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Artemis Fowl

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Update 9/28/18: I am now an affiliate with Z Publishing House. I do get a small commission from any purchases through this link ( http://www.zpublishinghouse.com?rfsn=1831564.e6264) if anyone is interested in some anthologies of emerging writers.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is the first in a juvenile fiction series about a twelve-year old boy genius who expands his family's crime ring to include kidnapping and stealing from the People, a society of various fairies who live underground to avoid humans.  

I originally listened to this on audio book while in middle school. For some reason I never actually picked up the book or continued the series, though upon reading this, there were some scenes that I think I remember that diddn't happen in the book, so I must have at least glanced at another book. 

Going back to this after so long, I remember how exciting it was. Colfer creates a believable-- and often hilarious-- world, believable characters with more dimensions than many jf characters, and a well-paced plot. Familiar stories, like leprechauns and fairy gold, are mixed with new elements, like a conspiracy theorist centaur who insists on wearing a tin hat. Artemis is written as mature for his age yet still has the characteristics of a twelve-year-old searching for his family. 

Kids will enjoy the humor, melding of science fiction and fantasy, and quick pace. Adults enjoy an easy read with tight writing and believable characters.

Minor Spoilers Alert!

I did find the time frame a little confusing at some points. It's written that Artemis achieves his first goal in finding the secrets of the People. Immediately after that, Captain Holly Short goes above ground on an assignment and afterwards is sent to complete a Ritual to restore her magic. Only after this do the readers learn it's been several weeks between these two events which can be a bit of a jolt to the readers. Similar things occur during the POV shifts during the siege, negotiations, and attempted rescue. Interestingly, readers seem to spend the least amount of time in Artemis' perspective. This could be to keep his a mystery to the readers or it could be the author wasn't sure how to narrow in on a boy-genius' perspective. 

I believe Colfer knew he was going to write more books with these characters because the narrator-- who turns out to be a psychologist compiling a profile on Artemis for the People's LEP (police) force-- will sometimes intrude and mention that "that is another story." Since most of the book isn't written like this-- unlike Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events-- it sometimes pulls the reader out and reminds them this is a story. It may work for some people, but I found myself groaning at it.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to finishing the series. If someone is looking for an easy read, something mildly funny, or a unique mix of science fiction and fantasy, I recommend this book.

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