Third and final part of the trilogy.

Finally found a copy of the final part, and finally found the time to read it.  I really enjoyed this whole series, and in fact quite a bit more than Harry Potter - the one it is most likely to get comparisons with I suspect.

The ending is not too twee, and the characters and story remain pretty strong throughout.  One of those stories that has opened up enough new characters along the way, and of course including Bartimaeus himself where you want to read and hear more of what they have done, or will do in the future.  

Thoroughly recommend, from youngsters (9+ maybe?) to adults.  Great stuff.

Hong Kong's Golden Orb Spider

During my many walks and hikes around Hong Kong, the Golden Orb spider is the one I see the most of.

Took this picture of this fellow a week or two ago - you can see hundreds of them as you walk up Mount Parker Road.  Since early summer I have also noted how they seem to be gently increasing in size, and reducing in numbers.  Not sure if that is because the bigs eat the smaller ones or what, but either way, this one is not less that the span of my hand in width, including his legs.

Here's a little link to what they say about them:  Wikipedia: Golden silk orb weaver

As you can see, they are well known for their web weaving skills, and though not fatally venomous to humans, can inflict a painful bite.  In short keep your distance.

Anyway, there are still plenty of them about out there, so may yet post another picture if I see a remarkable one.

Follow up - The Golem's Eye

Well, this is the follow up to The Amulet of Samarkand.

Another good fun read and a worthy follow up to the first book.  My son found this in the local library - now just need to see if we can track down the third and final book of the trilogy.

Thank me later.... ;-)

Need a good book?

So this is book 1 of The Bartimaeus Triligy.  Great read. Great fun.  I picked it up because I liked the cover, couldn't put it down, and handed it over to No. 1 son straight after finishing it.

Thoroughly recommend.

Graphic Novels

I have always loved graphic novels - to my younger mind just basically huge great long comics in book form.  Therefore, it makes sense to offer this up:

                                                             100 great graphic novels

Click on the link and go take a look.

YHN

For starters

Wise man, that Bill Murray......