Bartimaeus Trilogy

kat180

Anyone else read these?

I literally just finished the third (and best) book. I exhilarated and upset all at the same time (mark of a great book). I need to discuss it with someone!

kayb

Me, Me, ME!!! Granted I don't remember much besides the fact that they were BRILLIANT!!!!

I really miss them, and have been tempted to buy them again while I'm here.

I ordered book 4/the prequel yesterday.

Discuss away, maybe stuff will jog my memory. :headbang:

kat180

The ending made me cry!!!

It was so touching and perfect - but I really wish Nat hadn't died! Even though it was the only way to end it all (but I was secretly hoping Nat and Kitty would get together!)

Also Kitty's situation upset me - she gave her life as well really - as she's now an old lady and all alone!

I want Nat back - and Bartimaeus! I knew they would join together in this one - their relationship was just perfect - especially at the end when Bart was willing to die alongside him but Nat saved him. I knew they loved each other all along!

And loved Bart's bond with Kitty (him kissing her on the forehead was so cute) and Im sad we didn't get to see more of a development between the 3 of them, working together and see their trust growing.

Im all restless now. I always get like this after a good book - I cant settle to anything!

kayb

I think I went into mourning at the end of the series. It was very sad.

I think this is one of those books were you see the characters grow and challenge themselves to be better, and then when it ends the way it does you feel so sad. It's like they aren't really able to (truly) apply all that they learnt.

Interesting take on Kitty being old and alone. I never looked at things that way before.....that is indeed sad. I wonder if he ended it that way so that he won't be forced to continue the series? Even if he did write a prequel. :glasses7:

kat180

Generally - even though we love characters and want great stories to never end lol - I don't think its ever a good idea to carry on after a series/trilogy has ended.

And this one in particular ended so well. Yes on the growth of the characters - I just love that Nat does the right thing in the end and dies a hero. I especially love him finally showing his affection/love for Bartimaeus - first when he sent him back to the Other Place to recover and then at the end to Dismiss him.

I think it was pretty brave and unique of Stroud to make Nat, a main character, so progressively unlikeable (but I always enjoyed reading his sections of narrative). In contrast, Kitty at times was a little dull. Its interesting to me that in many ways, she was no better then him. They both had pre-conceived prejudices about commoners, magicians, and demons, which they both learn to look past. I was surprised at the end she chose not to help rebuild the government. That seemed wrong to me, just because they needed someone there who understood and cared about the treatment of everyone, especially demons.

I really want to read the prequel - but I also kind of don't! Bartimaeus without Nat!??!! Me dislike.

kayb

I read the synopsis at the back and was like "BART!!!!" He is as snarky as ever, I can't wait to dig in! As soon as I finish the 39 Clues.

On a completely unrelated note, have you read "The Missing" series?

They look awesome!

kat180

How are you finding 39 clues? Ive always been put of because it seems for a much younger audience and the fact that it is carried on by different authors....

Haven't heard of The Missing series - but Im of to take a look!

kayb

The 39 Clues are good. The Missing series is actually written by the author of Book 10, and I was really impressed by the author of Book 9 as well. They are better than Septimus Heap, meaning I am actually motivated to read past books 1 and 2. Some of the writers are a little iffy, but I think overall it's a really good effort.

It reminds me of Percy Jackson in some instances (it's more than just Riordan this time), granted they are both meant for the same age range. I think The 39 Clues can get a little bit darker at times, not in the "world is coming to an end if we don't save it," more the issues it looks at. I sometimes wish they had developed some of these issues more, but I can see how that would be too much for a young audience.

All that being said, I look forward to the release of Book 11 :hello1:

kat180

Hmmm interesting - I may just look into it

Thats the trouble with YA, sometimes (like S Heap) the writing is just too young lol

kayb

Reading "The Ring of Solomon" now. You'll love it

kat180

Well you've persuaded me lol In fact as Im a going away tomorrow I shall pick up a copy to read on my travels

Gotta have a good book as you travel lol.

kayb

Are you back? did you finish? Let's talk about it. :occasion7:

kat180

Im back tomorrow but I haven't had much time to read at all! I need more time!

kat180

I have finished it!!!!

I enjoyed it a lot, not quite as much as the trilogy but I think its because you don't have as much time to get into the characters.

Bartimaeus was, as usual, perfect Some parts I even laughed out loud - lines like 'how do you think it went? Im a voice in a bloody pot' were brilliant!

Im just sad to say goodbye to Bartimaeus again!

kayb

Yay! I didn't quite enjoy it as much as I did the original trilogy. I think I didn't have enough Bart. I found Asmira boring at times...blah.

Is it sad that I think of Bart and most of the djinn with an British accent? I think they sound like Brits, they are witty and smart. I love it! I hope that didn't come out wrong.

kat180

We Brits are witty and smart!

Yeah - the beginning part was a little slow - simply because it took a while for Bart's character to kick in I think. I also found Asmira a little dull - she got more interesting towards the end, but it took a while. In a way I wish we knew more about her, so you could come to care more for her character and her choices.

I kind of love how Bart gets so attached to humans lol - and will do his best to save them even if it means it puts himself in danger - despite his protests to the contrary. Bless him.