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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
Science Fiction & Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Funny Witty Magic Users

Critic Reviews

"The truly original touch is the way Stroud alternates Nathaniel's story with the djinni's own knowing and irascible first-person narrative." (Guardian Review)

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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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Bartimaius is truly the star of this story. As is if the summoned is the master and ultimate manipulator of the story rather than the 12 year old boy. Well narrated, which made the story so enjoyable. well worth the listen.

Sarcastic Entertainment

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Bartimaeus is one of my favourite characters from any book... ever. I loved this series when I was a young teen, and rereading it now over 15 years later, it's better than ever. Steven Pacey (the narrator) does an excellent job and brings Stroud's characters and world to life. 10/10 recommend ♡

Jonathon Stroud never disappounts!

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I love this trilogy. I came for the nostalgia from listening to these when I was 11-12 and stayed for the story. Very goog 5 star innit.

Gooog boook

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A good story and we'll narrated. Good good good good good good good good

Steven Pacey brilliant again

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