Bartimaeus in King Solomon's Jerusalem, trying everything in his not inconsiderable wit to get back to home while slaving for his master, who in turn serves King Solomon with his all-powerful ring. Unable to keep out of trouble for very long, Bartimaeus finds himself being punished for a smart mouth and a rebellious disposition and a tendency to eat careless magicians, but things take a turn for the worse when an assassin for the Queen of Sheba slips into Jerusalem with Solomon himself in her sights. Can Bartimaeus keep his essence intact and achieve the dismissal her craves? Why does he keep getting ensnared in the depraved doings of these horrible humans?

This is a glorious adventure, with the misanthropic, sardonic, long-lived demon providing cutting commentary to the action, exploring notions of freedom and slavery, duty and obedience and the tastiest parts of humans. Brilliantly written, readable, funny and suspenseful and packed with cleverness and dark, dark, jokes about the human condition as well as a surprising and genuine affection for their foibles.