I really enjoyed these. I have to admit that a huge part of the fun was that I got them in audio format, and Simon Jones was a perfect choice for the narrator. He makes a wonderful Bartimaeus. 
 The third book was the weakest of the three; somewhat predictable and a bit of post-modernist propaganda. The second book's scene in the British Museum was priceless, however; anyone who has ever visited that august building will love it. 
 Not always books for children, but definitely worthwhile for most older readers.