A relaxed storytelling style with excellent dialogue, a good deal of humour and evidence of in-depth research should attract an enthusiastic readership

This is an amusing and clever time-slip story, which tackles the issue of bullying in a light-hearted way

A fast-paced fantasy filled with humour, adventure and historical fact

Vastly entertaining

Riordan delivers puns, jokes and subtle wit, alongside a gripping storyline

Enough twists and turns to make the story unpredictable and compelling

Witty and funny and exciting, just like the first book. Marcus made a great narrator again . . . It was really intriguing and I think many kids would be hooked on this series of books

Absolutely unputdownable. I raced through it, it was so addictive and I enjoyed every minute of it. I didn't want it to end! I can't recommend this series enough! Read it, then give it to any child you know . . . and then let me know, did YOU guess the ending, or am I the only idiot who didn't?!

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!

Deservedly shortlisted for this year's Costa prize is Jonathan Stroud's The Ring of Solomon....It has magic, intrigue, wit and sassy footnotes.

Pace, drama, magic and exotic colour, with Bartimaeus there to give an irreverent, current feel to a story set in the ancient past.