The Amulet of Samarkand

Jonathan Stroud has crafted a compelling universe in which children can immerse themselves.

The seats of power are all held by magicians, but not in the way you'd expect. Every magician only has indirect or "soft" power. They require many years of study in the art of calling up demons -- there are many different types of demon, but the main character of the book, is a djinni -- and using their powers to perform statecraft and shenanigans.

Middle schoolers and high schoolers will delight in the clever use of first person perspectives shifting between the main demon -- Bartimaeus -- and a young protege who has an axe to grind against the magical order that raised him.

What will happen to a child pushed to the brink with powers at his disposal far greater than most mere mortals dream of? You'll have to wait and see 😉

Concerns

There is a short reference at the beginning of the book by the main demon, Bartimaeus, about making himself appear as a naked woman so as to entice an unsuspecting young boy.

Written by: Andy