настрій.
Цікаво і захопливо.
Сподобалася більше ніж перша частина.
Цікаво і захопливо.
Сподобалася більше ніж перша частина.
November 9, 2016
Unless it is still very good, I think the first one in the series is much better.
Bartimaeus made me laugh a lot again, but the story is slower and less interesting. The end was very obvious too.
In this second book, the Resistance take a more important roll in the story. It is okay, but at the beginning of the book it was everything a mess switching between the magicians and the commoners, and only after a lot of pages I understood the point of such a thing.
I will read the third book soon. I hope it will be so good as the first one and a fine end for this series.
Bartimaeus made me laugh a lot again, but the story is slower and less interesting. The end was very obvious too.
In this second book, the Resistance take a more important roll in the story. It is okay, but at the beginning of the book it was everything a mess switching between the magicians and the commoners, and only after a lot of pages I understood the point of such a thing.
I will read the third book soon. I hope it will be so good as the first one and a fine end for this series.
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