Monday, August 8, 2011

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Release: 2009 (reissue)
Pages: 304 (paperback)
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Source: Netgalley
Summary:
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius—and, above all, a criminal mastermind.

But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories—they're dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure.
Mini-Thoughts: Unlike anything I’ve read before, Artemis Fowl is exciting, brilliant, and truly magical. Artemis Fowl is one of the more stand-out middle grade novels, filled with an evil and conniving mastermind (who is, surprising, a young boy), a tough and endearing fairy running low on her magic (that’s Captain Holly Short, to you), a bodyguard/butler named Butler who could seriously maim you (because he’s cool like that){1}, a very important Book, a kidnapping, a ransom, and so much more. Artemis Fowl is pure action, excitement, and is filled with surprises.

Highlights: This book is just overall enjoyable – I can see why the series is so popular. I adored Holly, and Artemis really grew on me by the end{2}. And I love how the author changed my perspective of "leprechauns" - as well as a few other things Colfer used creatively. The tech, the lore, and everything else were all very imaginative. Plus, there are plenty of humor-filled moments.

Lowlights: A bit slow going at first, but it continues to get better and more intriguing with each page. And the POV switches bothered me at times{3}.

Rating: 4/5



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{Footnotes}
{1} And yes, Butler is most definitely cool. And very dangerous. Dangerously cool?
{2} Despite what a total punk he is, Artemis does get a bit more likable ;)
{3} Just a personal bias. I dislike more than one or two POV changes in the third person (I much prefer there to be no change). If that doesn't bother you, you'll probably enjoy this even more.


15 comments:

  1. I've actually never given this one a second glance before, but now that I've read your review, I'm definitely regretting that. It sounds like the perfect middle-grade type read!

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  2. This sounds fantastic! I've heard a lot about it, but never considered picking it up until now. Great review!

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  3. I remember really loving the Artemis Fowl series when I was younger! I wonder what I'd think of it now... Anyway, great review! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

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  4. I love Artemis, though he gets a lot better in the last books. I never read the first (or second? can't remember) books, I think I started off from the third, but I love all of them! Awesome review, Lea!

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  5. I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, I keep seeing it everywhere but haven't gotten to it yet! Even though I don't read much MG, this one sounds fun and refreshing,–especially the leprechaun aspect–so I'm looking forward to trying it!

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  6. I read the first three books in this series when I was a tween and loved them!! Artemis really starts to grow on you even more in the sequels. And I loved the humour of the series too. It's strange though that I have yet to pick up the other books in the series as the third ended in a huge cliffhanger... I hope to get to them someday!

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  7. I'm just going to admit that Artemis Fowl is one of my all time favourite series! So glad you enjoyed the first book - thanks for the review! :)

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  8. I love Butler! I think the third book is my favorite although this one is really good too in order to set up the series.

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  9. Why have I never given this one a second thought? I'm totally adding it to my list right now :)

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  10. Ah, I used to LOVE Artemis Fowl back in 5th/6th grade. Don't tell me it's your first time reading this?! Haha, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. Your review summed up the best of AF perfectly. :)

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  11. I remember enjoying this series. Very fun despite Artemis' annoying qualities. I like the new covers!

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  12. I love LOVE love the Artemis Fowl books!

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  13. I've always wondered what this series was really like. I enjoyed this review!

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  14. I read and enjoyed this book too. I thought boys might gravitate towards this series more than girls though because of all the action and then well the farts.

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