Ptolemy's Gate (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 3) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The assassins dropped into the palace grounds at midnight, four fleet shadows dark against the wall..." (more)
Key Phrases: other djinn, scrying glass, golden chair, Other Place, Kitty Jones, John Mandrake (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up–The loquacious djinni introduced in Amulet of Samarkand (2003) and Golems Eye (2004, both Hyperion/Miramax) is back, or, more accurately, he hasnt left in three years. While Bartimaeus retains all of his wit and wisdom, his essence suffers severely from lack of rest. Nathaniel, now Information Minister, spends his time writing propaganda to bolster the common folks belief that England is winning its foreign wars and tracking down traitors within the government. Kitty Jones has gone into hiding, apprenticing herself to a magician and learning enough from her master and through research to summon Bartimaeus herself. When Nathaniel finds Kitty, the two of them and the djinni must use all their strength and cunning to defeat the most dangerous demons they have yet encountered, demons that take over the bodies of the government magicians. Ptolemys Gate is an exciting and eminently satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, footnotes and all. This time, readers learn more about Bartimaeuss past and his connection to the loinclothed boy whose likeness he wears. Kittys strength and intelligence shine through, and Nathaniels inherent compassion emerges from the mask of John Mandrake. This is a must-have for libraries that purchased the first two books. For those that didnt, buy all three at once for readers who want something that is literate, entertaining, and exciting.–Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 6-9. The final volume in the Bartimaeus trilogy reveals more backstory and exposes greater complexity in the characters, even as the plot thunders along toward its colossal climax. The narrative alternates between first-person chapters from the djinni Bartimaeus' point of view to third-person chapters focused on Nathaniel, the magician, and Kitty, the commoner. Although Bartimaeus has lost none of his caustic wit, another side of his character is revealed through scenes in ancient Egypt and in the spirit world. A cabinet minister, Nathaniel sees the traditional power structure crumble around him, feels his own moral compass grow stronger, and takes actions that once would have been impossible for him. Now they seem inevitable. Kitty, after secretly studying magic, takes a challenge that few magicians would have dared: entering the spirit world and returning. Stroud's picture of this alternate world is one of the most remarkable scenes in recent fantasies. It leads readers' imaginations outside the realm of physical reality and offers an awareness of that reality as seen from the outside. For fans of Bartimaeus, Nathaniel, and Kitty, this will be the most satisfying volume of the three, as questions are answered and hidden depths are revealed. For readers who loved the earlier volumes for the sheer adventure, this, with its battles, magic, and great crashing conclusion, will not disappoint. A worthy ending to an exceptional saga. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Miramax (December 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786818611
• ISBN-13: 978-0786818617
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (144 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #218,080 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 3 in The Bartimaeus Trilogy Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When Barty lost his bite, June 19, 2006

By	Amanda Richards "Modest to the extreme" (Georgetown, Guyana) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The third and final installment of the Bartimaeus Trilogy (*1) picks up three years after the "The Golem's Eye" with Nathaniel a.k.a. John Mandrake now the Information Minister, and spending his time making up propaganda pamphlets about the supposed successes of the war in America (*2) He has been increasingly mistreating Bartimaeus, not allowing him to return to the "other place" until his essence is so severely weakened that the puns stop flowing. (*3) Mandrake is now cold and unfeeling, totally absorbed in his work and his own self importance, and has few friends. In order to hang on to whatever little favor he has left with the Prime Minister, he maintains cordial relations with Quentin Makepeace, who has composed a must-see (*4) musical about the life of the Prime Minister.

Things aren't going so well for the government either, and the commoners are revolting. (*5) Some have learned to spot magical beings, and some have developed magical resistance, and this book sees the return of Kitty Jones, who is sneakily learning about the other world, and especially Bartimaeus' past. (*6) Through Kitty's research we learn the secret behind the whole Ptolemy thing, and get a look into Bartimaeus' domain.

When a sinister plot (*7) unleashes the most powerful beings who ever existed to wreak havoc and cause mass destruction, Mandrake, Kitty and Bartimaeus team up in ways none of the three would have before this thought possible, and using the magical artifacts from the first two books, they represent the last line of defense of the human race. After a heart-stopping and pulse-racing (*8) last quarter, the grand finale may not be to everyone's liking, but the redemption of Nathaniel more than makes up for it.

A bit lengthy and somewhat plodding at the start, but never-the-less a totally gratifying conclusion to a great series.



(*1) - Yes, yes - trilogies often mean three stories - get on with it!

(*2) - Mostly rubbish, I might add

(*3) - Egads!

(*4) - If you wanted to keep your job, that is

(*5) - Most of the magicians would agree whole heartedly

(*6) - Trust a woman to have an enquiring mind

(*7) - What other kind is there?

(*8) - Desirable yet unhealthy conditions I would think




Amanda Richards, June 19, 2006

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can't believe it's over, January 12, 2006

By	Yapi Santiago (Metro Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I couldn't have asked for anything more. This was indeed a worthy finale to the trilogy. The character development just went into no-holds-barred mode, giving you such insight on the main characters, and, finally, a revelation on Bartimaeus' past with Ptolemy. What was it that made this djinn love the little Egyptian boy so? We finally find out.

The past two books ensnared me, but this one completely held me captive. There were times when I'd be tired all day from working, my eyes forcing themselves shut, and my body aching for rest. Yet, I fought against its cries for sleep just so I could continue reading Bartimaeus' tale.

Ptolemy's Gate is so well written that you will find yourself getting so involved with the characters throughout the story. I shared Bartimaeus' disappointment with Nathaniel so much that I yearned to jump in there and slap some sense into him myself. Not to mention that I was feeling sorry for Bartimaeus as well, while he goes into his own style of [justifyable] self-pity. Kitty, who I admit did not interest me so much in the past, played such a crucial part here that I could not help but develop a fondness for her as well.

Each turn of the page willed me to go on, and the excitement just seem to build up and up. And the ending.. Oh, the ending. I released the breath I wasn't aware I was holding, as I stare into space dumbfounded; mouth slightly open, as I play that final scene again and again in my head.

I hope to see Bartimaeus again in the future. Even with a completely different cast of characters, I would be happy!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! Will miss it, January 1, 2006

By	Optimist (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Warning - do not read the reviews below mine - they contain major spoilers!!

All in all - a great finale for a captivating series. (I didn't get out of my pajamas today - read straight through!)

Imaginative and compelling - entertaining for adults and children as well. Heartfelt thanks to Jonathan Stroud!