You got a signed cop? Sweet! I admit, I really like the first one - it just has such a snarky little twist to it with Bartimaeus' point of view. And they only get better? Hee, I'm even more excited now.

You should pick up "Sorcery and Cecilia, or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot." Basically, it's a 'letter game' story set in Regency England, but with magic. It's hilarious and has some interesting magical theory!

Oh, and I hope you post your fan fiction, though I'll have to wait until I'm all done with the books to read it. :)