Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2010.

Costa Book Awards 2010 Judges' comment: "Fast, playful and lyrical, this deliciously irreverent book was sheer delight."

Magic and wit make perfect partners in this highly entertaining new story - a prequel to the author's Bartimaeus trilogy - about an unusually quick-witted djinni who has an uncanny way of causing chaos wherever he goes. Set in Jerusalem in the court of King Solomon, Bartimaeus is caught up in the Queen of Sheba’s mission to take control of the King’s magic ring – whatever the cost or danger! Up for anything – almost! – Bartimaeus uses all his guile and brains to succeed. The result is a thrilling, surprising and immensely readable story. The first in the Bartimaeus sequence is Amulet of Samarkand, the second is The Golem’s Eye and the third is Ptolemy’s Gate.  The Ring of Solomon is the fourth one in the sequence and the series has a loyal adult as well as young adult fan base.

Synopsis

Fans of Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus books will devour this book - a cracking adventure brimming with magic, intrigue and a treasure trove of characters that the reader can't help but fall for. We find everyone's favourite irascibly insolent djinni serving at the court of King Solomon in 950 BC Jerusalem, where he is causing his customary chaos and must help a girl assassin sent by the Queen of Sheba to steal the all-powerful Ring of Solomon. The comic relief is perfectly timed, the dialogue sharp and snappy and the fiendishly clever plot perfectly handled with Jonathan's trademark flair and command of language. Thrills, chills and a danger-spiked finale - this is one of the publishing events of the year.

About the Author

Jonathan Stroud was born in Bedford and grew up in St Albans. He studied at York university. He has a strong background in children's books -working at Walker, in their Game Book and Non-Fiction departments and Kingfisher Publications, editing children's non-fiction. He has written and edited a number of game books and non-fiction titles for Walker Books. Jonathan now lives in St. Albans with his wife. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation