Review: The Ring of Solomon (Bartimaeus 0.5) by Jonathan Stroud

The Ring of Solomon (Bartimaeus 0.5)

by Jonathan Stroud

Publication Date: November 2^nd 2010

Publisher: Hyperion
Source: Bought

Find This Book: The Ring of Solomon

Rating: 5/5

I read The Amulet of Samarkand years ago and absolutely loved how witty Bartimaeus was. The original trilogy is one of my most beloved book series and I was so excited to buy the prequel! (I was also pretty excited because I got to meet Jonathan Stroud and had him sign this book and The Screaming Staircase for me). I remember driving home from the book tour just over a year ago and imagining all the adventures I would have with Bartimaeus like it was just yesterday. Unfortunately, getting a signed copy meant it became my most treasured possession and I never wanted to take it to the beach or to the pool in case someone ruined it (thise locations are where I do the majority of my reading). That being said, it took me a very long time to start this book because I wouldn’t let it leave my room. That being said, I can’t believe it took song long for me to read this book!

This novel immediately brought to the forefront of my mind everything I had loved about the original series. Those characteristics being the magic and demons, historical references, and humanly flawed characters. You don’t need to read the series to enjoy this spectacular book, however the world-building was done in the original trilogy so Stroud doesn’t explain about the demon summoning and pentacles much in this prequel. What you find instead is a snarky character telling about his fast-paced adventure in 250 B.C. Jerusalem with his additional commentary in the footnotes. While is does switch to a human perspective occasionally, Asmira was quite interesting unlike Nathaniel and Kitty in the originals. Asmira is a hereditary guard for the Queen of Sheba and is sent to Jerusalem to assassinate King Solomon in order to try and save her country from an invasion from Solomon’s army. Being sent on basically a suicide mission, she is being used just as much as the djinni being summoned around her. While she refuses to acknowledge this fact, Bartimaeus and Asmira are a bit similar in that regard and the book brings up a thought provoking perspective on philosophy and psychological slavery. Not so bad for the typically shallow YA book, right? 

While the reader knows that Bartimeaus can’t meet a gruesome end due to the fact that he is alive and well during Victorian England, the book was detailed and suspenseful enough to make me forget about those other books. While this wasn’t the prequel I wanted (I was looking forward to a book about Bartimeaus’s time with Ptolemy) this not only met all of my high expectations, but also went even further. 250 B.C. was a great setting and the book seemed well researched. To sum up; the plot was quite simple overall, it was your typical “girl meets boy who is actually a shape-shifting djinni who is in servitude to an evil magician who is one of the 19 powerful magicians who works for the King of Solomon who said girl is trying to assassinate to steal the most powerful object EVER”. Did I forget to mention the hippo wearing a skirt? This is definitely a book that everyone would look into if they enjoy humor, sass and a bit of history!

Throwback to my Selfie with Jonathan Stroud (2013)

Top Ten Tuesday #3

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish 

Top Seven Characters I'd Like To Check In With

1.   Harry Potter

I know we got the little epilogue but I would just love to check in and have a story about his life, working his cool job, parenting his kids, social gatherings with the family, getting letters home from Hogwarts, maybe a class Reunion?

2.  Percabeth

I would love, Love, LOVE to read more about Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase. When do they stop questing? I doubt there’s any more “save the world” types of quests but just going out and saving some mortals from monsters? What about college and settling down, does New Rome work out for them? How often do they visit Grover and Camp Half-Blood? How do they help out the Kane’s in the couple of mashups if they’re across the country? Do they have kids in the future? They are my OTP of OTP’s. I grew up with them and I could read about their lives forever.

3.   Eragon

I finished The Inheritance Cycle about four years ago, right when the final book was released and let me tell you, it has been disappointing not to hear a peep from Christopher Paolini since. He actually said that he will return to Eragon’s world at some point and I would really appreciate that being soon. Angela and the werecat were awesome and I would adore a back story. Plus Eragon just went off into the dessert to train dragons and riders, how’s that working out for him? His relationship with Arya? It really pisses me off that they both admitted they loved each other as Eragon left Alagaësia to never return. I just really need a check up on Eragon and Arya, alright?

4.   June Iparis

Champion by Marie Lu was a roller coaster of emotions for me. Very rarely to books make me cry but that one had me bawling. When Day looses his memory and she took that as a sign to let him go, to not see the pain of the loss of his mother and brother every time he looks at her- that practically killed me inside. I thought that would be the end of the book but thank god for epilogues. They got a cutsie ‘strangers meeting on the street’ moment and got together anyways. So since they do in fact become a thing, I want to know what’s going on in their love lives. Plus I’m curious as to whether America becomes a first world country again.

5.  Bartimaeus

I am currently reading The Ring of Solomon (0.5) by Jonathan Stroud, but it’s a prequel (and not even the story I was most looking forward to). What I really need is a check up with Bart to see how he’s doing after Nathan. Does he get to live in peace for a while? Does another magician summon him? I just really need another dose of his sass, pronto.

6.  The Gaang

Avatar: The Last Airbender was my childhood (the cartoon and the graphic novel) and while they are currently releasing new graphic novels they just can’t come out quick enough. We’ve seen the Gaang as teens and we’ve seen them elderly/old in Legend of Korra, but I just really need a late 20’s check in and a reasing the family check in. Especially with Zuko. I’m assuming her marries Mai? But I would like canon confirmation.

7.  Hana Silna

Hana is from a lesser known series, The Riddle of Prague by debut author Laura DeBruce. Yes, I would like to know what happened after book one, but now I’m just starting to be generally concerned for the series. Book 2, The Temple of Paris, was scheduled for release the summer of 2014, with it’s cover released and everything. Then it was pushed back to the fall of 2014. However, it’s April 2015 and the book is still not out?? I would sincerely like a check in with not only Hana, but with the series and the author.

Top Ten Tuesday #2

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish 

Top Ten Underrated Authors or Books in YA

Legend by Marie Lu: It’s a dystopian trilogy about the most wanted criminal born in the slums and the military’s elite-born prodigy trying to fix their country and hunt the other down. The Republic is at war, and on top of that a fatal plague has fallen on California. These two would have never crossed paths if it weren’t for the death of Prodigy’s older brother, Metias. Swearing revenge on his murderer, Prodigy goes undercover in the slums where the plot really takes some shocking turns. This was a really touching story that made me cry- something that rarely happens.

Department 19 by Will Hill: I never hear about this book in the US. It’s an intense Vampire Hunting novel about this 17 year old boy Jamie. Classic literature (Frankenstein and Dracula to be exact) are tied in perfectly throughout this series, as well as history. The style of the book (time-line/point of view wise) is a bit messy but all of the pieces come together effortlessly at the end of each book.

The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini: This book has got a medieval feel to it with lots of magic. There are Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, Werecats and more to be found between the pages! Eragon, an orphan boy looked after by his uncle and cousin on their farm finds a strange blue stone while out hunting. Turns out to be a Dragon who imprints on him and gives Eragon the ability to use magic (and means he’s the only dragon-rider in existence aside from the Kingdom’s dictator Galbratorix).

Defy by Sara B. Larson: Defy is about Alexa (Alex) how disguises herself as a boy and joins the army with her twin brother Marcel. This would be because girl orphans are forced into a life of rape in order to produce as many soldiers for the army as possible before their body gives out. Training in the army since children, Alex and Marcel are now part of the Prince’s guard and virtually unbeatable- until a magician kidnaps the prince and takes Alex with them!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: Karou is an art student in Prauge, drawing monsters that may or may not be real. She also disappears on errands to collect teeth for Brimstone. She’s grown up with a word of wishes come true, but the catch is that this isn’t her first life. Where does the magic come from? Who even is she? Lastly, What of the fiery Akiva and the bloody star-crossed love of her past?

Assured Destruction by Michael F. Stewart: This is a great new book series that I’ve reviewed on here. Stewart crafts being a teen with technology flawlessly and it was quite an enjoyable read. Janus is an amateur hacker/programmer whose family business is failing. Her father disappeared, her mother is severely sick, and Janus is suffering from depression, but that’s not the plot. I loved how their ‘disabilities’ didn’t mean they couldn’t function has a whole human. The plot focuses on technology in today’s society- the good and the bad. 

The Bartimeaus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud: If you’re looking for a great read, Stroud is one of my favorites. It’s kind of popular, but I’d still say it’s underrated. Bartimaeus is so sassy, witty, and sarcastic how could you not love him? He’s one of the best characters that I’ve ever read and this series honestly deserves more credit than it’s got. These books are about magicians, who can summon spirits to do their bidding. Spirits from another world as old as time. One such spirit is Bartimaeus, who has served many human masters in his time. Currently serving under Nathaniel, a magician prodigy out for revenge, Bartimaeus will find any loophole to bring his master’s downfall upon him in this fantasy-comedy.

The Quicksilver Legacy Series by Laura DeBruce : So far only the first book has been released but I absolutely loved it! The Riddle of Prague revolves around Hana Silna who comes back to Prague to claim her ancestral home from the Soviet Union. The city holds deep and dark secrets woven through history- maybe even the key to eternal life. She needs to find a flask in order to save her kidnapped family, meeting plenty of suspicious characters along the way. I was debating who was trustworthy the whole way through!

Daughters of the Moon by Lynne Ewing: Vanessa and her friend Catty have always had special powers, but they never realized that the other did as well. Vanessa can turn herself into a gas-like substance (invisible and an interesting form of transportation) while Catty can time travel. This was a great blend of Greek Mythology with a Modern day setting. The girls soon befriend a 3^rd and 4^th girl like them who help them realize that they are daughters of the moon goddess. They need to fight together to defeat the evil Atrox in a thrilling 13 book series.

Pendragon by D. J. MacHale: Bobby Pendragon is a basketball star, with a happy family, home, and adorable dog. Pretty normal except for the fact that he can travel through gates to other worlds in crisis. He’s the savior, the leader of travelers, and the one to save all of Halla. Fast paced, plot twisting, and adrenaline pumping; this series was a great read. The world building and character intricacies were beautiful so this was one of my favorites in 8^th grade.

Top Ten Tuesday #1

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish 

Top Ten Book Characters That Would Be Sitting At My Lunch Table

1. Eragon Shadeslayer from The Inheritance Cycle: I love how he goes from Farmer Boy to Hero. Yeah, he’s a dragon rider, but he’s also keeping it real and knows what his duties are. Loyal and good with a sword, he’d always hang out with us a lunch.
2. Bartimaeus from The Bartimaeus Trilogy: The Witty one of the group, he’ll always keeping things interesting. I love his character. Maybe he doesn’t have your best interest in mind, but he cares in his own way and wouldn’t leave a friend to the dogs. He’d also probably compete in a prank-off with my next character.
3. Leo Valdez from Heroes of Olympus: The trickster of the gang, Leo can always make me laugh. He’s trustworthy, extremely caring, and most of all dedicated. I’d help him rescue Calypso from some bullies and then she could sit with us too <3
4. Annabeth Chase from Percy Jackson and theOlympians: She is so smart and intelligent, she and I would be the brains of the table. We’d sit and chat about our honors/AP classes and help each other out when we got stuck. We’d be the brainiac dream team!
5. Finnick Odair from The Hunger Games: This eye-candy character is so much more. He might be a flirt, but he’s really a sweetie and my lunch table wouldn’t be the same without him. We’d eat sugar together while swapping gossip to hide how venerable we really are.
6. June Iparis from Legend: June has got the brains and the brawn. She’s our little one-girl army to save the day from bullies, mean teachers, and homework. I’ve always thought we were similar (along with Annabeth) for using our minds to win and physical force only if we have to.
7. Arya Stark from A Song of Ice and Fire: The tomboy of the group who would rather be swordfighting in the mud than chatting in a dress. It’s a miracle we can wrangle her in for lunch! I’d love to be more like her and learn how to fight, maybe she can teach me some moves.
8. Spock from Star Trek: The great thinker, with almost computer-like accuracy would be a perfect addition to my lunch table. He’s a flawless mediator and his advice is impeccable.
9. Legolas from Lord of the Rings: Elegance, Grace, Style, Legolas has it all. He’s great for advice with all of his wisdom throughout the years, but he also knows how to have a good time. Behind the serene face is a party animal waiting to break through.
10. Carter Kane from The Kane Chronicles: Carter would be the last piece to my lunch table puzzle. He’s the archaeological nerd with the Pikachu pajamas and the coolest magical powers to back him up in a fight. His Egyptian heritage and fighting skills are also something I’d totally want to learn from him along with Arya’s.