Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Natalie

Jonathan Stroud spins a magical world in which magicians rule and commoners are regarded in disdain. Set in London, Nathaniel is sold by his parents to the government to be an apprentice under a lowly magician by the name of Arthur Underwood. His master is a self-centered man who does not attempt to form a bond with Nathaniel at all. Mrs. Underwood on the other hand cares for the boy and he treats her with respect and love. When Simon Lovelace, a powerful, rising star humiliates him, Nathaniel starts to master magic way beyond his years while remaining the "incompetant boy" in his master's eyes, who didn't intervene on his apprentice's behalf. He summons Bartimaeus an ancient djinni and sets his plan for revenge into motion. Unexpected events spiral out of control and Nathaniel finds himself up to his neck in a whirlwind of intrigue and danger.

The chapters are told from Nathaniel and Bartimaeus's point of view. The djinni is witty and sarcastic, the reader will find his comments very amusing.