Run, Don't Walk, to a Library or Bookstore

[artyartie]

I just finished Ptolemy's Gate, the last book in the Bartimaeus trilogy, and I think this may best His Dark Materials as my favorite fantasy book ever. Children's or otherwise. I know some of you have already read the books, but for those of you who haven't, the books deal with an alternate universe where the British Empire still rules the world, and magicians rule the Empire. But their rule is anything but benevolent; if anything, their goverment is overtly facist. The protagonist, Nathaniel, is one of the most fascinating characters, and his development over the three books is so well done - and in the last book it is utterly heartbreaking. Kitty Jones, the young Resistance leader, is stunning in the last book, and the eponymous Bartimaeus of the books - while he usually provides most of the humor in the books in the form of the funniest footnotes outside of a freshman English course, has some wonderful backstory in the last volume.

I stayed up the entire night to read it, and decided not to watch an episode or two of MI-5 just to stay up and read. Even now, my eyes are filled with tears - the last volume was just *that* good. A book hasn't affected me this much in quite a while.

Comments

[otahyoni.livejournal.com]

I've been wanting to read those books for ages, and just haven't gotten around to it yet. But after your glowing review, I'll have to take myself to the library soon.

[aoife-hime.livejournal.com]

i knew you would love it!!!! oh man, that series (and ptolemy's gate especially) was so amazing.

i was bawling by the end too. i think i wrote a very short lj entry right after i'd finished saying something to the extent of "sobbing now, such a good book, but why?!?!?! *goes back to sobbing*". i'm still working on my own version of an epilouge too, though i must admit i haven't had much time for it (between other fandoms and school). i will get on that, though, as the idea hasn't died on me yet (just another testament to how amazing the series actually is).

[melroseplant.livejournal.com]

I loved the Bartaemeus books! They made me laugh so hard. THey are the funniest things around !!!