The Bartimaeus Trilogy, first book titled "Amulet of Samarkand", is written by Jonathan Stroud. Before released, it was deemed the "new Harry Potter Phenomenon".
Being more than halfway through the book, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, but it is nowhere near Harry Potter for me. Sure, there are loads of humorous quips (especially made by the main character Bartimaeus) in the footnotes, but it does not make me feel like I need to finish the book.
It is a series written in both first person and third person; first person from the perspective of Bartimaeus and third for any of the other characters. Bartimaeus is a demon used in summonings from wizards. Do not worry, there is no mention of the devil, etc. etc., just other demons he knows. There's some magic but not loads because the other main character is a magician's apprentice, so he's still learning.
Has anyone else picked up/heard anything about this book? What do you think about it?