Tiered of wizards with long beards? Wondering why you always have to see something through the eyes of the hero? The Amulet of Samarkand alters your views on all things magical.
Primarily for younger teenagers, this deserves a sub-category in 'Fantasy'. In a 'Voices of the Coast' event in Queensland, Australia, I had the pleasure to meet the author, Jonathon Stroud, who went through difficult measures to make this book unique.
This is the kind of book where you either hate the style, or love it. Some people dislike the writing technique used, and won't give it a chance, but then again, as intelligent as those people may be... those who open their eyes to all books are cognizant to many things than those who don't read all. Needless to say, this was a book I loved.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(16 of 28 readers found this comment helpful)
This book hits close to home, and really makes you think of human values and rights. It's scary thinking how some of the events in the novel are similar to what happens in the real world, even if all isn't what it seems. Some themes in this book are best suited for readers who are looking for something unique, and don't mind a bit of melancholy at times. A major flaw from this book his the slow start, but thankfully it gains pace at the ending.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(31 of 51 readers found this comment helpful)
A sophisticated and moving piece, this book is like physical poetry given in a thick novel. You don't need to be an older reader to understand this book; I read it a few months ago when I was 13, but it helps to have a good grasp on the English language, or the story just may leave you behind. Markus Zusak is a daring author, and this is a thrilling tale.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(16 of 28 readers found this comment helpful)
Icicle has commented on (3) products.
The Amulet of Samarkand: The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book One (Bartimaeus Trilogy #01) by Jonathan Stroud
Icicle, August 18, 2006
Tiered of wizards with long beards? Wondering why you always have to see something through the eyes of the hero? The Amulet of Samarkand alters your views on all things magical.Primarily for younger teenagers, this deserves a sub-category in 'Fantasy'. In a 'Voices of the Coast' event in Queensland, Australia, I had the pleasure to meet the author, Jonathon Stroud, who went through difficult measures to make this book unique.
This is the kind of book where you either hate the style, or love it. Some people dislike the writing technique used, and won't give it a chance, but then again, as intelligent as those people may be... those who open their eyes to all books are cognizant to many things than those who don't read all. Needless to say, this was a book I loved.
(16 of 28 readers found this comment helpful)
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Icicle, August 18, 2006
This book hits close to home, and really makes you think of human values and rights. It's scary thinking how some of the events in the novel are similar to what happens in the real world, even if all isn't what it seems. Some themes in this book are best suited for readers who are looking for something unique, and don't mind a bit of melancholy at times. A major flaw from this book his the slow start, but thankfully it gains pace at the ending.(31 of 51 readers found this comment helpful)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Icicle, August 18, 2006
A sophisticated and moving piece, this book is like physical poetry given in a thick novel. You don't need to be an older reader to understand this book; I read it a few months ago when I was 13, but it helps to have a good grasp on the English language, or the story just may leave you behind. Markus Zusak is a daring author, and this is a thrilling tale.(16 of 28 readers found this comment helpful)