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The Amulet of Samarkand

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The Amulet of Samarkand

By: Jonathan Stroud
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The Amulet of Samarkand is the first title in the New York Times bestselling Bartimaeus series by Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood & Co. - a global No.1 show on Netflix.

When a young magician’s apprentice secretly summons an irascible 5,000 year old djinni to do his bidding, neither are prepared for the peril that ensues.

Nathaniel is plotting the downfall of his nemesis – a ruthless magician by the name of Simon Lovelace – and tasks Bartimaeus to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from him, in order to exact his revenge.

But before long, Nathaniel and Bartimaeus are caught up in a terrifying adventure much bigger than either of them anticipated, involving intrigue, rebellion and murder…

Set in an alternate London controlled by magicians, this hilarious and electrifying series will enthral readers of all ages.

Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling – Independent

A thrilling tale of magic and adventure with deliciously pointed comedy – The Times

©2007 Jonathan Stroud (P)2007 Penguin Audio

©Jonathan Stroud; (P)Random House Literature & Fiction Fantasy Fiction Funny Magic Users Witty Magic

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Critic reviews

Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling
The truly original touch is the way Stroud alternates Nathaniel's story with the djinni's own knowing and irascible first-person narrative
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
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
Terrific stuff
All stars
Most relevant
I read this book as a teenager and remember it quite well. I was surprised and honestly quite irritated that a great many of the lines I remembered, including some of the funniest in the book, had been cut out. God knows who thought it was a good idea.

The print version of this series is one of the best trilogies I've ever read. The narration here was first-class, but nonetheless I have to give this 4 stars for Random House's stupid meddling.

WHY WAS IT ABRIDGED?

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A really enjoyable book marketed for reading ages 12 to 17 but also enjoyed by me, an older adult, thanks to Steven Pacey’s excellent narration.

Book 1 in the Bartimaeus Trilogy

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Really good story with twists and turns, right balance of detail, story and humour. Easy and fun to read, full of action and activity....!

Great read - Excellently narrated by Steven Pacey

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Loved Bartimaeus’ perspective and all the demons, imps, forms of magic and references to real world mysteries, recommended if you like contemporary YA fantasy

Fun tale

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Was not sure what to expect when I tried this series out. Was delighted to find that it was really enjoyable. The series deals more with an Anti-hero that a hero, and for that reason will appeal to those that like series such as Artemis Fowl and Herbie Brennan's Faerie Wars. The characters are not shallow and manage to keep you intrigued through-out. Harry Potter fans may also enjoy this series.

Twisty!

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