Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius—and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories—they're dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure.
The Artemis Fowl books have always had a soft spot in my heart. I read them as they were first coming out because they were quick, addictive reads. They still are, and they hold just as much magic on re-read as they did the first time I read them.
The plot of the book seems simplistic, but Colfer is a master at making the simple work well. There are twists where there need to be, and luls right when you need a breather. The pace is a little harried, but that only makes you want to read more because you can't find a place to stop. There is also a great mix of fantasy and science, making the book hard to categorize. Although fairies have magic they also have advanced technology to combat humans and keep them undetected, which I really like because there is not the dependence on magic as a "cure all" in the plot line.
The omniscient narrator lets you have a peek into the brains of many of the main players, which helps to develop them in a short space. There is a descriptive block when each character is introduced, but Colfer only gives the needed information, letting the reader discover the rest as they get to learn the character. The omniscient narrator also makes it very hard to root for a side, putting Artemis and the fairies on equal footing in earning the reader's love. If you want a book you can read in one setting and come out feeling happy, this is a quick, satisfying read.
I received a copy of this book free through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
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