About SSFP

Newspaper Sections

Simpson Street Free Press

Book Review: Artemis Fowl

Written by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is the first book in the Artemis Fowl book series written by Eoin Colfer. The fantasy novel follows Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old boy prodigy who lives on a fantasy Earth where magical creatures, known as fairies, live underground.

The plot begins when Fowl kidnaps a Lower Elements Police (LEP) recon officer in hopes of obtaining a ransom of a one-ton of 24-karat gold. The story describes how the kidnapping plays out for Fowl and his personal bodyguard nicknamed “Butler.” Artemis Fowl is such a unique book as it has a young, highly intelligent, and villainous protagonist whose story will keep you at the edge of your seat.

This book takes a unique approach to the good guy. bad-guy formula by telling the story of the bad guy (Fowl), the anti-hero. The story displays how ruthlessly far Fowl is willing to go to achieve his goals, which he does in a cold and emotionless manner. Fowl makes questionable moral decisions that will send shivers down your spine.

Fowl’s main characteristic of being extremely intelligent isn’t overlooked. To quote the narrator, “He bamboozles every test thrown at him. He has puzzled the greatest medical minds, and sent many of them gibbering to their own hospitals,” and yet his brain is still not fully developed as Fowl hasn’t hit puberty!

Alongside the great plot, there is a rich world of fantasy. On this Earth, humans rule the surface, but below is a vast and technologically advanced civilization. The fairy civilization shrouds its existence from people and takes extensive measures to remain hidden. They do this by using mind-wiping technology, advanced weaponry, and magic to ensure that humans don’t rediscover them and exploit their resources. When Fowl holds the LEP officer hostage, he threatens to expose their existence to the human world in order to get his ransom.

Artemis Fowl is for anyone who enjoys a surprise at the turn of every corner and is willing to cheer for the bad guy. The book is a great read for young readers who like a story packed full of action. It has an imaginative plot, setting, character development, and concept behind it. I have elected to give this fantasy novel a solid 8/10 in consideration of these points.

Loading Comments...