Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling

The truly original touch is the way Stroud alternates Nathaniel's story with the djinni's own knowing and irascible first-person narrative

The narrative slips skilfully from first person to third and back and Bartimaeus's voice is laugh-out-loud sassy, while Nathaniel's story has an engaging poignancy as he tries to prove himself in a world in which he has always been despised

Not since Gulliver's Travels has a children's writer managed to combine a thrilling tale of magic and adventure with such deliciously pointed comedy

Terrific stuff

Jonathan Stroud goes from strength to strength . . . Dramatic tension and coruscating wit never falter

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!

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.