Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing -- to say the least
Review: This book should never be compared to the Harry Potter series. It doesn't EVEN compare. Standing on its own it is "just okay." It was an easy read but not very stimulating -- even for a young reader. I purchased it for my grandson and, as usual, I read it first to make sure it was appropriate. I passed it off to him but when I asked him how he was enjoying it a week later he said he thought it was "dumb." I don't mean to infer it wasn't a pleasant read, but even the Hardy Boys mysteries have it beat. I wish I could be more positive about it -- I really WANTED it to be a good and exciting books but it was too predictable and dry. :(
Rating: 
Summary: Probably My Favourite
Review: This is probably the best book I've read all year. I will tell you the reasons why.First, ACTION. This book is full of action. There is something going on all the time. And furthermore, over the course of the book lots of DIFFERENT action occurs. It isn't, for instance, nothing but gunfights. Events are extremely varied, and you never know what either side is going to do next. Second, the CHARACTERS. Everybody has a strong personality. Even though this book is a fight between two sides, Artemis's side and the fairies, both sides are represented equally. Neither side is really the "good" side. And both sides seem extremely intelligent. They both come up with fascinating plans! Finally, the PLOT. The characters and the action together form one of the most interesting plots I've ever read in a story. I won't tell you anything about what happens, but it's all fascinating. And nothing is predictable. From the beginning it is impossible to know what direction the story will take. Is it as good as Harry Potter? I won't even COMPARE them, because they are two entirely different genres. Harry Potter is definitely fantasy. Even though Artemis Fowl has fantastical elements, it is really more of a futuristic techno/sci-fi/action book. It combines magic and fictional advanced technology in a way I've never seen in any other book, and in this way it is VERY original. In any case, I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone of any age.
Rating:
Summary: A fantasy twisted with technology
Review: I liked Artemis Fowl a lot. It was very intellecttual and funny. Artemis Fowl, twelve years old, wants to hold a faire hostage and ransom him\her. First he must get the "Book". It contains magical spells and secrets.. Also it sometimes cuts to the LEP's troubles. The LEP is like the FBI.Artemis must face a troll and a bio-bomb. Can Artemis hold the officer ransom or will the LEP get it's officer back ? If you like a lot of supense and adventure plus a mastermind who you will be rooting for all the way then you'll love this book.
Rating:
Summary: A book to delight the child in all of us
Review: Leprechaun S.W.A.T. teams, the Book of Fairies, stopping time and a 12-year-old boy outwitting everyone in sight---the perfect adventure for your young reader! I can't wait for more from this author!
Rating:
Summary: Best book I've ever read!
Review: This book is a fantastic alternative to the Harry Potter books. I couldn't put it down. Cracking the code inside the book was challenging, but very fun. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoyed the Harry Potter books.
Rating:
Summary: This book is cool
Review: This novel is an amazing work of art that will become a classic. Only a great writer could write such a compelling fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter? No Way!
Review: I read this book just recently and I have to admit, it was pretty funny and intelligent but it cannot compare to Harry Potter. JK Rowling has invented characters that I have fallen in love with. Artemis Fowl, Butler, Juliet and Holly are exactly what they are-characters in a book. To me, this book could NEVER compare to Harry Potter. But I'm glad I read Artemis Fowl anyway.
Rating:
Summary: Watch out Harry!
Review: Artemis Fowl is one of my favorite books. I have read it 4 times. Each time I still get sucked into it. I reccomend Artemis to everyone. This book is the best Modern Fantasy book I have ever read. All the characters have different aspects from Artemis to Butler to Foaly to Root to Captain Holly Short. Please read this book. IT ROCKS. Harry Potter look out theres a new book in town!
Rating:
Summary: This Isn't a "Fowl" Book at all!
Review: This was an intelligent book. Many people have compared it to Harry Potter, (which it definitely isn't), simply because it's a fantasy novel for children. It can't measure up to Harry, mostly due to Artemis' lack of charm. He shouldn't be named "Fowl," but Foul. He's intelligent, which kids will love (he outsmarts fairies and adults alike), but he's bad...bad to the bone. And he could kick Draco Malfoy's butt! 12-year old Artemis' father was killed, so he decides that it is his job to regain the fortune his father lost (mind you, the Fowls were only rich due to centuries of stealing and thievery). He can't depend on his mother, because she's an incompetent, senile drunk, still not over the loss of her husband. I think parents best read this book first, before letting their children. Mature issues are discussed frankly, and they may be a little too mature for younger children. There is violence, violence, death, alcohol abuse, etc. Even so, I found it quite entertaining, and would recommend it. Just don't buy it to read to your toddlers.
Rating:
Summary: Heavy-handed
Review: I thought the second half of this book was better than the first half, but overall I was unimpressed. I also think any comparisons to Harry Potter are unwarranted. My issues were mainly with the pacing and suspense, and with the obvious marketing deals interlaced throughout the story. The book was choppy, and any potential for suspense was killed by either (at worst) an outright declaration of what was about to happen or (at best) heavy-handed foreshadowing. As for the marketing messages, Colfer clearly has his goals set on book sequels, movie deals, and a website, and who knows what else. He doesn't seem to be writing from the heart, but instead from the pocketbook. It just doesn't ring true. The comparisons to Rowling's Harry Potter series are only bound to hurt Artemis Fowl in the end. Rowling's characters are well-developed and real through their actions and dialogue. Her stories are engrossing and exciting. Colfer relies far too heavily on narration and description to build his cast, and in the end the book reads more like a screenplay (which may actually be the goal, as I suggested before). Artemis Fowl just ends up being a modernized, commercialized fairy tale.
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