So.....

what was the point of the entire first section of RoS? (Bartimaeus as Ezekiel's servant, and going off to Eridu to find the treasure.)

It seems to me that the story could have started with Bart being summoned by Khaba, just out of coincidence. I mean, the water serpent never comes back into the story significantly anyway.

Maybe as Backstory to those who have

Bad memory
Never read the series before

Didier wrote:So.....

what was the point of the entire first section of RoS? (Bartimaeus as Ezekiel's servant, and going off to Eridu to find the treasure.)

It seems to me that the story could have started with Bart being summoned by Khaba, just out of coincidence. I mean, the water serpent never comes back into the story significantly anyway.

That's what I thought too, part 1 was... for lack of a better word... kind of pointless and unnecessary.
Although I'm glad that it was in the book because we got some extra Barti awesomeness.

Yeah..

I was so glad to have another Bartimaeus book to read! I just had too many issues with this one. I only really got in to this book about half way through. Honestly, my least favorite Barti book. Still liked it though...

I know, this thread is old. But i wanted to add something.
Several people said, the first chapter was pointless. I cant fully agree to that. Sure, neither Ezekiel nor the water serpent were really important for the plot. But i think, the first section still has its signifance. I see it as an introduction of the actual story and where it takes place. And it shows us, how Bartimaeus' character was, back in these days. (and of course, the action scene in Eridu ;))

It seems to me the original trilogy didn't need an entire section dedicated to useless plot to introduce the story.

Thats what i meant. RoS isn't a part of the triology. It's a spin-off, that takes place in an other time and an other place, so it might be less confusing or unfamiliar with an introduction... or something like this... Whatever... sometimes relevance is just a matter of opinion.

Whatever. Would it have been sooo hard to bring the water serpent back into it? Slap-shod literary work if you ask me. I think JS should make up for it by writing another prequel! :D :D :D

I'm not sure, but wasn't she mentioned in the treasure chamber of Salomo shortly? I can't remember... But she wasn't important at all, thats right. And yeah... thats a good idea. :D I would love to read another prequel.

Ok yes Solomon uses the serpent, but it's useless. It would have been better if it had been an object of some power. Could've replaced that scene where Asmira just throws random assorted magical stuff through the archway. Like, come on now!