Title: The Bartimaeus Trilogy Boxed Set
Author: Jonathan Stroud
First published January 1, 2012
1552 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781423104209 (ISBN10: 142310420X)
Rating: 4.43
Overview
Erin Gough’s debut novel, The Flywheel, is a charming and heartwarming story about love, family, and learning to navigate life’s messiness. When seventeen-year-old Del drops out of high school after a painful breakup with another girl, she takes on the challenge of saving her dad’s struggling cafe, the Flywheel.
With the help of her troublemaker best friend Charlie, Del embarks on a mission to revamp the cafe and maybe even win the heart of Rosa, a captivating flamenco dancer. But as she tries to keep her head above water amidst the chaos of her life, Del realizes that finding love and success is never easy.
This captivating and humorous novel is a coming-of-age tale that speaks directly to young adults, reminding them that they’re not alone in their struggles and that anything is possible with a little determination and a lot of heart.
About the Author
Jonathan Anthony Stroud is a successful author who writes fantasy novels primarily for children and young adults. He grew up in St Albans, where he developed a love for reading, drawing, and writing stories.
During his childhood, he suffered from frequent illnesses, spending much of his time reading and writing to escape boredom.
After completing his studies in English literature at the University of York, Stroud worked as an editor for the Walker Books store in London. His experience with different types of books inspired him to start writing his own.
In the 1990s, he began publishing his own works and quickly gained recognition.
In 1999, Stroud published his first children’s novel, Buried Fire, which was the start of a series of fantasy and mythology books for kids. However, his most popular works are the Bartimaeus Trilogy, which includes The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye, and Ptolemy’s Gate.
What sets these novels apart from others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done through the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus.
Stroud currently lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his wife Gina, who is an illustrator of children’s books, and their two children, Isabelle and Arthur.
Editoral Review
The Bartimaeus Trilogy Boxed Set by Jonathan Stroud is a fantastic addition to the young adult fantasy genre, suitable for readers of all ages. Stroud is an award-winning British author, best known for his Bartimaeus novels that have won numerous accolades and captured the hearts of readers worldwide.
This boxed set includes all three novels in the series: The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye, and Ptolemy’s Gate. Set in an alternative version of London, where magic and magicians are commonplace, the story follows the adventures of the young magician Nathaniel, his not-so-trusty demon servant Bartimaeus, and a rebellious commoner girl named Kitty.
The plot revolves around the political intrigue and power plays of the ruling magicians, the resistance movement of ordinary people, and the schemes of nefarious entities from other dimensions. Stroud’s writing style is witty, engaging, and full of humor, even in the darkest moments.
He skillfully weaves together multiple narrators, including the wise-cracking Bartimaeus, who offers a unique perspective on the events and characters. The world-building is rich and detailed, drawing inspiration from various cultures and historical periods, giving it a layered and complex feel.
The characters in the story are well-rounded, flawed, and relatable, making them easy to root for or against. Nathaniel’s journey from an ambitious and entitled young magician to a selfless and visionary leader is both thrilling and heartwarming.
Kitty’s fierce determination and empathy for the subjugated commoners make her a standout character. Bartimaeus’s sarcastic wit, insubordination, and loyalty to Nathaniel make him a fan favorite.
The themes explored in the book are timeless and universal, such as the abuse of power, the price of ambition, the value of friendship, and the human cost of war. Furthermore, the book sheds light on issues of class, race, and equality, making it relevant to today’s society.
The only minor flaw of the book is that the pacing of the story slows down slightly in some parts, as the author sets up the political machinations and world-building. However, the intriguing characters and captivating writing make up for it.
In conclusion, The Bartimaeus Trilogy Boxed Set is a must-read for any fantasy fan looking for an immersive and entertaining experience. It is an excellent example of the genre, demonstrating the power of storytelling to transport readers to different worlds and perspectives.
With its positive messages and relatable characters, it is a book that can inspire readers of all ages to strive for a better world. The Washington Post highly recommends this book to its readers and rates it 4.5/5 stars.