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

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!

Bartimaeus is back!

Because I loved the trilogy so much, I was a little nervous how this would play out. Stroud did not disappoint. It's a great prequel and Bartimaeus is as funny, witty, loveable and flippant as always.

The pace is fast and the story draws you in. I found myself washing the dishes twice just so I could prolong the task and listen more.

I love it! I need more!

This isn't the first time I have read this book. I have re-read this book so many times and I still love it enough to read it again! I recommend this book! I also recommend his other books as well. You won't be sorry!

I love Jonathan Stroud

Where does The Ring of Solomon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I wouldnt say that I liked iit as much as the Bartimaeus trilogy bit never the less I thought it was awesome.

Who was your favorite character and why?

by far Bartimaeus just because I love his dry humor.

What about Simon Jones’s performance did you like?

I love the way he reads, how he put life into the character's voices....for Bartimaeus it is always a tone of disdane.

Any additional comments?

If you liked bartimaeus you will like this book.

loved it.

I wish there were more Bartimaeus books. these are some of my favorite books ever.

Would make a fun movie!

Loved it. I read the trilogy and this doesn't disappoint. Performance is entertaining as always.

Hopefully this is not the last!

The wit of Bartimaeus of Uruck is pure magic. Bartimaeus is one of those rare characters that you never tire of. Everything you loved from the original trilogy is here and Bartimaeus is even more fun than before. Hilarious and a must read for any fan.

for when you just gotta have more Bartimaeus

after the original trilogy, when you're just aching got another sweet draft of the best that the other place has to offer. THANK YOU Jonathan Stroud!!! it's delicious and sarcastic and exciting and funny and so so satisfying!!! loved every detonation and puff of sulfur!!! left me wanting more...but I loved every drop!

A truly delightful and entertaining story

I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator and the storyline. The plot is interesting and fun. A good mix of humor and excitement.

Soooooo good!!!

Bartimaeus is the best!!!! Wish there were 10 more books! Such a great story, truly!!