"The Amulet of Samarkand" is the first book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. It follows a young magician named Nathaniel who summons a powerful djinni named Bartimaeus to help him retrieve a stolen amulet. Set in an alternate version of London, the story explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of magic. The narrative alternates between Nathaniel's perspective and Bartimaeus's witty commentary. As they navigate a world filled with magical politics and dangerous adversaries, their relationship evolves, revealing deeper insights into both characters. The book combines humor, adventure, and a critique of social hierarchies.