RE: The Amulet of Samarkand

The amulet of Samarkand-

If you have not yet read this book, I'll tell you the basic plot-line. If you have, you will most likely find it boring, and feel free to skip ahead.

The story goes, that a young, clever boy is taken at the age of 5 to be introduced to the life of a magician. Young Nathaniel quickly rises in skill, despite the thoughts of his master. He is ambitious, but is powers are suppressed by his age. Nathaniel, bored by his underused talent, conjures a powerful demon before he is allowed to even summon an imp (low level demon). This demon is a Djinn known as Bartimaeus. Nathaniel is not conscious of what he is getting himself into because pride is fuelling him. He charges Bartimaeus to retrieve the amulet of Samarkand from the possession of his nemesis, Simon Lovelace. Little did he know this amulet is a very powerful artefact that, well, I won't spoil it. A thing you must never allow is for a demon to discover your birth name, because a demon in that position can gain power over you. Basically Bartimaeus finds out Nathaniel's birth name, and the two get into a bit if a... Pickle.

The narrative cleverly changes perspective between Nathaniel in third person, and Bartimaeus in first person. The very nice thing is that Bartimaeus' perspective is littered with footnotes at the bottom of the page telling nostalgic stories, facts, impressions and thoughts, with a more wizened point of view, whereas Nathaniel is constantly anxious and fretting, seeking power whenever he can. Together this combination keeps you invited to this book till' you finish it.

All in all I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who is into demons, Great Britain, aristocracy, and magicians. This kept me hooked, and I think you will be too.

It is nice to read this book on/in:

A long trip (car, plane, train etc.)

Bed

An armchair under a light

Preferably when it is quiet.