 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Golem's Eye (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 2)
- By Jonathan Stroud
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Bartimaeus returns -- alas, not to center stage.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
Nathaniel, the main human character (though certainly not the hero) of the first book, is now the youngest junior minister ever in the government of an alternative British Empire run by magicians. To him falls the job of dealing with the increasingly annoying anti-magician resistance movement. When the destruction grows in scale, no one will believe Nathaniel that it's unrelated to the resistance, that it is in fact the work of a golem, controlled by a traitor in the government. So he summons Bartimaeus, as snide and reluctant as ever, and travels to Prague to find the secret of the golem.
Meanwhile Kitty, a member of the commoner resistance introduced briefly in the first book, is part of a group planning to raid Gladstone's tomb for artifacts of great power. Both her plans and Nathaniel's go badly wrong, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation with the golem.
Is it any good?
The good news is that Bartimaeus is back. The bad news is that there's not enough of him. What made the first book in this series a standout was his sarcastic commentary, self-aggrandizing descriptions, witty banter, and delightful footnotes detailing the workings of magic and demons in this alternative world. They're all still here, just less of them.
Meanwhile Nathaniel and Kitty alternately take center stage in a complex and often exciting, if too loosely edited, adventure involving, among many other things, grave-robbing, a demon living in Gladstone's bones, political intrigue, war, werewolf police, destruction, and a shadowy figure who seems to be playing all sides like puppets. Nathaniel, one of the least likeable main characters in children's literature, continues to fascinate and frustrate the reader with his growing power -- and obtuseness. The stage is clearly set for a grand finale in Book 3, presumably including Nathaniel's reclamation.
What 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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April 9, 2008
AGE
I laughed till my sides ached1
this funny and noble djinni bartimaeus better have more to say because i wanna hear it! I'd say 4 thumbs up but i only have two Everyone should read the series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
This book was the best book i have ever read.
THIS BOOK WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
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.
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AGE
Really got me thinking about social classes and stuff like that. And Bartimeus's footnotes are fabulus!
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AGE
brilliant book
this book was brilliant i read the first one then got really into it and had to read the second, i always think the second in a series will be the worst but this was just as good as the first. it is a must read book and i strongly advise anyone to read it, even my parents thaught it was great!!
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AGE
wonderful!!!
this trilogy is awesome!!! Everyone 8 years old and up should read this book.
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AGE
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
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AGE
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'.
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AGE
A Great Book
I throughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait until the third one of the trilogy comes out.
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| Author: | Jonathan Stroud |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | September 12, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 556 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
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