The Golem's Eye (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 2)

The Golem's Eye is the second installment in Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus Trilogy, a sophisticated fantasy series set in an alternate London where magicians hold all political power. Fourteen-year-old magician Nathaniel, now a government official, is forced to re-summon his reluctant djinni, Bartimaeus, to investigate a mysterious, invulnerable golem attacking the city. Meanwhile, a young commoner, Kitty Jones, joins a resistance movement seeking to overthrow the oppressive magician government. The book explores themes of power, injustice, loyalty, and the moral complexities of both sides of a conflict, offering a darker and more politically charged narrative than many traditional fantasies. It features multiple perspectives, intricate world-building, and a blend of action, mystery, and sharp humor, making it suitable for mature middle-grade and young adult readers.