The Ring of Solomon

By Jonathan Stroud

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The Ring of Solomon is a prequel to the fantasy trilogy about the wise and wisecracking demon, Bartimaeus. The series is aimed for children from eight upwards.

Set during the reign of King Solomon, the premise is that magicians summon demons to do their work. The story centres on Bartimaeus, a demon summoned to Earth, very much against his will, by Solomon, to help build his Temple. He’s a brilliant narrator, and each page is drenched with cynical charm. The other main character is a young woman, Asmira, an assassin sent to kill Solomon. She lacks Bartimaeus’ charisma but is a great foil, even if we’re wary of her blind fanaticism.

This story is an Arabian Nights adventure, full of sorcerers, djinni, flying carpets and magic rings. Bartimaeus, for all his power, is a slave. Slavery and the corrupting effect of power are the main themes of the book and are well-handled.