It is 950 BC, and King Solomon rules Jerusalem with a steely hand on which gleams a mystic ring of immense and unforgiving power.

One of Solomon's magical slaves, the irrepressible djinni Bartimaeus, is stuck doing dead-end jobs for the king. But when Asmira, a young Sheban assassin, arrives to kill Solomon, steal the ring and save her country from his attack, she makes Bartimaeus an offer he can't refuse. If he helps her succeed, she will give him his freedom.

What could possibly go wrong?

Set in an alternate world controlled by magicians, this hilarious and electrifying bestseller will enthral readers of all ages.

As funny as ever. Stroud has lost none of his dazzle - Financial Times

Deservedly shortlisted for the Costa Prize - Sunday Time