By Eoin Colfer
Genre MG Urban fantasy
Pages 280
Recommended by Me
First Sentence Ho Chi Minh in the summer.
Synopsis
Artemis Fowl is a 12 year old genius determined to return his family to the wealth and status they once had. Holly Short is a elf and a member of the LEP. Their two worlds are about to collide.
What it has going for it
It's been far too long since I read a MG that wasn't dumbed down in its simplicity. I know it's written for a younger audience but do they always have to be so stingy on vocabulary? Anywho, it was a relief to read this one. I read this one because the author was coming to my local library and I wanted to have at least read one of the books in the series. The author, btw, was absolutely hilarious! Seriously, it was like seeing a stand up comedian...a really funny one! The book was clever and fast paced and both Artemis and Holly, though on opposite ends of a "small" disagreement were both worth rooting for. I wanted both to win and I think the conclusion was satisfying.
What's lacking
Artemis Fowl isn't a likable character. That's OK, he isn't exactly supposed to be. However I felt like the whole thing with his mother was thrown in there to gain our sympathy.
*Side Note* It might have been a mood thing or just the type of story this was but I struggled to really get into this one and don't particularly want to read the rest of the series. But that's not really the book's fault.
Favorite moment
A few hilariously written lines during the fight between Butler and the troll. So funny!
Yea or Nay?
Yeah, it if sounds like your sort of book I think you'll really enjoy it.
I have the first 2 books in this series as ARCs from Netgalley. Need to get around to reading them. I'm a little put off by Artemis being an unlikable character, but hopefully, I'll manage. Middle Grade is usually not my thing, so my expectations are always lowered.
ReplyDeleteI've only read the read the first one. I hear Artemis gets better as the series goes on.
DeleteWe love Artemis Fowl at our house, but I admit that the first book is probably my least favorite. The rest of the series gets much better (in my opinion)! We have listened to the audio books which are a lot of fun too!
ReplyDeleteI should probably try to at least read one more.
DeleteI read this and it didn't really settle for me. I might give it another go someday, thanks for the review! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, it didn't do much for me either.
DeleteAhhh, I love this book. I would love to meet the author. Artemis isn't really likeable, but I love him anyway. I have a softspot in my heart for really smart, really driven characters. And yeah, the mom was thrown in for sympathy BUT IT TOTALLY WORKED FOR ME. :):)
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming he gets better in the other book. The mom thing worked on me too, btw.
DeleteI have to admit, I could not get into this book. I could not finish it. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and got bored. I chalked it up to me not being the right audience, since I know this series is wildly popular.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I felt too. Like I wasn't the right audience.
DeleteI felt the same way about the first book. The second one is a little better. But, that's one reason I didn't continue with the series because it didn't hold my interest like other books did. I've heard the others are better, though, so I'm going to try to read them.
ReplyDeleteYeah, listening to the author and seeing all those fans made me want to give the rest a shot but when is another matter entirely.
DeleteThat it is not dumbed down is the reason I liked it when I was MG. It was great to read an author who treats children like they have a brain. Not a book written with a completely adult vocabulary, but not treating children like babies.
ReplyDeleteI've never met the author, but I've seen a few videos in youtube and he seems to be a very funny person.
He was so funny! I loved the vocabulary. It really made the book.
DeleteI'm really curious about Artemis because I've heard so much about how good a villain he is. I'm dying to write an evil MC. Plus I'm kinda cynical myself so I think I'll be able to relate :)
ReplyDeleteYou should read one and see what you think. He was likable but you're not quite sure why.
DeleteHI JEENNNYYY!!! I'm back from my vacation! How are you??? :) Great review! I've heard so many great things about this book, and your review makes me want to read it right now! It seems like a really refreshing, funny MG read. And I've been reading so much heavy YA Paranormal recently... this would be a super nice change. Lovely review, and thanks for putting it back on my radar! <33
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! This one is quite the change from YA paranormal for sure.
DeleteI'm glad the author was so funny! My husband has read these and even thought about going to see him at the library (but we're lame lately & don't make it to anything) I'll have to ask him if he liked the first book or not. It seems like a lot of MG series have a slow start and end up getting better in later books.
ReplyDeleteI wish you could have gone. He was so funny!
DeleteMy husband really liked this one, I have been wanting to give it a shot. I love what you had to say about the author! sounds like he was a lot of fun. I love going to events like that. I am with you on liking a good MG that is well written.
ReplyDelete