Amulet Of Samarkand, The (Book 1 Of Bartimaeus Sequence)

Description: The first volume in the brilliant, best-selling Bartimaeus sequence. When the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, he expects to have to do nothing more taxing than a little levitation or a few simple illusions. But Nathaniel is a precocious talent and has something rather more dangerous in mind: revenge. Against his will, Bartimaeus is packed off to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long, both djinni and apprentice are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical intrigue, murder and rebellion. Set in a modern-day London controlled by magicians, this hilarious, electrifying thriller will enthral readers of all ages.

Review: "Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling" Independent "The truly original touch is the way Stroud alternates Nathaniel's story with the djinni's own knowing and irascible first-person narrative" Guardian "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" The Sunday Times "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" The Times "Terrific stuff" Mail on Sunday

Author Biography: Jonathan is the author of the bestselling Bartimaeus sequence, as well as standalone novels HEROES OF THE VALLEY, BURIED FIRE, THE LEAP and THE LAST SIEGE. Jonathan worked as a children's book editor before becoming a full-time writer. He lives in St Albans with his wife and two children.