The Golem's Eye
#2 of 3 in Bartimaeus Series
on Goodreads (95,139)
What’s inside...
At only fourteen, Nathaniel is a rising star: a young magician who is quickly climbing the ranks of the government. There is seemingly nothing he cannot handle, until he is asked to deal with the growing Resistance movement, which is disrupting London life with its thefts and raids. It’s no easy task: the ringleader Kitty and her friends remain elusive, and Nathaniel’s job—and perhaps his life—are soon at risk. As the pressure mounts, he is distracted by a new series of terrifying attacks in the capital. But is it the Resistance again, or something more dangerous still? To uncover the perpetrators, Nathaniel must take desperate measures: a journey to the enemy city of Prague and worse—summoning once again the troublesome, enigmatic, and quick-witted djinni Bartimaeus. A thrilling sequel to the best-selling Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye is a roller-coaster ride of magic, adventure, and political skullduggery, in which the fates of Nathaniel, Bartimaeus, and Kitty explosively collide.
Character compass
Nathaniel (John Mandrake)
Bartimaeus
Kitty Jones
Henry Duvall
Jane Farrar
Carl Mortensen
Quentin Makepeace
Rupert Devereaux
Sholto Pinn
Kathleen "Kitty" Jones
Simpkin
Nathaniel
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Nathaniel’s actions throughout the story? How would you feel in his situation?
How does the relationship between Nathaniel and Bartimaeus change over the course of the book? What do you think this says about trust and loyalty?
The Golem's Eye explores themes like power and responsibility. What did you learn about handling power wisely?
Why do you think Kitty stands up to the magicians? What can we learn from her bravery and actions?
How do the different settings, like London and Prague, impact the story? Which location did you find the most interesting and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters’ situations. This helps deepen their understanding of the characters' motivations and emotions.
Discuss the moral challenges characters face, such as the decisions Nathaniel must make. This can lead to conversations about ethics and personal values.
Link the book's themes to real-world issues. For example, talk about the use of power in society and the importance of standing up for what is right, echoing Kitty's actions.
Create a map together of the book’s various settings to help visualize the story and foster discussion about how different environments can influence events and character decisions.
After finishing a chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why. This encourages analytical thinking and engagement with the plot.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty.
Explanation: Throughout 'The Golem's Eye', the characters demonstrate deep bonds of friendship and loyalty which help them overcome various challenges. These relationships are pivotal to the plot and the development of the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that loyalty is fundamental in helping each other in difficult times.
Example Lesson: The consequences of misuse of power.
Explanation: In the story, misuse of magical powers and authority leads to chaos and suffering. Characters who misuse power face consequences, which serves as a critical plot point.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of using any form of power or authority responsibly, whether it's in school, towards siblings, or in other social interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears.
Explanation: Characters in the book often face frightening situations, yet they gather the courage to confront and overcome their fears, demonstrating growth and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with challenging situations at school.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance.
Explanation: The protagonists encounter numerous setbacks throughout 'The Golem's Eye', yet they persistently pursue their goals, showing that perseverance is key to achieving one's objectives.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to not give up easily, whether it’s in completing a difficult task or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Understanding different perspectives.
Explanation: The story presents multiple viewpoints, including those of the protagonist, antagonists, and other supporting characters, emphasizing the complexity of human motivations and behaviors.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and consider various perspectives in real life, promoting empathy and better relationships.