Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Bibliography:
Colfer, E. 2001. ARTEMIS FOWL. New York, NY: Talk Miramax Books. ISBN: 0786808012

Plot Summary:
Seeking to reinstate the family fortune, twelve-year old Artemis Fowl decides to kidnap and ransom a fairy in exchange for gold. Unfortunately he kidnaps Captain Holly Short a member of LEPrecon, the elite branch of the Lower Elements Police. Using the secrets of the fairy Book, Artemis uses his knowledge to stay two steps ahead of his opponents as Commander Root, an elf, Foaly a centaur, Mulch Diggums a dwarf, and other magical creatures come to the aid of Short. A battle of wits ensues as both sides attempt to resolve the issue to their satisfaction. Full of action, suspense, mystery, and humor, the exploits of Artemis Fowl engage the reader while the author provides fairy code for readers to crack.

Critical Analysis:
Set mostly in Ireland, where the Fowl Mansion is located, Colfer creates a world that is familiar to readers even though Artemis moves around the world like an adult would. In contrast to our world, the Underground shares similar characteristics except it had no sunlight, is inhabited my magical creatures, and has advanced technology. The gadgets and puzzle solving will keep readers interested. When Artemis begins decoding the fairy Book, the author provides enough clues for the reader to solve the puzzle that runs across the bottom of the pages.

The plot focuses on Artemis gaining gold by using the Book to kidnap a fairy and the foiling of his plan by the inhabitants of the Underground namely elves, trolls, dwarves, and centaurs. The problem is deciding who to root for. Artemis is not all bad and the magical creatures are not all good. This book explores issues of both belonging and insecurities, as well as the concept that everyone can be both good and evil.

Artemis, a child prodigy, is ruthless in his goal of restoring his family’s fortunes. With his father missing and his mother bedridden Artemis must rely on himself and his bodyguard Butler. He acts older than his age due to his intelligence and necessity - there is no one to care for him. Though readers are warned about his evilness, glimpses of feeling are revealed such as the hope that he will find his father, the sadness over his mother’s sickness, and concern for his bodyguard.

These moments sandwiched between displays of his cruelty show the emotional duality of individuals. He is complemented by Holly Short who is a feisty elf who wants to prove that she can do her job better than anyone else. These are relatable characters for anyone who has felt alone, misunderstood, or worried about failure. Though this is part of the novel it is also full of action, puzzle solving, adventure, and access to a different way of understanding this and other worlds. A good beginning to the series.

Review Excerpts:
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“…Fowl and Short make splendid, well-matched rivals, supported by an inspired cast that includes huge rogue trolls, malicious goblins, an irreverent techie satyr, and kleptomaniac dwarf…all of whom are likely to reappear in sequels that are even now underway. Readers familiar with Sherlock Holmes, as well as an array of modern fantasists from Roald Dahl on, will find plenty of homage paid in this savagely funny page-turner.”

LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Fun to read, full of action and humor, this is recommended for all public libraries and to readers of all ages.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Colfer's anti-hero, techno fantasy is cleverly written and filled to the brim with action, suspense, and humor.”

Connections:
-Further Reading in the series (in order of publication): THE ARCTIC INCIDENT, THE ETERNITY CODE, THE OPAL DECEPTION,THE LOST COLONY, and THE TIME PARADOX.
-The books are also available as graphic novels: ARTEMIS FOWL: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL and ARTEMIS FOWL: THE ARCTIC INCIDENT
-All six novels are also available as audio books
-Supplemental reading to the world of Artemis Fowl is THE FAN’S GUIDE TO ARTEMIS FOWL: DEMONS, FAIRIES, AND THE REAL SECRETS BEHIND EOIN COLFER’S WORLD by Lois H. Gresh, and THE ARTEMIS FOWL FILES by Eoin Colfer
-Suggested read-alike series: The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins, Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Books of Pellinor by Allison Croggin, Young Wizards by Diane Duane, and the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander.