I had to struggle to force myself to finish this book, and that too was for the sake of reading more of Bartimaeus' view. Every single magician in this book, Nathaniel included, has a nearly undetectable conscience. I, personally, was unable to relate to or like any character, but, of course, Bartimaeus, who is undeniably the life's blood of this book. He is incredibly witty, and the footnotes were hilarious. The book reminded me vaguely of the Artemis Fowl series, though not as well written. All in all, I will valiantly attempt to proceed in finishing the trilogy, out of pity for the author, and to see some more of Bartimaeus.