The Ring of Solomon

A Bartimaeus Novel

By: Jonathan Stroud

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Bartimaeus, everyones favorite (wise-cracking) djinni, is back in book four of this best-selling series. As alluded to in the footnotes throughout the series, Bartimaeus has served hundreds of magicians during his 5,010 year career. Now, for the first time, fans will go back in time with the djinni, to Jerusalem and the court of King Solomon in 950s BC. Only in this adventure, it seems the great Bartimaeus has finally met his match. He'll have to contend with an unpleasant master and his sinister servant, and he runs into just a spot of trouble with King Solomons magic ring.

©2010 Jonathan Stroud (P)2010 Listening Library

Quick, entertaining

This book features, more than previous volumes in the series, Bartimaeus in his usual irreverent self. Fun plot, a *little* slow to start (defining elements key to this series) but once going, it moved. Good female main character playing against the jini. Though the plot, once you know the elements and threads involved, is a bit predictable, the author gets you there with some surprises. I like the reader very much -- in fact, I cannot imagine reading these books, as the reader's voice is SO Bartimaeous. Enjoyable, and one I will return to listen to again. 4 stars due to a bit slow to start, and that is entertainment not memorable literature.

Barty is Back... With a BANG!

I read this because I had enjoyed the first three Bartimaeus novels and was delighted to find that a trilogy (the first three are presented as such) could extend beyond three.

In this book, Bartimaeus is summoned to Jerusalem during the times of King Solomon. I liked the historical setting (and I wished I had a map in front of me while I was listening). The dialogue, especially from Bartimaeus, was excellent as usual; the other characters and the use of magic were very entertaining as well.

But let me not forget the most important part: the narrator. Simon Jones may have been born to play this role. He does a fantastic job bringing Bartimaeus and the many creatures within this story to life.

I really liked this and can't wait for another one to come out.

Great family listening.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Ring of Solomon to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ring of Solomon?

The image of a hippo in a skirt still brings a smile to my family.

Jonathan Stroud and Simon Jones Nail It Again.

A near-perfect follow up to the Bartimaeus Trilogy. In fact, I think I now prefer The Ring of Solomon to Book 2 of the Trilogy, The Golems Eye.
This book fleshes out Bartimaeus’ history, as well as the lore of his universe, entertainingly and hilariously. I found the new protagonist, Asmirah, more likeable than both Kitty and Nathaniel from the Trilogy. The plot was of this book was just as engrossing, if somewhat more predictable than the original trilogy.

Finally, Simon Jones’ narration amazes me once again. I was particularly impressed with how he managed to subtly and convincingly portray Bartimaeus’ impersonation of another character in the story. Great stuff!

I love Bartimaeus!

Jonathan Stroud has created such a charming character. This is a book I have read several times. I liked the first two books of the trilogy but not the last so I’m glad he wrote this one as a standalone. It’s my favorite.

Entertaining but a little flat

Really a nice and entertaining piece of fantasy. I do like Bartimaeus and the human-demon interaction (read the other three novels as well) - the plot is foreseeable if you know Stroud's style, though.

Wonderful!!!

If you liked the first three, you will love this one too. I really think it's time for Jonathan to tell us what this lively djinn has been up to since Solomon's ring, and have that info come through Simon's incredible performance. I'm always left a bit deflated when Bartimeus gets dismissed.... gonna have to read the whole series again!!!

Enjoyed immersely!!

I really enjoyed this 4th instalment of Bartimaeus series. Too bad there wont be anymore from the series...*sniff*

Laughed a few times at the witty remarks of the character. Also the narrator did this very well!

This is a must listen

One of my absolute favorite books. I listen to this one at least once a year.

Wonderful return and get start too

This is a fun return of Bartimaeus and his adventures. The book stands alone and in many ways makes more sense as a first read before the the other 3 books. If you enjoy a light heart story with one liners and plenty of magic this is great. I'm betting the kids will enjoy too.