The Ring of Solomon (A Bartimaeus Book)

It would be wrong to review the entire Bartimaeus Trilogy without continuing to review their final novel, The Ring of Solomon. While technically not part of the trilogy, Bartimaeus still plays a major role in its creation, and the plot had been hinted at in the original series (see side note one in Chapter 37 of The Golem’s Eye). If the reader had, like me, blazed through the series in a matter of weeks and picked up on the reference, a bit of the plot is spoiled, but Stroud makes sure to add enough surprises, secrets, and suspense to keep even the most observant mind entertained. The change in setting, from 1800s London to 950 B.C. Israel and Sheba, bring out some of that suspense mentioned. Nathaniel and Kitty will be missed, but Asmira, our new protagonist, introduces themes on perspective, especially that in relation to good and evil, and loyalty. Using her, Stroud develops irony on the topic of what it means to be a slave; Asmira would die for Queen Balkis without question but can’t see how this would hinder her free will! She and Bartimaeus hit it off almost (if possible) worse than him and Nathaniel, but they still find it in themselves to pull some resemblance of teamwork off when they need it most. Like in the three books before, Bartimaeus’s ‘insight’ on the world he lives in brings a much-needed lightness to the tone. Altogether, the story delivers hilarious revelations on what Bartimaeus meant when he said he’s talked to Solomon.

Recommended for anyone who couldn’t part with Bartimaeus just yet.

-Grace Nask