seven_of_ten's review against another edition
3.0
Fair story, nothing really amazing. I did rather like Bartimeius at the end and the set up for the "demons" in this story was original and that was nice.
Other then that it felt rather bla, John could have been so much more interesting, it felt like so much more could have been done with many areas of the story and there wasn't anything done.
Other then that it felt rather bla, John could have been so much more interesting, it felt like so much more could have been done with many areas of the story and there wasn't anything done.
niktaylor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
reubendb's review against another edition
4.0
Having approached the Bartimaeus Trilogy years after my peak PotterMania days I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wise-cracking djinn, smart young upstart (but not too smart to the point it seems unbelievable), improbable situations with no obvious solution or escape, I was impressed! Stroud does an equally excellent job creating a magically universe that is still remarkably unique with diluted lines between who exactly the pro and antagonist really are (I am speaking outside of the viewpoint of the two main characters, Nathaniel and Bartimaeus). Are wizards really that grand? They are back-stabbing and arrogant! Who is the non-magical resistance? Freedom Fighters or Terrorists? Where does the realm of magical creatures fall in? It creates a whole new ‘wizarding world’ that is quick to sink your teeth into at any age.
coletters's review against another edition
4.0
It feels a bit like a Harry Potter book at first (boy learning to be a wizard), but it's a different world. Unlike Harry Potter, the wizards live in the "real" world (pretty much all of the British Parliament is made up of wizards).
imsam's review against another edition
5.0
Extremely fun book that involves magic and demons and wizards and plots and stuff. It's funny and fun and I enjoyed it greatly and also you may too.
flammedoudoune's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
badar_kt's review against another edition
1.0
First and foremost, I didn't get to the last of the book. The reason I decided to try this was because it was recommended to me by a friend and he found it humorous. But to the contrary, I found it be for a younger age-group than myself. It wasn't funny, adventurous or suspenseful. After reaching a couple of chapters, I didn't have any reason to continue and stopped reading it.
kstring's review against another edition
3.0
I really tried to get into this book and the story, really. Bartimaeus was definitely my favorite character--I love his personality and the contradictions posed there. The biggest reason I couldn't get into this book was the 3rd person writing. It was so formal it was difficult to feel attached to anyone; the story was interesting, but a little predictable. I'd definitely read another book by this author (I like his style), but maybe not the rest of the series--only time will tell!
shonaningyo's review against another edition
4.0
A fabulous read, to say the least. I look back on this book and its series fondly, back when a book this detailed, long, and foot-noted could hold my attention longer than 3 minutes.. I miss those days.. Damn the internet and the shiny-shiny flashy flashiness of it all!! (shakes fist)
But seriously, a wonderful read. I found myself laughing out loud or smiling to myself as I read Bartimeaus's dry jabs at Nathaniel or any other character, and the foot notes detailing little histories of some event or himself were interesting as well and tied in nicely with the flow of the book. I recommend highly to fantasy lovers.
But seriously, a wonderful read. I found myself laughing out loud or smiling to myself as I read Bartimeaus's dry jabs at Nathaniel or any other character, and the foot notes detailing little histories of some event or himself were interesting as well and tied in nicely with the flow of the book. I recommend highly to fantasy lovers.
bookisshtoni's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0