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The Amulet of Samarkand

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The Amulet of Samarkand

By: Jonathan Stroud
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The Amulet of Samarkand is the first title in the New York Times bestselling Bartimaeus series by Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood & Co. - a global No.1 show on Netflix.

When a young magician’s apprentice secretly summons an irascible 5,000 year old djinni to do his bidding, neither are prepared for the peril that ensues.

Nathaniel is plotting the downfall of his nemesis – a ruthless magician by the name of Simon Lovelace – and tasks Bartimaeus to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from him, in order to exact his revenge.

But before long, Nathaniel and Bartimaeus are caught up in a terrifying adventure much bigger than either of them anticipated, involving intrigue, rebellion and murder…

Set in an alternate London controlled by magicians, this hilarious and electrifying series will enthral readers of all ages.

Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling – Independent

A thrilling tale of magic and adventure with deliciously pointed comedy – The Times

©2007 Jonathan Stroud (P)2007 Penguin Audio

©Jonathan Stroud; (P)Random House Literature & Fiction Fantasy Fiction Funny Witty Magic Users

Critic Reviews

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
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant story, brilliant narration, Another series to escape reality into that i struggled to stop myself from going just one more chapter every time i ought to have been doing something else,

Brilliant story, brilliant narration

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A delight from start to finish. Beautifully written and read. I definitely recommend this trilogy.

Delighted

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I haven't read the books and do understand how those who have would be disappointed about the lack of the footnotes, that seem to place a very important role in the book itself. But as a listener, I really enjoyed it. I don't think it's brilliant, but it's well written, fun and I think kids would adore it. And after some dodgy Audible narrators, Steven Pacey was an absolute delight.

An amiable romp through fantasy

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Seamlessly written, an amazingly detailed fantastical world close to Harry Potter itself. Not usually by cup of tea but now I can't wait to start reading the next one. Jonathan Stroud got me hooked!

Beautifully poetic!

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This is clearly going to be a family favourite once my son gets hold of it.

Great read

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