Rating: Summary: Okay--that's the best I can say Review: I was prepared to really like this book, having gotten good leads from the Amazon recommendation system before. But:1.) The writing is weak, telling more than showing (except for gore, where it is graphic). 2.) The plot is gappy sometimes--as if the writer forgot to tell the reader something that was in his head, that might have made parts of the book make sense. 3.) If you like fairies and magic, you won't actually find enough to please you here. There's more high-tech gunpower than magic in this book. 4.) The humor is childish, but the content is violent and the vocabulary is high, so I'm left not sure who the intended audience is. It's sort of the opposite of the Series of Unfortunate Events, since that series manages to slyly appeal to adults and smart children by being rich with advanced vocabulary, literary references, and social commentary, but has a storyline you can follow readily without catching the references. All in all, I am left disappointed. No more than three stars--I'm not moved to demand compensation for my reading time, but I wouldn't recommend it, to children, teens, or adults.
Rating: Summary: One word sums it up: "Ugh." Review: The Harry Potter references don't apply to me; I read this book before I even touched a Harry Potter book. Thus, I think my review is Potter-free. That being said, I really, really didn't like this book. The idea was good: Boy genius, modern update of mythology (LEPrecon = Leprechaun, etc), an attempt to steal fairy gold. The problem with the book is the terrible writing style. It's just...boring. It reads like it was written *by* a 9-year-old, not *for* a 9-year-old. By contrast, other children's books are written in a style that doesn't coddle the reader and instead focuses on moving the story along in plain English. Maybe something got lost in the translation from Gaelic to English. The end of the book left me unsatisfied and annoyed. I liked Holly Short, but she's the most underused character. Instead, we get lots of garbage about Root and Butler. Butler is cool, if a little overblown, but Root is annoying and completely uninteresting. It was impossible to really care about any of the characters in the book. My final slam: The book fails at suspension of disbelief. It's written so poorly, it's impossible to go into the world of the book and read it is if the story was really happening. Suspension of disbelief is the cornerstone of good fantasy, and this book just doesn't have it.
Rating: Summary: A review on Artemis Fowl, written by a book worm Review: Artemis Fowl is the kind of book people are lucky to come across twice a lifetime. It was refreshing to read, cleverly written, and left me twiddling my thumbs waiting for a sequal. In the book, a genius twelve year old (Artemis) discovers the existance of fairies, and plots to hold one ransom for gold, in an attempt to restore the family fortune. The fairies, however, take no nonsense, and may be more than Artemis can handle. Even though you may find this book in the children's section of a book store, I have met more than one adult who couldn't put it down. All in all, it is a must-read.
Rating: Summary: derivative . Review: I picked up the first Artemis Fowl book without any preconceptions about it. I simply knew that it was another wildly popular children's book with a larger crossover adult audience. Within a few pages I began to feel as if I'd read this book before...which I had of course albeit in the form of Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat series and Robert Aspin's Myth books. (Not to mention about half the PlayStation games on the market.) Still, it was reasonably entertaining. As I continued to read I became more and more disturbed. First, there's the matter of product placement. How much money is the author making from the various networks, handgun manufacturers and computer makers he names? The second problems was the book's attitude toward humans. Humans are labeled as violent mindless killers who pollute the planet. Fair enough, but it's the fairies who carry firearms with the settings "Scorched, well done, and crisped to a cinder." And it's the fairies who routinely use nuclear weapons to destoy entire villages rather than part with their gold. The fairies also piggy back on human satellites and other devices which are manufactured by pollution-making processes. Nor do the fairies seem willing to share any of their wonderful non-polluting technology just to save the planet. It all became intensely annoying by end of the book. Also annoying was the movie-style deus ex machina resurrection of a major character. Yes, future books need to have the two main characters in each other's debt but couldn't the author have come up with something a teeny bit original? Which pretty much sums up what's wrong with Artemis Fowl: not only has it all been done before, it's been done much better.
Rating: Summary: artemis fowl Review: This book is awesome! I loved it! Artemis Fowl is one of those books where you want to read on. In this book Artemis is a twelve year old mastermind who takes you on amazing adventures. My favorite character is Butler becasue he is a body guard for Artemis with cool gadgets that add to the adventures in the story. This book is kind of like a James Bond meets Harry Potter. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Rating: Summary: Fantastic Fictional Twist Review: Absolutely Wonderful... An Adeventure worth taking, from a twist about fictional characters in a new light, to new rising of a a fun criminal master mind. This book will have you laughing in your seat, while imparing you in supense and adventure. When I picked up this book I had no idea what I was instore for. Worth any child or adults time. I am currently serving in Operation Enduring Freedom overseas and if this is all the smiple pleasure I can have right now its all I need. U.S.A.F FireFighter
Rating: Summary: The Great Artemis Fowl Review: The book I am reviewing is Artemis Fowl written by Eoin Coffer. My favorite character was actually Artemis Fowl because he was devilishly tricky and clever. It all started off in a city in an alley way of a city and later followed at Artemis Manor and underground. The majority of the book acquired at the Fowl Manor though. I also liked the part when the LepRecon officers (who live underground because they hate the sun and it drains all their powers) drop a bio bomb on the house which kills all living things. They do this in order to get back one of their officers that Artemis is holding hostage. I would recommend this book to a friend who likes strategy, adventure and how you done it books.
Rating: Summary: A Fun New Series Review: Artemis Fowl is what you would call a man of many mysteries. Only he's not a man. He's a twelve-year-old boy. But he's no ordinary twelve-year-old boy. At his young age, he is not only a genius, and a millionaire, but he's also a criminal mastermind. But when he kidnaps Captain Holly Short, a fairy from the LEPrecon Unit, he doesn't know what he's in for. Because, you see, these fairies aren't sweet, like the Tooth Fairy, but dangerous, and somewhat unfriendly. This was a very exciting book for all ages, that will capture the hearts of Harry Potter, and science fiction/fantasy fans the world over. A great new series, with magic in every turn. Erika Sorocco
Rating: Summary: Don't believe the hype!!! Review: This book is definitely not as good as advertised. This was a very big disappointment for me. I found Artemis Fowl to be a character who is not very believable. His attitude, the way he talks... definitely not a likable character. Plot is thin. Not very interesting.
Rating: Summary: Artemis Fowl Review: Artemis Fowl is a fun filled book that everyone should read. If you like books that have adventure around every corner then you should read this one. Some characters have odd personalities like Butler who has weapons in every pocket, shoe and sleeve. Artemis Fowl is a type of guy who does something and enjoys it. He sticks to what he does and believes in following a fairy with gold or a leprechaun. Does this sound like a normal person to you? For Artemis this is a fun filled adventure in his everyday life.
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