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

Another Great Book

I agree that this book is a bit different than the books in the trilogy. I loved the trilogy- and I highly enjoyed this book as well. I knew from reading the summary that it was way before the other books so I didn't expect anything other than Bartimaeus to be carried over. It was slightly slower getting started (and I mean very slightly) than the previous books. But there was nothing about this book that could possibly get me to subtract any stars. Definitely a stand-alone book, and highly enjoyable. I sincerely hope that this is not the last Bartimaeus book! Don't hesitate, get this book and you won't be disappointed!

Fantastic

A great addition to the "trilogy" this prequel gives us more Bartimaeus in all his self aggrandizing and sarcastic glory. This novel is found in the young adults section, but truly it's for any age. I have listened to the whole series a few times now purely to enjoy bartimaeus' snarky wit. Simon Jones is the perfect narrator for the characters as well. Top notch!

excellent

Another great addition to the bartimaeus series. this book can be read before the original series or after, it doesn't change the experience. however, it's fun to read this one after and get some insight into one of bartimaeus' many tales of grandeur that he mentions so often. Simon Jones yet again brought the characters to life in a fun way

Another great Bartimaues book

loved the book so many things to appreciate about the Jonathan stroud Bartimaues series must read.

love it.

I absolutely love this little series. I never post on anything, but this is good and funny. The sarcasm from the main character makes this a great read. enjoyed this one. 😀

wonderful

loved it! bartimaeus is as witty and lively as ever! looking forward to more adventures.

I was surprised

When I bought this book I thought it was gonna be like the other 3 in the series. But I was surprised when it turned out to be historic book. The characters in this book are really good and the time frame is really good too. I didn't think it would be that good compared to the other ones cause I thought they were amazing but it turned out to be a really good book. I listened to this book over and over for like ever since I've bought it. I've I have not read bunch of Jonathan Stroud's books but this is a awsome book. The characters I was a bit surprised because I didn't think I would like them but they were actually pretty good the magician definitely and the assassin's/Hereditary guard. The characters I was a bit surprise because I didn't think I would like them but they were actually pretty good the magician definitely and the assassin's/hereditary guard I was really impressed I did not think anybody could make that up. In the desert encounter left me on edge. When they talked about the magician in the book it kind of freaked me out but at the beginning when you got used to his slaves creepy voice it isn't that creepy but if you're if you have nightmares may be you shouldn't listen to the marid talking in the creepy whisper voice at night it can get a big creepy. This book isn't a good book for everybody but for me, an 11 year old I think it's pretty good. All of his books normally leave me in tears if they have sad parts and this one thankfully didn't a sad but the last book I was crying. When I 1st heard this book I was like what no continue story on the other 3 in the series I was sorely disappointed but when I read this book I was really glad he wrote this 1 it was it's awesome. I like that this news the same narrator do the whole series of some other books he's different ones for each book and I don't like that and I like how he used the same one cause that voice just reminds me of Bartimeaus. The way the narrator talked it may really come alive and I really liked his voice. I'm really glad they picked a good voice for some of the weird voices or some other books that some people use. This is a really good book and I definitely think you should get this.😅

Wish there were more books

I first read this series when it came out and recently decided to purchase the audiobook. The story was as fun as ever. I’ve developed quite the soft spot for the bragging djinni. The narrator did him justice.

With great power ..

always comes a bunch of demons .... sorry spirits from the other place who will do anything to eat you if you should put so much as a foot out of line (beyond the pentacle). Bartimaeus is not your usual Djinn however so it's all fun and games (and only a few people get hurt). Simon Jones is brilliant!

Great listen & A Must Read for Bartimaeus Fans

The Ring of Solomon has the coziness and laughter of spending time with Bartimaeus again, a fast-paced and compelling story, and wonderful new characters with plenty of depth and surprises. Simon Jones is, once again, the perfect voice of Bartimaeus.


Fans of the Bartimaeus Trilogy will be delighted to get a deeper understanding of Bartimaeus's character and background. Just keep in mind that while the action in the the Trilogy takes place over a period of about six years, The Ring of Solomon begins and ends in about two weeks. There _is_ very satisfying character development, but it's not going to be the same as in the Trilogy.


A Nit-Pick: Fans of the Bartimaeus Trilogy on audio will notice a slightly lesser quality for The Ring of Solomon. Not enough to bring down the rating, but a bit disappointing. There is none of the music at the beginning I love in the other books, and Simon Jones seems to have been, well, rushed. The voices are not entirely consistent, and there were some unexpected pauses. Some pauses were caused by the reader and some introduced in the editing of the program. (I hope this is not a trend for the publishers to save money on audio productions!) Again, it's a minor problem and probably only noticeable to fans like me who've listened to the other books many. many times.


I would love to hear the thoughts of someone who has not already read/heard the first three Bartimaeus books!