Ptolemy's Gate (Book 3 in the Bartimaeus Trilogy) Book Review

Before I review The Bartimaeus Trilogy: Ptolemy’s Gate with the professionalism required for this trade, can I just say OH MY GOSH! WHAT. AN. ENDING! Stroud’s usual ability to draw together absurd circumstances increases to the next level when Nathaniel gains “Claws” (and a couple magical weapons besides). Unlike some authors, Stroud creates the conclusion of a series, not a book. The difference? Aspects of all three books merge together to end the series; take one of the books out, and the entire dynamic of the story would alter. This ‘dynamic plot’ as a whole twists a great many times, until the reader wouldn’t be able to keep up unless they submerge themselves within the text. Character reveals, in particular, leave the reader dumbfounded. The main characters themselves, for possibly the first time in the whole trilogy, work together on a character level instead of being thrown together by circumstance. Bartimaeus carries all his usual charm; Nathaniel releases a new perspective on the ongoing theme of conscience, and Kitty Jones once again develops insight into the world of commoners within the series. The importance of setting hits an all-time high as Kitty explores a place thought impossible to reach (though I can’t say much more here, any reader should prepare to be astonished). As per usual, the comic relief of Bartimaeus’s footnotes is much needed and most welcome. Overall, a fantastic ending to a fantastic trilogy.

“ ...at that last moment I [Bartimaeus] would have liked to tell him [Nathaniel] what I thought of him. Mind you, since in that split second we were, to all intents and purposes, one and the same, I rather think he knew anyway.”

Recommended for anyone who won’t get nauseous from experiencing all their emotions all at once.

-Grace Nask