The Amulet of Samarkand

by Jonathan Stroud
Read by Simon Jones
462 pages

This story takes place in an alternate form of modern London where magicians rule.  Nathaniel is a capable, ambitious apprentice who has been apprenticed to an inferior master named Arthur Underwood.  During the previous year, Simon Lovelace, a powerful magician, had been visiting Nathaniel's master.  During this visit, he demeaned Nathaniel, and Nathaniel has been plotting revenge against Lovelace ever since.  Nathaniel summons the sarcastic and antagonistic djinni Bartimaeus to help him steal the Amulet of Samarkand from Lovelace.  Bartimaeus is able to carry out this charge, but the theft has many unintended consequences.

This was great on audio.  Simon Jones really embodies Bartimaeus.  Jones is able to give the djinni just the right amount of sarcasm and haughtiness to make him come alive.  I wasn't a big fan of the end, but it was an enjoyable read overall.