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The Ring of Solomon

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The Ring of Solomon

By: Jonathan Stroud
Narrated by: Jeff Rawle
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About this listen

Fans of Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus books will devour this book - a cracking adventure brimming with magic, intrigue and a treasure trove of characters that the reader can't help but fall for.
We find everyone's favourite irascibly insolent djinni serving at the court of King Solomon in 950 BC Jerusalem, where he is causing his customary chaos and must help a girl assassin sent by the Queen of Sheba to steal the all-powerful Ring of Solomon.
The comic relief is perfectly timed, the dialogue sharp and snappy and the fiendishly clever plot perfectly handled with Jonathan's trademark flair and command of language. Thrills, chills and a danger-spiked finale - this is one of the publishing events of the year.

 Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Fantasy Funny Witty

Critic reviews

...a prequel to the hugely popular Bartimaeus trilogy, about a sarcastic millennia-old djinni and a boy wizard with bags more personality than Potter... The Voice is as funny as ever, but there are passages of eerie beauty, and a shrewd message about fanatacism. "You don't need a djinni for this job." says Bart wearily, "Young men are best at dying for empty concepts." Stroud has lost non of his dazzle. (Suzi Feay)
This tale of the irascible djinni causing chaos in Jerusalem around 930BC will not disappoint. Wonderfully written and brilliantly plotted, this book provides an entertaining cast of characters and a satisfying denoument, with ends finally tied after many twists and turns. Bartimaeus himself is a brilliant creation, offering lots of comedy opportunities to the writer (Marilyn Brocklehurst)
May be the best one yet... Needless to say Bartimaeus is a tad resentful of the magicians and expresses his disgruntlement with wit, much sarcasm, and occasional magician-devouring. (Susan Goundrey Kruse)
A really funny read that focuses on high-speed action and comic chat...By the end you'll be repeating Bartimaeus's arsenal of put downs to your mates. The story has some neck-snapping twists and the thrills keep going to the finish. Fantastically gobby fantasy. (Thomas Murphy)
If you haven't 'met' Bartimaeus yet then you are in for one hell of a treat - in my opinion he is one of the greatest character creations in modern children's literature, and he is certainly in my top ten favourite characters from any book, adult or child... I could go on and on! He is the kind of character that most children's authors might dream of creating, but Jonathan Stroud got there first and not only that, but he has the writing skills to make us come back for more and more... it is also a book that can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages, from 11 upwards. And yes, I am including adults in this... Whatsmore, with five thousand years of Bartimaeus history to cover, Mr Stroud could be writing these for many years to come. (Darren Hartwell)
The fantasy, the action and the historical detail will give much to ponder on and you will keep turning the pages long after you feel you should put it down for the night. Brilliant fantasy writing.If you read the Trilogy then this is a must read. If you have never read a magical fantasy then this is as good as it gets
one of the greatest character creations in modern children's literature... certainly in my top ten favourite characters from any book, adult or child.
So rarely do humor and plot come together in such equally strong measures that we can only hope for more adventures."
Bartimaeus is as sardonic, egotistical, and mouthy as ever. This is a superior fantasy.
Bartimaeus is back, and he's better than ever! For fans of Bartimaeus, this is an absolute must-buy. For those not yet introduced to him, you may want to give him a try!
All stars
Most relevant
I was sceptical about a new narrator after Steven Pacey did such a fine job with the Trilogy, but was more than happy with this performance. The narrator really brought the whole thing to life. A great book full of a lovely sense of cheeky humour, held my attention right to the last minute.

Superb follow up

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Stroud’s strong world-building and three- dimensional characters come alive in reading by Rawle. Suitable for children over 11 and young adults, but equally entertaining for adult audiences who need something witty, light and unusual. I read this as a child and have returned to it for light entertainment after just finishing my degree, and enjoyed it just as much the second time round. Throughly recommend any of Stroud’s books, particularly read by Rawle.

Delightful

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Excellent prequel.
Otherisation of Azmeera through terrible accent.
Performances in the trilogy ‘Amulet of Samarkand’ were better

Gripping story made annoying by accent

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For those of you who have already experienced the intrigue, fast pace and wit that surrounds Bartimaeus - hold onto your hats, he's off again! I listen to "Barti" with my 12 year old son on car journeys and I cannot recommend Jonathan Stroud's work highly enough. He delivers exciting and literate adventures that not only entertain, but provide ample opportunities for discussion about the plot, its setting and characters. We have listened to the trilogy and now Solomon. The humour is wonderful throughout and the narration perfect. Enjoy! - these stories are a rare gem.

Fabulous Fun!

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What a joy to have another chance to enjoy a further episode of Bartimaeus. The action takes place long, long before the time of the original Bartimaeus trilogy. I was a bit concerned about a new narrator - loved Stephen Pacey's narration of the Trilogy, but Jeff Rawle does a fabulous job. Where Stephen's Bartimaeus was slightly crafty cockney, Jeff Rawle's is slightly effete Home Counties (apologies - only makes sense for a British reader) and he's part institutional insider, part rebel. But what he always is, is great fun. A rollicking good yarn that will hold your attention throughout and brighten up the days when you listen to it.

Bartmaeus on sparkling form!

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