The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud has garnered praise for its imaginative world-building, witty humor, and complex characters, especially the djinni Bartimaeus. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the protagonist, Nathaniel, difficult to sympathize with. Overall, it's a compelling first installment in the Bartimaeus Trilogy that blends fantasy and intrigue.

Readers who enjoy The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud are typically fans of intricate fantasy worlds, clever humor, and morally complex characters. They might also appreciate books like J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series or Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, which feature young protagonists and rich, magical storytelling.

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud follows the story of Nathaniel, a young magician apprentice, and his summoned djinni, Bartimaeus, as they join forces to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the powerful magician Simon Lovelace and uncover a conspiracy. Their journey involves deception, battles, and overcoming personal vendettas, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation that tests their courage and alliance. The book contains depictions of child separation from families, violence, and death.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Fantastical / Adventurous / Humorous

- The Amulet of Samarkand is the first book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy, which features a mix of magic and alternate history, set in a world where magicians dominate society.
- The book is unique for including footnotes narrated by Bartimaeus, a witty and sarcastic djinni, providing additional context and humor throughout the story.
- Jonathan Stroud was inspired by historical London and ancient magics when crafting the setting and magical systems in The Amulet of Samarkand.

**Bartimaeus of Uruk**  
A 5,010-year-old djinni, known for his wit and sarcasm, who uses his transformation abilities and magical spells to serve magicians, including the notable Nathaniel, though he often plots against them.

**Nathaniel (John Mandrake)**  
A highly skilled apprentice magician, adopted by Arthur and Martha, who proves his adeptness at summoning powerful spirits and is determined to seek revenge against those who wrong him.

**Simon Lovelace**  
A rising magician within the British government, who becomes the antagonist due to his ambitious plans involving powerful spirits, even as he seeks to recruit Nathaniel for his abilities.

**Arthur Underwood**  
A middle-ranking magician tasked with mentoring Nathaniel, he struggles to connect with his apprentice and often displays a cantankerous and critical nature.

**Martha Underwood**  
Nathaniel’s primary caregiver, she forms a close bond with him and exhibits the domestic ideals of a dutiful wife, though she struggles to defend Nathaniel against Arthur's judgments.

**Faquarl and Jabor**  
Bound spirits working for Simon, these two djinn antagonize Nathaniel and Bartimaeus, with Faquarl showing a powerful presence, while Jabor exhibits transformation abilities similar to other spirits.

**Simpkin**  
A foliot spirit loyal to his summoner, Sholto Pinn, acts as a foil to Bartimaeus, whose disdain for Simpkin's willingness to assist their captors is evident.

**Ms. Lutyens**  
Nathaniel's art teacher who challenges his perceptions of magicians’ grandeur and shows concern for Nathaniel’s well-being, standing up for him when he’s threatened.

Jonathan Stroud

Middle grade

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Part 1 The Amulet of Samarkand Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 15-22

The Amulet of Samarkand Part 2, Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 23-30

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