Jonathan is the author of the bestselling Bartimaeus trilogy, as well as stand-alone novels, Buried Fire, The Leap and The Last Siege. Jonathan worked as a children's book editor before becoming a full time writer. He lives in St. Albans with his wife and their two young children.
...an author who can rightly be dubbed a master storyteller...Heroes Of The Valley is...epic, vibrant and colourful Bognore Regis Observer 20081214 As always, Stroud writes like a dream, passing from instant amusement to a sense of real suspense with apparent ease. Those who eagerly awaited this next novel after his super Bartimaeus trilogy will not be disappointed. Books for Keeps 20090101 Written out of a deeply felt world, and with a taut, disciplined voice that knows its Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as well as its Harry Potter, Jonathan Stroud's new book is, quite simply, stunning. The Guardian 20090110 While it is a totally new direction and a different type of tale to what pulls you right in, proving that the cream will always rise to the top. www.sci-fi-london.com 20090113 This is an entertaining book full of boyhood adventures, heroes and excitement. Bradford Telegraph and Argus 20090110 ... boys will love its twists and turns. Irish News 20090110 Stroud peppers his story with tales reminiscent of ancient Norse myths, giving this book the feel of an epic saga. Halli is a great lead character... Flipside 20091201 A high adventure with any twists and turns. Derby Evening Telegraph 20090114 An entertaining book full of boyhood adventures, heroes and excitement. East Anglian Daily Times 20090124 Jonathan is already building up a strong fan base among young lovers of fantasy fiction and his latest novel will certainly not disappoint his young readers. Hertfordshire Life 20090301 This is a real treat that will have children of 10 and over seeking out Stroud's other novels. The Telegraph 20090221 this latest novel will certainly not disappoint his young readers. Hertfordshire Life It is certainly an action adventure but the great fight scenes are tempered by humour and humanity and for that reason, although an excellent read for boys, it will be read by adventurous girls too. Carousel 20090301 The language is equisite in places and landscape is brilliantly evoked throughout the story School Library Association 20090301