In a world not too dissimilar from our own, England is run by capable magicians who control the powerless masses of commoners. Of course, the magicians wield no true powers other than their capabilities to control spirits from the Other Place. Nonetheless, the magicians in London have successfully managed to overturn their great rival—Prague—and are about to launch an attack on the American colonies who are trying to become independent.

John Mandrake, at the ripe young age of fourteen, has proved his merit as a young magician by saving the Prime Minister’s life after a usurper attempted to unleash the power of the Amulet of Samarkand on an unsuspecting gathering of top-ranking politicians. John has therefore been awarded with the position as Assistant to the Head of Internal Affairs and is able to serve out his apprenticeship under a magician far worthier than his previous master. However, John finds that he may be in over his head with his current task: to stop the Resistance—commoners who resort to acts of petty terrorism in their attempts to overturn the magician-led government. John’s frustration leads him to do something which he is pretty sure he will eventually regret.

He summons the smart-talking Bartimaeus to aid him.

Under normal circumstances, the djinni and his incessant habit of backtalk would be a mere nuisance. But for John, it is a dangerous choice to summon this particular demon: Bartimaeus managed to discover John’s true name—Nathaniel—three years earlier during the nasty business with the Amulet.

However, readers are once again in for a treat. As with The Amulet of Samarkand, chapters alternate in their perspective: following Nathaniel, Bartimaeus, and Kitty Jones. Bartimaeus, being a djinni of great renown and magnificent power, narrates his own chapters. Jonathan Stroud has managed to create an unforgettable (or, hard to forget, anyway) character in Bartimaeus. I would find myself laughing out loud at Bartimaeus’ cheeky retorts and self-assured narration. He has served masters on earth for nearly 5,000 years—and Nathaniel pales in comparison to some of his previous masters. Since Bartimaeus fears no punishment from Nathaniel (he can turn the spells back on the caster since he knows his true name), he treats his young master with contempt and twists Nat’s commands to suit himself.

Aside from the hilarity and copious footnotes from Bartimaeus, this novel is filled with as much magic, mystery, political intrigue, and adventure as the first novel. However, readers may find that they have a hard time deciding with whom they will side. Nathaniel is no longer the sympathetic character we met previously. This is no oversight by the author, either—Bartimaeus even comments that his master has become more John Mandrake and less Nathaniel. Bartimaeus, though deceitful and delightfully wicked, has an unexpected streak of nobility. And what about Kitty Jones? Nat has a personal bone to pick with this member of the Resistance, but he does not share with the readers the knowledge of personal tragedy (and secret ability) which led her to join their ranks. My allegiance has shifted considerably over the course of the two books.

This book is perfect for you if you are eagerly anticipating the next Harry Potter book. I highly recommend this book!!