The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book One: The Amulet of Samarkand (Signed)
Discover a thrilling world of magical espionage, revolt, and razor-sharp wit, set in an alternative-history modern-day London ruled by a cruel oligarchy of magicians. This masterfully crafted YA fantasy thriller introduces a brilliant young apprentice and a very reluctant, highly sarcastic djinni.
The Story
Nathaniel is a precocious eleven-year-old magician’s apprentice. After being publicly humiliated by the ruthless, high-ranking wizard Simon Lovelace, and left undefended by his cowardly master, Nathaniel vows revenge. Devouring advanced magical texts in secret, he masters a spell far beyond his years: summoning Bartimaeus, an all-powerful, 5,000-year-old djinni.
Nathaniel packs the unwilling demon off to steal Lovelace’s most prized possession—the incredibly powerful Amulet of Samarkand. However, stealing the artifact plunges them both directly into a dangerous flood of political blackmail, murder, and secret rebellion.
Why You’ll Love It
- Dual Perspectives & Copious Footnotes: The book brilliantly flips between Nathaniel’s third-person journey and Bartimaeus’s hilarious, first-person narration. Bartimaeus’s dryly sarcastic, irreverent side-commentary is delivered through beloved, meta-fictional footnotes that readers won’t want to skip.
- Intricate Magic System: Unlike standard fantasy tropes, magicians in Stroud’s universe hold no innate power; instead, their strength relies entirely on their ability to summon and control volatile, resentful spirits.
- A Modern Classic: Perfect for fans of complex fantasy world-building, political intrigue, and sharp humor, this acclaimed opener sits comfortably alongside genre staples like Artemis Fowl and His Dark Materials.
- Format: Hardcover (first edition)
- Target Audience: Young Adult / Fantasy readers (Ages 11–17)
- Page Count: Approximately 496 pages
- Genre: Contemporary YA Fantasy / Alternative History
This is a first edition, signed by the author on the title page (see photo). [YA1]
$ 75.00
