hgranger's review against another edition
3.0
I love Bartimaeus and I find Kitty’s story entertaining but for some reason the book still dragged. It may be because Nathaniel is just so obnoxious that I kept wanting him to get his deserved punishment and he never did.
forrestforthetrees's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Loved it. Rich in worldbuilding and political intrigue. Stroud really portrays an authoritarian government with intellect and emotional weight, while still staying firmly within the bounds of fantasy. We get a new POV, and the pacing is great.
theshonz0705's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hmanreader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
disastrouspenguin's review against another edition
4.0
Consumed as an audiobook.
Jonathan Stroud really seems to find his stride with this story. The pacing is on point, the characters are interesting, and Bartimaeus is great. Bonus: Simon Vance nails the narration. Where in the first book I had trouble listening to some of his female voices, he seems to have found the "sweet spot" in pitch and tone that's likely to indicate a female speaker without sounding mockish.
Side note: on first draft of this review, I used the word "great" 4 times. Yay proofreading.
Jonathan Stroud really seems to find his stride with this story. The pacing is on point, the characters are interesting, and Bartimaeus is great. Bonus: Simon Vance nails the narration. Where in the first book I had trouble listening to some of his female voices, he seems to have found the "sweet spot" in pitch and tone that's likely to indicate a female speaker without sounding mockish.
Side note: on first draft of this review, I used the word "great" 4 times. Yay proofreading.
rebeccawill's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pumpkinfreckles's review against another edition
4.0
Once again, so fun. Love Bartimaeus. Simon Jones is wonderful.
bluesteffel's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
kami5's review against another edition
2.0
2.5. Bit slower with more of a setup for the finale really. I managed enough interest to continue.