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

10 Stars!

This is the best book in the best Series ever.
Simon Jones is a fantastic reader.
The Bartimaus character is so good we named our cat after him. Both are imps.

A fitting end to the trilogy

I am aware that there is now a fourth book, but I have yet to hear it.
However it was a very welcome listen and a blast from the past for me. The introduction of Jin getting weak when in the world for to long felt very unnecessary, it introduces far to many uncertainties for previously introduced concepts. Such as Jin encapsulated in object and so on and why they aren’t effected by this prolonged captivity.

Beyond that annoyance I very much like the story. It has a good amount of character growth and shows the “true” character of Kitty, John and Bartimeus in a better way than previous books.

The ending which I see many didn’t like and s one of the parts I prefer. It’s abrupt, sudden and with little fanfare. A very real ending. As such it clearly isn’t for everyone, but not all stories can or should have a happy ending for everyone.

I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone who picked up and finished the first two.

One of my top 10, all time favorite series!

Love the characters, their development, the plot and storyline, the incredible narration… and our friend, cheeky Bartimaeus.

The best yet

Well written and hilarious, this is without a doubt the best book of the series. Stroud is brilliant.

Long and Worth it

I'm (more or less) an adult, but I love certain novels addressed primarily to children. This is a wonderful, complex, story with tremendous narrative, historical and moral ambition. All characters become increasingly compelling as the story moves forward, and your interest in the Ptolemy backstory grows almost urgent. It's hardwork though, and I'd guess children would need their parents to listen with them to judge when to break off for awhile-and to help explain with the historical aspects of the story.

Perhaps most important in an audio version, Simon Jones is a truly great reader. He gives all characters a definite personality without trying to intrude on the author's characterization. His pace and timing are truly wonderful. This would be a great road trip book for parents with clever little brats.

Amazing story and performance

This was definitely the best of the three in the Bartimaeus Trilogies. This had the same roller-coaster action and brilliant characterizations. Nathaniel grows up in the chaotic mess of the magician’s British government. I have to admit feeling very emotionally attached to the characters and very sad to see the book and trilogy end. This was definitely a great book for children and adults alike. I should warn you that the end is fantastic and draining and it forced me to join an on-line discussion group about the series. Simon Jones deserves a medal for his performance. The dialogue in this book jumps from Nathaniel and Bartimaeus continuously; I couldn’t believe how well the author made these transitions so seamlessly. I am going to send Simon Jones fan mail after hearing this performance.

Bravest author in the WORLD

Would you consider the audio edition of Ptolemy's Gate to be better than the print version?

No, but they are peers.

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

Well, there are many. Just know this, Stroud is the bravest most honest writer of this age. He is kind and fair to his characters. I love his work more than just about any other.

Which scene was your favorite?

The hashashin assassins is a priceless bit of Barti art.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both, time and again.

Any additional comments?

A must for any serious listener.

a great trilogy

All 3 books are great and I would recommend to all. The narrator has the perfect tone that enhances the personallity of each of the main characters especially the first person tongue-in-cheek humour of Bartimaeus. GREAT!
The story-line is fluid. The characters are individuals whose actions make sense. As a big fantasy fan with magic and demons and set in a modern/alternate London was amazingly accomplished. Very well done.

kek boys

so good. it is life. this book gives me a wallop of happiness. I need twenty words bit one is all I need. Bartimaeus

The book was great.

The book was great, the ending was perfect for the trilogy. Most authers are too fearful to end books series. I enjoyed this.