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The Golem's Eye (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 2)

(2004, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Jonathan Stroud)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Bartimaeus returns -- alas, not to center stage.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The main character, and pretty much everyone else, behave selfishly, unscrupulously, deviously, and dishonestly. The only relatively good character lies and steals.
  • Violence:

    Lots of fantasy violence, including quite a few deaths, involving all sorts of magical creatures, monsters, and devices.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Pipes, cigarettes, and alcohol all mentioned.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Golem's Eye (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 2)

Parents need to know that this book is full of amoral and immoral characters. There's only one semi-admirable character, but most readers won't be rooting for her to succeed.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the characters' morality. Do you like any of them? Why? How have your opinions of them changed?

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See all 13 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    An Amazing Series But For More Tween Readers

    This series centers around three characters: Kitty, Nathaniel, and Bartimaeus. The book is kind of like Harry Potter, only in my opinion, better. The moral values taught in the books are unforgettable. It tells of redemption and friendship. The only reason I say iffy is because if you aren't old enough to understand the books, then the moral values can and probably will be confused. For those who say the book is annapropriate and has nothing good about, you should finish the series and read 'Ptolemy's Gate'.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Just a great book in general.

    I think this site puts too much empathsis on the small matters in the book. Sure the demon is a bit cheeky, the boy isnt that great, and the girl is part of a group determined to take down the 'evil' government. But do you really think kids care? No, they just want to see their favorite characters suceed. I personally think this book isnt an issue for kids. Though the chacters are iffy, they still provide the entertainment every teen, tween, and possibly even adult will enjoy.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Go demo- I mean, djinni!

    With delightfull witty sarcasm, and lots of nice little footnotes, Bartimaeus is back! A must read for the avid fantasy-goer.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I loved it

    it must have been the best book i ever read since harry potter. It kept my attention and i could read it over and over again if i had to. It is my favorite book ever. I cant believe how good it is. I read it in about a week and i am only 8 years old. I am smart for my age but if i gave it to a fellow 8 year old it would make no sense because he isnt a genius like me. E=mc2

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    a very well put together book i liked it so did all my kids

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