Cover of The Amulet of Samarkand
Cover of Ptolemy's Gate
Cover of The Ring of Solomon
Series

Bartimaeus Sequence

4 books

The Bartimaeus Sequence series by Jonathan Stroud has 4 books. Start with The Amulet of Samarkand (2003), then read the rest in the order below.

Bartimaeus Sequence reading order

1
Cover of The Amulet of Samarkand

The Amulet of Samarkand

Jonathan Stroud

In a world where magic is wielded by the powerful elite, a young magician's apprentice named Nathaniel seeks revenge against a cruel rival. To achieve his goal, he summons a formidable and ancient djinni named Bartimaeus, embarking on a dangerous quest to steal a legendary artifact. However, the summoning is only the beginning, as Nathaniel and Bartimaeus are soon entangled in a complex web of political intrigue, betrayal, and a brewing rebellion that threatens the very foundations of their society. This thrilling adventure explores themes of power, ambition, and the unexpected bonds that can form between master and servant.

FantasyAdventure FictionUrban Fantasy
2

The Golem's Eye

Jonathan Stroud

The Golem's Eye

Jonathan Stroud

In a world where magic is a tool of power and political intrigue, young magician Nathaniel faces his greatest challenge yet. Tasked with quelling a burgeoning resistance movement that threatens to destabilize London, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. As the resistance's elusive leader Kitty evades capture, Nathaniel must confront a new wave of terrifying attacks that hint at a far more sinister threat lurking in the shadows. To unravel the mystery and protect the city, Nathaniel is forced to seek help from the most unlikely and troublesome of allies: the sarcastic and ancient djinni, Bartimaeus, leading them on a perilous journey to Prague.

FantasyAdventure FictionUrban Fantasy
3
Cover of Ptolemy's Gate

Ptolemy's Gate

Jonathan Stroud

In a world where magic is wielded by ambitious politicians and powerful djinn are summoned for service, the young magician Nathaniel finds himself at the heart of a dangerous conspiracy. As England's Minister of Information, he navigates treacherous political waters, relying on the sardonic wit and formidable magical abilities of his summoned djinni, Bartimaeus. Together, they uncover a plot that threatens not only their own lives but the very fabric of the magical world, forcing them to confront ancient secrets and make impossible choices. Jonathan Stroud masterfully blends thrilling adventure with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the complex relationship between masters and their summoned beings.

FantasyAdventure FictionUrban Fantasy
4
Cover of The Ring of Solomon

The Ring of Solomon

Jonathan Stroud

In the opulent court of King Solomon, a powerful ring grants the monarch dominion over both men and demons. When a mischievous djinni named Bartimaeus is banished from the grand temple construction, he finds himself entangled with Asmira, a determined captain on a perilous quest. Their paths collide as Asmira seeks to protect her homeland from Solomon's encroaching power, forcing Bartimaeus into an unlikely alliance. This spellbinding tale explores themes of freedom, servitude, and the true cost of power, all delivered with Stroud's signature wit and unforgettable characters.

FantasyHistorical FictionAdventure Fiction