Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: Finally an intriguing main character
Review: Even at eighteen I found this book extremely amusing. It is a very interesting take on the definition of fantasy, combining the real world/magic elements of Harry Potter and the feeling and pace of a Crichton technological thriller. A perfect recipe for a fast entertaining ride of a story.

My favorite aspect of this book is Artemis Fowl himself, the most intriguing character in all the young adult books I have read. At last, when I am sick and tired of do-gooder righteous main characters, we have a character that is readily associated with a monster and a vampire. On top of that, he is incredibly rich, a genius, and a criminal mastermind. He also has a bone to pick with the Russian Mafia (more so in the second book). He stands precariously on the line between good and evil, probably closer to evil, which makes me love the kid even more. If I were twelve like he was, then I would probably have a huge crush on him.

I can only wish that this book had come out when I was young enough to appreciate it in full. It is way beneath my reading level now, but even so, as an extremely visual person, I found the descriptions a bit underwhelming, but otherwise this book had me hooked. A must-read for anyone of the age group and any adult and older kid who wants a good fun read.

Rating:
Summary: Artemis Fowl: First of an Obsession
Review: I can't see how anyone could sleep through this piece. It is a tale of a young criminal master mind/ kid genius for which the book is titled.

The plot starts out with him tracking down a faerie and tricking her into letting him copy her book. Then, he decodes the language in which it is written, and kidnaps Captain Holy Short of the Lep police and holds her ransome.

What really makes this an interesting read, is Artemis's character, and how nothing is exactly how it seems. It is also fun to watch him find ways around traps that Lep trys to use.

This is a grade 'A' book, and everyone should read it.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific
Review: This book is one of the best I've ever read, Eoin Colfer definitley outdid himself in this and every other Artemis Fowl book. It takes place in Ireland, where Artemis Fowl, a wealthy preteen, who's obsessed with fairies, takes him and Butler on a ride downunder to steal the wealth of these creatures. The LEPrechaun unit featuring the spunky and only female officer Holly, is called in to stop Artemis from his mischeif.
Written with a coy attitude, and constant character POV rotation, Artemis Fowl is a great read for all ages.

Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: I've been planning to read this book for a while due to its popularity, and have only recently gotten the chance to sit down and read it.

While I certainly wouldn't list this book as a classic, it was thoroughly entertaining and quite action packed. So if you're looking for something new to read for fun, I'd recommend this book because it's just out there.

A quick run down of the plot: Artemis Fowl, 12 year old child prodigy borne of a powerful and shady family (no, not the mafia. The Fowl family is much more than something like that.), is trying to regain the family fortune unwittingly lost by his father (currently MIA) by kidnapping one of The People; Captain Holly Short, member of the LEPrecon for ransom. Of course, boy genius has a whole lot in store for him even he does have each and every step calculated. The plot would be boring otherwise, no?

The book contains a quirky mix of modern technology, wit, deviousness, a dash of magic, and snarky characters that you grow quite fond of. (Technology and deviousness seem to dominate the book) It's not extremely difficult or long to read, although sometimes I would get confused with some of the technological jargon later on in the book.

The plot, as I mentioned before is entertaining and action packed especially as you pass the first part of the book. Artemis Fowl is interesting in that the main character is actually sort of the bad guy. I feel that the plot could have been tied up a little more tightly and made more plausible, but other than that I liked it a lot.

The characters are all interesting, and my favorite is Artemis Fowl. What can I say? I have a thing for child prodigies. He's my favorite character because he's intelligent, cool and in control. People just have to bend to his will one way or another. Yet underneath that in control exterior he shows really does lay a 12 year old boy with emotions like every other child. It's just buried REALLY deep underneath the devious and calculating genius.

I'm going to get books 2 and 3 now that I know I'll actually read them.

It's a new kind of fantasy fiction so kick back, relax, and get ready to be swept with the flow.