The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud has garnered praise for its imaginative world-building, witty humor, and complex characters, especially the djinni Bartimaeus. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the protagonist, Nathaniel, difficult to sympathize with. Overall, it's a compelling first installment in the Bartimaeus Trilogy that blends fantasy and intrigue.

Readers who enjoy The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud are typically fans of intricate fantasy worlds, clever humor, and morally complex characters. They might also appreciate books like J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series or Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, which feature young protagonists and rich, magical storytelling.

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud follows the story of Nathaniel, a young magician apprentice, and his summoned djinni, Bartimaeus, as they join forces to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the powerful magician Simon Lovelace and uncover a conspiracy. Their journey involves deception, battles, and overcoming personal vendettas, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation that tests their courage and alliance. The book contains depictions of child separation from families, violence, and death.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Fantastical / Adventurous / Humorous

Jonathan Stroud

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Amulet of Samarkand reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Amulet of Samarkand | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Amulet of Samarkand and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Amulet of Samarkand Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Amulet of Samarkand Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 The Amulet of Samarkand Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 15-22

The Amulet of Samarkand Part 2, Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 23-30

The Amulet of Samarkand Part 2, Chapters 23-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The Amulet of Samarkand Part 3 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Amulet of Samarkand Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Amulet of Samarkand Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Amulet of Samarkand Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Amulet of Samarkand Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Amulet of Samarkand Essay Topics

The Amulet of Samarkand

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Amulet of Samarkand?

Reading Age

Book Details