Ptolemy's Gate (Bartimaeus, #3) in Addicted to YA

Sep 26, 2016 E. Ardell rated it it was amazing

I can't believe I never rated this series. My 5 is for my enjoyment of the entire series, including the prequel. I started reading this series because a classmate recommended it to me way back when. She told me that if I liked Harry Potter I would like these books too. She was right. The Bartimaeus series is Harry Potter told from the vantage point of snarky, fed up magical creatures forced to be the slaves of magicians who'd have no powers of their own if not for their servants.

Bartimaeus crac I can't believe I never rated this series. My 5 is for my enjoyment of the entire series, including the prequel. I started reading this series because a classmate recommended it to me way back when. She told me that if I liked Harry Potter I would like these books too. She was right. The Bartimaeus series is Harry Potter told from the vantage point of snarky, fed up magical creatures forced to be the slaves of magicians who'd have no powers of their own if not for their servants.

Bartimaeus cracks me up, and of course I empathize with him, because through his jokes, one can see what he truly cares about and Bart has a soft spot for children, even bratty children. His relationship with Ptolemy brought tears to my eyes near the end. I wish he could have had that relationship again with his newest master, but alas, Nathaniel (who would seem rotten to the core, if Stroud hadn't also written from Nathaniel's perspective) has been brainwashed into the "magician's" way of viewing magical creatures and common people who aren't registered magicians.

By the end of the series, you can't help but care about all of the main characters. Their interactions are as amusing as some are touching, and Bartimaeus has this charming way of ticking everyone off. When a book makes you laugh, worry, and have to blink back tears, you know you have a winner. The first book has a slow start, but once you get into it, you're in, and you won't stop until the series is done. I do recommend that you read books 1-3, before you read .5 to fully get the stunning revelation that I received after I read it.

If you read the book and don't know what my revelation was, message me and we'll talk. It has to do with Bartimaeus's character and something he does not do in books 1-3 that, after you read book .5, makes you go... ??? Bartimaeus talks a lot of smack, and does a lot of bragging, but he really ____ his _____ with _______. I wonder why. Huh.

:D :D :D I know I'm evil. :D :D :D

I loved these books, 5 star series, I rank it right up there with Harry... though Harry fan fiction is more fun. :) ...more

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Sep 16, 2016 Katie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I love Stroud's writing--Bartimaeus is clever and funny and the story is packed with strong characters and an intriguing plot. ...more

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Mar 19, 2011 Angie Taylor rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I just loved this trilogy. It has such a fun story line, and the characters are hilarious, and have some great times together. I think anyone who loved the Harry Potter series, would love these books. Absolutely fantastic!

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