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Despite technically being a YA novel, the author manages to portray a surprisingly nuanced view on British imperialism and classism. Stroud also manages in the same book to create one of the most hilarious characters I've had the pleasure of reading, the djinn Bartimaeus. I particularly enjoyed the footnotes during the Bartimaeus sections of the book, as his wisecracks and japes also manage to sneak their way into those. In short, politicial intrigue + an easy to follow writing style + a hilariously sassy spirit = quite the book.

This is the book that got me into fantasy as a teenager. Pullman does a fantastic job at creating an alternate Earth that still feels fantastical, even though there are still many similarities with our own world. Despite many calling this children's literature, there are still some very heavy themes.

I read this entire book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. The premise of the story is really interesting, the idea that men have their internal thoughts laid bare is a really unique idea and it leads to a lot of tension at certain points. The relationship between the two lead characters is fantastic, and who doesn't love a good doggo in a story? The villains are also genuinely unhinged in the best way possible.

The Metamorphosis is a thought-provoking novella that explores themes of alienation, identity, and the human condition. Its surreal and symbolic narrative makes readers reflect on societal expectations and personal transformation.

It is witty, funny, shocking, descriptive of an area of France, contemporary and brilliantly plotted with a satisfying end