Ptolemy's Gate

The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 3

By: Jonathan Stroud

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Three years after the events of The Golem's Eye, the young magician Nathaniel is an established member of the British Government.

But he faces unprecedented problems: foreign wars are going badly and Britain's enemies are mounting attacks close to London.

Increasingly distracted, he is treating Bartimaeus worse than ever: the long-suffering djinni is growing weak from too much time in this world, and his patience is at an end. Meanwhile, undercover in London, Kitty has been stealthily completing her research into magic and Bartimaeus' past. She hopes to break the endless cycle of conflict between djinn and humans, but will she be able to get anyone to listen?

Before any of these problems can be resolved, disaster strikes London from an unexpected source, and the destinies of Bartimaeus, Nathanial, and Kitty are thrown together once more. They have to face treacherous magicians, a long-fermented conspiracy, and an enemy from 'The Other Place' that threatens London and the world. Worst of all, they must somehow cope with each other.

©2006 Jonathan Stroud (P)2006 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

A great series

Where does Ptolemy's Gate rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would say that Simon Jones' performance in this book is among some of the best reading I've listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ptolemy's Gate?

I very much enjoyed The little side notes from Bartimaeus regarding his thoughts on what is going on around him.

Which character – as performed by Simon Jones – was your favorite?

Bartimaeus was definitely the best character in this story, however I would say that most of the main characters are very well developed and Simon Jones does a great job of bringing them to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could listen to this book for hours at a time

Any additional comments?

This was a great book when I was a kid, and the story continues to be interesting even as a young adult.

one of the greatest series

I am usually not a fan of fantasy stories and a friend played this on our drive to switzerland and I have been addicted to the series. the ending took me by complete surprise and I enjoyed every minute of the great writing and equally as great narration.

I am sorry its over

This is a super ending to a great trilogy. I found these books funny, scary, and very well written and read. I can't think of any series my wife, kids, and myself have ever liked better. I found all three books to be wonderful. Ptolemy's Gate ended this series completely to my satisfaction. I am only sad its over.....but am looking forward to more work from this author.

Wonderful series

I really enjoyed this entire series. The last book is the darkest of the three and the most adult themed. By Books end, I was sorry to see the series end but can only sing the praise of the story.

Enslavement of the Djinni is over. Tonight is our REVENGE!

Where does Ptolemy's Gate rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top ten

What did you like best about this story?

There are deeply fascinating discussions about TRUST between Magician and Djinni in this fantasy novel. Really makes you think about the structure of society. Theirs…& ours.

Which character – as performed by Simon Jones – was your favorite?

Bartimaeus

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, stayed up all night painting, and listening, the story really gets very exciting and climbs to an enormous climax.

Any additional comments?

"The enslavement of the Djinni is over. Tonight they take their revenge!" A shroud of injustice lays over London, smothering everyone beneath it's magical folds. This adventure has much meat to it. A banquet of "good ideas" and thick savory "character development", and intelligent & interesting conversations, not only silly humorous insults. There are deeply fascinating discussions about TRUST between Magician and Djinni. How could there be friendship, let alone love, when one is "Master" & the other "Slave"? This got me pondering the course of human history and how empires were built on the backs of slaves. Even the United States was built upon, and then nearly split apart, in a war over that very problem. A cruel Aristocracy ruling over commoners doesn't create a happy environment for either side. The Djinni are unhappy slaves. The commoners are also nearly so: the lower class lives to serve their "betters" & fight in the countries' wars. The magicians are themselves caught in ever complex webs of political intrigue, each lonely, and alone, & plotting to save their hides against the plots of other magicians. What happens when the NEED for friendship & affection overwhelms the need to "never-show-weakness", or reveal your "real emotions", least they be used against you? Bartimaeus cares about his master, John. John is friendless except for Bartimaeus, yet he cannot understand or acknowledge this greatly suppressed feeling. He also can't stop thinking about his dire enemy, the traitor-to-the-empire, Kitty with her charming looks and quick mind. In this third book, we finally learn the great secret story of Ptolemy and Bartimaeus & the loving affection 'tween them. We learn about the age old quandary: "Free-will & Pain", the double problem of Djinni summoning. A Djinni with no pain? In the last book we discovered a human skeleton inhabited by an insane Djinni. This book reveals the next step along that fearsome path. A bonding of Djinni and Man! "Ptolemy. That was my weak point, and 2 thousand years of cynical quips had not destroyed the Djinni's love for the boy-magician's hope and faith that man and djinni could work together in shared respect. End slavery forever." This is the best of all three novels, yet you need to read the other two to understand why this is such a great pay-off to the story. Once again the tale is read with expert skill, talent & a darned swanky English accent by Simon Jones.

Engaging for all ages

I downloaded the first book thinking my kids might enjoy it but after about 5 min. of listening, I immediately hogged the whole thing for myself and downloaded the next two books within the week. More please.

One of the best endings ever written

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Having followed a character for this many pages/minutes, I sometimes worry that the ending will disappoint. This one does not. It is simply perfect. What happens it what MUST happen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bartimaeus--Kitty--John/Nathaniel...choosing a favorite is almost impossible.

Any additional comments?

One of the best things that occurs throughout this series is the development of the characters. I am often frustrated by young characters that never learn from experience or change as they mature. These characters are moved by their lives; their experiences make them different.

Absolutely love it!

Love the story, love the world, love the characters, LOVE Simon Jones as Bartimaeus. Absolutely wonderful.

Harry Potter gets a 10, Bartimaeus gets a 10+

I loved the trilogy. The narration and story are equally amazing.

It has just the right mix of humor, creativity, suspense, and magic.

Great Listen!

This entire series is an excellent listen! The reader is truly a great performer and injects just the right personality into the story. I highly recommend Bartimaeus!!