Rating: 
Summary: this ain't Harry Potter
Review: [Preface: Will everyone please stop comparing Artemis Fowl to the Harry Potter books? Judge this book on its own merits. The only thing they have in common is that the authors come from the United Kingdom. Whether or not this book will steal Harry Potter's thunder remains to be seen.]Now that I got that off my chest, Artemis Fowl is a 12-yr. old evil genius who steals a Fairy book of secrets, then kidnaps a Fairy cop (yes, a cop) and holds her for ransom. The fairies strike back, though, using a little Elfin magic (not the Keebler Elves kind) and some high-tech gadgetry. Despite his diabolical-ness, Artemis shows a few glimpses of humanity and uses a Fairy wish to....well, read the book. Artemis comes out in the end as a criminal with a heart of gold. The book was fast-paced and a fast read. Despite its almost 280 pp. I read thisin about 1 day. There is some graphic violence and many descriptions of high-tech stuff, so maybe the average 12 yr. old should wait a couple years. Scattered throughout the novel are asides by a third-person witness to the events. I don't know if that worked or not. Colfer makes use of a funny juxtaposition of Fairies using macho "action film" lingo, the one-liners that live on in popular culture long after a movie had gone to VHS. This juxtaposition works at first, but he runs it absolutely into the ground. I got tired of hearing goblins and dwarves and sprites rattling off Schwarzenagger-like come-backs. This was a definite attempt to be "hip" on Colfer's part. I thought Colfer's portrayal of dwarves was very interesting; they tunnel through the ground using their mouths as shovels and expel the dirt out through their arse. Mulch, a kleptomaniac dwarf, was one of the more interesting characters. His exploits in the Fowl mansion were really exciting. In summary, it was a fun book. Good summer reading. Colfer hints at sequels during the course of the book, and in the epilogue gives a brief history of what happens in the future between Artemis Fowl and the Fairies. The jacket notes state that a movie will be made, so I imagine Dreamworks or Industrial Light and Magic will go all out with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Awful
Review: No, I'm NOT comparing it to Harry Potter. I don't want everything I read to be Harry Potter - but I do want properly thought out characters and fresh plots. You won't find them here. A good editor could have done wonders.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Read all Around
Review: I have yet to read any of the Harry Potter books, to which many are inevitably comparing this too, so I can't judge on that. By the books own merits alone, I can honestly say that it was a terriffic read, extremely enjoyable. I picked it up right before a flight and devoured the thing before days end. "Die Hard with Fairies" is an excellent description. I definitely smell a sequel. Artemis himself was pretty interesting and original for a children's book "anti-hero". I'm not sure if I want my children to emulate his ethics, but you have to admire his intelligence, determination, and confidence. And Butler, by the way, is THE MAN. Anybody who can go toe to toe with a troll in unarmed single combat is one bad mutha... I have to give it 5 stars. I don't think Artemis will topple the literary giant Harry Potter has become, but he does have a lot of promise. "Artemis Fowl" is well written, well crafted, and a lot of fun. I hope that Mr. Colfer writes another one, I know I'll buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Just like an action movie... only with fairys.
Review: I really liked Artemis Fowl, it was interesting, exciting, funny, and it really kept you guessing as to what Artemis was going to come up with next. It's not what I would call a children's book. It just like an action movie (Die Hard with fairies was a good way to explain it.) This is not to say I don't think kids will enjoy it, I think older kids (like 11-12) will probably love it, and anyone older than that who has an imagination, and who likes lots of action. At times, it almost seemed like the author couldn't decide if he was writing for adults or children. For example, the description of weaponry and attack plans made me feel like I was reading a Clancy novel (or something similar.) Then, 3 pages later, when the Dwarf blasts someone with dirt he has recently "eaten and decomposed" it's pretty clear what age group that was intended for. Alright...here it comes...you know it couldn't be avoided, the comparison to Harry Potter. They both have a violent troll in them. There, that's it. Seriously, the two have nothing in common other than the fact that they deal with trolls, goblins, centaurs and fairies. But in all fairness, other than the troll, the characters are portrayed in entirely different ways. No, if you are looking for another Harry Potter, you won't find him here. (I'm not sure you'll find it anywhere.) Totally different stories, different types of characters, different writing. But I still liked this book, it's a great read. At then end I wasn't sure if I wanted Artemis (the bad guy) to win, or if I wanted the fairies (the good guys) to win. Just start it with an open mind and keep waiting for Harry Potter book 5.
Rating:
Summary: Oh....salvation at last
Review: In this year's horrible drought,where we are drained of Harry Potter until next year,"Potter goers"like me,have been despirately searching for our irragation.A book to quench our thirst for action and adventure.This book is that diamond in the ruff.With essental elements such as rich characters,exciting plots,and surprising twists,this book is one great read.This is coming from an 11 year old boy,who normally hates science fiction,and loves fantasy(yes,I know,very awkward).But the way the author mixes fantasy with sci-fi,I wouldn't dare pass it on as sci-fi.Till the joyous streams of Harry Potter fill again,read this book,quench your thirst.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK!!!
Review: I think Artemis Fowl was excellent! It is about a boy (Artemis Fowl) that is on a journey to find his father.
Rating:
Summary: Artemis Fowl- funny but scary
Review: This is definately a good book to read before the next Harry Potter comes out. It's funny and there are many magical charachters. It is not for younger kids to read because it is very scary.
Rating:
Summary: An enchanting new funny and magical novel.
Review: Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl can't really be described in a few words. Dangerous, rich, brilliant, and intelligent, Artemis likes the way he can handle things - and while his mother is out sick, oblivious of Artemis' s dastardly plots, Artemis has got the life and loving it of being a brilliant criminal. With his burly caretaker so rightfully named 'Butler', he's determined to capture Fairy Gold - but that plan, brilliant as it is, becomes an adventure. He'll do anything it takes to get the loot, even if it means capturing an armed and dangerous fairy, Holly Short, of the LEPracon Unit. And Artemis Fowl just may have more of an adventure in store for him - because what he's taken on is something he just may not have a brilliant plan for. Artemis Fowl is an enchanting, dark, and funny story about a child prodigy whose brilliance makes the reader laugh out loud. The way he handles things and talks to armed people is funny, because he's so determined and emotionless. Though it's written very unusual, and with many funny and heart stopping scenes, this novel is not at all like Harry Potter ; while waiting for the fifth Harry Potter, be sure not to miss this one, however. Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl are unique in each of their own magical ways. They shouldn't be compared. Eoin Colfer did a great job on this first riveting magical novel, and so did J.K. Rowling with Harry Potter. Both, undoubtedly, are must-reads.
Rating:
Summary: Great summer read!
Review: No, peeps, it ain't Harry Potter. Let's get real now - they all can't be. Artemis Fowl is a kid for the new millenium. He has an edge to him. He has back bone and grit. He has "boy humor". This is a good read - don't judge a book by the reviews - read it for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Sure It Lives Up to The Hype
Review: It seems like everyone is trying to find the "next Harry Potter" in the bookstores, while waiting for the next installment to come out. "Artemis Fowl" is the latest in the attempt. Hyperion has backed alot of money into it, the movie is readying to be made, and the book itself holds clues to decode a secret message on the detailed Artemis Fowl website. But it's not Harry Potter. Nowhere near, and shouldn't be judged so. It's protagonist, or more anti-hero is a conniving, self involved brilliant schemer and thief who puts plenty of lives in jeopardy before the end of the fast paced and funny book. The problem for me is once Artemis puts his nasty plan into motion,(to get a large sum of gold from a legion of fairies), the book shifts focus and becomes all about the various sprites, gnomes, and winged people that try to stop him. And don't get me wrong, they're hilarious and keep the book chugging along. The problem is, and maybe this was the authors intention, I wound up hating Artemis and wanting the fairies to win. Not the best result when the title is named after the character you want to support. Still the book is fun and will translate well into a movie after the success of movies like "Shrek", and characters kids will laugh at like one who passes gas with near military results.
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