Artemis Fowl Book Review

Title: Artemis Fowl

Author: Eoin Colfer; narrated by Nathaniel Parker

Date/year published: 2001

Genre: YA (young adult) fantasy, middle grade

Format: Audio book, borrowed and listened through Libby app.

Why did I choose to read it: I had heard good things about it, but for some reason never bothered to look into it until it popped up on the “available now” list when I was searching for something light to listen to while cleaning. So, I gave it a go.

Synopsis: A teenage boy,. Artemis, wages a war against the technologically advanced fairies in a plot to restore his family’s fortune. He kidnaps an unfortunate fairy, Holly, while she tries to recharge her magic and holds her for ransom.

Thoughts:

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this one. I may actually read more of the series when I need something silly, light, and fun. Though a middle-grade book, the language was intelligent, witty, and the tale was inventive. The story moved along at a pleasant pace and had many twists and turns. I can see why this was made into a movie; the images of techno-savvy fairies simply screams big screen.

Artemis himself came across as cocky on occasion, but one has to be overly confident to be a super-villain. Which is another interesting twist to the book, technically, it’s from the villain’s point of view. He may be doing things for his family, but what super-villain doesn’t start out meaning to do good? At least in their mind. And again, written for the younger folk, who among us didn’t want to be a bit mischievous or find those loopholes in the grownups’ plan?

Would I re-read or recommend it?

Re-read? Yep. Might even consider purchasing in print someday. Will likely follow up with more in the series at some point as well.

Recommend? Definitely if you’ve got an adventure seeking young reader on your radar or enjoy a new take on fairy-lore. Would be a great family read-aloud book (Might want to skim ahead to check for age appropriateness if multiple children or that’s a concern for you. It is a book about kidnapping and fighting, after all. You know what your kid can handle.).