¿Qué hace un genio como yo convertido en un vulgar esclavo? Antes era poderosísimo… y miradme ahora: en pleno siglo X antes de Cristo y a las órdenes del cretino de Khaba. Me paso los días recolectando alcachofas (pero solo las más bonitas) o picando hielo de las montañas para que los sorbetes del rey estén bien fresquitos. Y todo porque mi amo tiene miedo de un arito de oro… Bueno, en realidad es el anillo mágico de Salomón, rey de Jerusalén. Con él puesto es capaz de invocar ejércitos enteros de espíritus malvados y de amenazar a los hechiceros, reyes y guerreros para que le ofrezcan sus servicios y riquezas. Parecen todos perritos falderos… Por suerte, he conocido a Asmira, una niñita muy espabilada (¡utiliza las dagas como un demonio!) a quien la mismísima reina de Saba ha encomendado una misión secreta. Cuando me la camele, seguro que podremos conseguir muchas cosas…

This book serves as a prequel to the regular main trilogy- even though you wouldn't be out of the loop skipping it, I wouldn't recommend it given that the main core trilogy is one of the best series of books ever written. It's up to you to read this one before or after the main trilogy- either way is fine. This was written after the entire core series was published. Masterfully written with a sardonic sharp tongue and liveliness as found in the Bartimaeus sequence.

Unlike the core series that is written in alternating perspective- this book is linear and told from one character the entire way cover to cover. Superb choice of reading for fantasy fans that are looking for something new and are tired of the generic tropes and predictable stories.

Once you are done with this- head on over to Book # 1 of the Bartimaeus Sequence! Read my review of the core series here (be sure to check it out, I have a special offer going on about it) :
https://www.librarything.com/work/56997/reviews/228006079 ( )

How I love sequels that are well-thought out. It's like getting back together with an old friend and picking right back up from where you left off. However, to clarify, this isn't a sequel. It's a prequel that feels like a sequel. But Bartimaeus is still his delightfully charming, impertinently saucy, and good(!) self. Great fun. ( )

Review can be found at Love at First Write ( )

The best in the series! Easily.

Maybe it's because it doesn't feature kids, or doesn't play in London. So it could be my personal bias here.

But it's a lot of fun because Bartimaeus dominates the action and his humour has a lot more chances to entertain us. ( )