Book Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Title: Artemis Fowl
Author: Eoin Colfer
Published: 2001
Publisher: Viking Press
Pages: 396
From: Barnes and Noble
There’s always something wonderful about reading books meant for children. I enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of a young person, learning new ways to write simply, gaining new perspectives and expanding the imagination. Artemis Fowl embodies all of that, and more.
The first novel in Eoin Colfer’s fantasy series, Artemis Fowl focuses on the main character Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old Irish criminal genius, attempting to save his family from financial, and personal, ruin.
Colfer succeeds in weaving a fairy tale about fairies. He uses character development, dialogue and plot twists very well to advance the plot of this fast-paced book. I enjoy it especially when authors of children’s or young adult novels use these facets as if writing for adults. This makes the writing more mature, yet still easy to read.
Each different character, including Captain Holly Short, Commander Julius Root, Butler and Foaly, bring so many different characterizations and personalities to the book that Artemis Fowl’s personality changes are seen more and more.
As far as I can tell, there isn’t anything I think done wrong in the book. I have read criticism on the series, the most common being Artemis is an abysmal character. I agree he is an abysmal character, but that is where character development and plot come in. Colfer manages to turn that around a little bit, showing Artemis might have some redeeming qualities about him.
I have always loved this book. I don’t even know how many times I’ve read it, and now that I am forcing my boyfriend, Russel Finehout, to read it alongside me, I hope to bring Artemis back to light.
Eoin Colfer’s fantasy novel Artemis Fowl can be purchased, alongside the rest of the series, from Barnes and Noble in-store and online, and Amazon.com.