3 Ptolemy's Gate

Seeds of rebellion are still growing and Mr. Mandrake is still trying to stamp it out. In his fervor he has kept Bartimaeus summoned for almost two years, draining his essence. But things are worse than first perceived, Nathanial must team up with Kitty and Bartimaus to stop the destruction that has been building for all of the books.

Demons are the magical creatures in these books. Though not strictly demonic demons if you catch my drift. Magic is used. It also mocks great thinkers, in including Solomon.

Friendship, loyalty, self-sacrifice, kindness, self discovery, forgiveness.

These books really took me on a ride, one that I never expected. These are the kind of books I would like to write some day. They really make their point. You fall for them hook, line and sinker. If you can get through them and open your mind at the end, I believe you will understand and like these books. If you get past the demonic side.

2 The Golem's Eye

Two years since the last book, and Nathaniel has only gotten worse. Now assistant to the Minister of Internal affairs his job takes a lot of responsibility. When the Resistance flaming up Nathaniel is up to his ears in problems, so when a new destructive force enters the scene it is up to Nathaniel to solve the problem... with a little undeserved help.

Demons remain main characters, magic harnessing their powers. Revenge seams to be the largest driving force in these books, other than selfishness.

If you can stand to read these books, it may be worth your time. With a surprising ending to not only this book, but the next, I think they have a lesson to teach.

1 The Amulet of Samarkand

Nathaniel is a nasty boy of twelve who, for purposes of revenge, summons a powerful demon to do his bidding. Only Bartimaeus isn't very willing to take orders from a scruffy kid and when he gains some power over his master, he tries his best to wreck well deserved havoc on Nathaniel's life.

Demons of varying strength serve in the role of 'good guy' as there isn't anybody else to do so. Nathaniel is a grasping, heartless, self absorbed, mercenary person, wholly unlikable and all around quite nasty. There is nothing in these books to look up to or try and imitate.

The only thing to be said for them is they have some interesting ideas.

Not only do they have nothing to offer, more superficially, these books have the gall to be extremely uncharismatic. Unlike Artemis Fowl (WHO CHANGES!) These books are not fun to read. Not fun reading, nothing good in them, I think I can safely say skip these books.