This second volume of the brilliant bestselling Bartimaeus sequence Two years have passed since the events of The Amulet of Samarkand & the young magician Nathaniel is rising fast through the government ranks But his career is suddenly threatened by a series of terrifying crises A dangerous golem makes random attacks on London & other raids even more threatening are perpetrated by the Resistance Nathaniel & Bartimaeus travel to Prague enemy city of ancient magic but while they are there uproar breaks out at home & Nathaniel returns to find his reputation in tatters Can he rescue it from his Machiavellian adversaries in the government bent on his destruction? A thrilling sequel in which the relationship between the young magician & the djinni remains as teasing & complex as ever