The Bartimaeus Trilogy

Reach for this series when your teen is beginning to question authority, navigating complex social hierarchies, or struggling with the ethics of ambition. It provides a sophisticated framework for discussing how power can corrupt even those with good intentions. The story follows Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a cynical djinni he summons. While the backdrop is a magical London, the core is a sharp satire of class struggle and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of success. It is an excellent choice for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers who appreciate dry wit and are ready to engage with stories where the line between hero and villain is intentionally blurred.