Wednesday 4 November 2009

YOUNG ADULT REVIEWS - ARTEMIS FOWL DAY: Eion Colfer

BOOK BLURB:

Twelve-year-old villain, Artemis Fowl, is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. His bold and daring plan is to hold a leprechaun to ransom. But he's taking on more than he bargained for when he kidnaps Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance Unit). For a start, leprechaun technology is more advanced than our own. Add to that the fact that Holly is a true heroine and that her senior officer Commander Root will stop at nothing to get her back and you've got the mother of all sieges brewing!


REVIEW:

OK, I’m coming to this one quite late. I’d put it off for a long time only because I’m the type of person who doesn’t like dealing with something when there’s a lot of hype about it. However, what I got really did make me quite angry with myself for missing it for such a long time. It was quirky, it brought a new look to the world of the Fae and really was quite inventive in how they not only brought the world of the Fae to the modern world along with the twist and turns as a young Artemis dealt with them in his own unique and forethought out way. I loved this novel and whilst many would say that I’ve left the enjoyment too long, the way I’m going to treat it is that I’ve got a plethora of Artemis books to enjoy now. (Sticks tongue out. LOL)



BOOK BLURB:

Someone has been supplying Class A illegal human power sources to the goblins. Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit is sure that her arch-enemy, thirteen-year-old Artemis Fowl, is responsible. But is he? Artemis has his own problems to deal with: his father is being held to ransom and only a miracle will save him. Maybe this time a brilliant plan just won't be enough. Maybe this time Artemis needs help...


REVIEW:

OK I came to this series a bit late but there is an advantage to this. It means that I have a plethora of books to enjoy that will keep the reader occupied for quite some time. With the first book striking a chord as a really enjoyable adventure I picked up book two hoping that it wasn’t going to go the way a lot of second novels do, as most authors claim that it’s the hardest thing to do. Its gripping, its high adventure and its got a touch of levity and a character for readers of all tastes that will just keep them not only amused but waving the banner of their favourite in each (sometimes explosive) scene. Personal favourites for myself are Mulch and of course Butler. Its fun, its an adventure but its definitely a series that I’m going to be passing round as I’m recommending this as a Grandad and Grandchild secret series (I’m passing it onto my Dad so he can share it with my nephew.)



BOOK BLURB:

Thirteen-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has constructed a supercomputer from stolen fairy technology. In the wrong hands it could be fatal for humans and fairies alike. But no need to worry, Artemis has a brilliant plan. He's not going to use the computer; he's just going to show it to a ruthless American businessman with Mafia connections. His bodyguard, Butler, will be with him. What could possibly go wrong...?


REVIEW:

So we hit the third book in the series and lets be honest here, you thought I’d probably get bored by now, but I’m not. Why? Well each book is pretty unique and refreshing and whilst certain characters appear in the novels they continue to grow as respect and friendship is earned side by side in tight scrapes, hard action and the lighter moments. Eion (pronounced OWEN) really does have the magic touch. Long may Artemis reign.



BOOK BLURB:

Evil pixie, Opal Koboi, is back and she's more dangerous than ever. This time she doesn't just want power over the fairy People - this time she wants the humans too. Captain Holly Short is the only fairy with a hope of stopping her, but as Holly knows, it takes one genius criminal mastermind to fight another. But the 14-year-old genius that Holly is thinking of doesn't even remember that fairies exist. How is she going to convince Artemis Fowl to help her stop Opal? Gold usually does the trick, and this time is should be no different. Or is Artemis changing?


REVIEW:

What makes this novel pretty unique amongst the series to date is that we get to see Artemis struggling against his original compunctions after the ending of the previous novel, we also have the characters having to deal with death as a fan fav meets his maker that will shock as well as demonstrate that Eion is playing for keeps. Artemis may not be the boy who has it all in the beginning of this offering but the growth is stupendous. Add to the mix characters returning to form and a evil malevolent villain returning to reek havoc and the dogs of war are truly released in this high octane offering. Great stuff.



BOOK BLURB:

Ten millennia ago, the fairy People were defeated in a great battle with mankind, forcing them to move underground. Only the eighth family of fairies remained undefeated: the demons. But now one demon has discovered the secrets of the fairy world, and if humans get hold of this information the fairies are in BIG trouble. Only one person can prevent this disaster – teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl. Action packed and full of humour – a must-read for boys and girls aged 10+.


REVIEW:

As you’ve come to expect from this award winning author, a tale of mystery, intrigue and a touch of magical ability as Artemis gets thrown literally to the demons. Its an absolute corker of a tale and as such really will keep the reader amused as they continue to enjoy the adventures of Artemis to the full. Great stuff.



BOOK BLURB:

Teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has a new mission – and this time it's personal. Artemis's mother is dangerously ill, and the only way to find a cure is for Artemis – with Holly Short by his side – to go back in time to battle his younger, more evil self . . . Action packed and full of humour – a must-read for boys and girls aged 10+.


REVIEW:

The final episode for Artemis for the time being and one that will tie up a lot of lose ends such as some of the mysteries that were unleashed at the beginning of the series. Beautifully crafted with mystery interwoven throughout as events of the past collide with events of the future with new characters stepping into the pages within. I really can’t fault Eion for Artemis, its been a real pleasure to enjoy and anyone who can write a series that I have to read back to back really is worthy of praise.



BOOK BLURB:

In 2001, audiences first met and fell in love with a twelve-year-old criminal mastermind named Artemis Fowl. Since then, the series has sold over seven million copies in the United States alone. Now, this phenomenally successful series is being translated into a graphic novel format. Eoin Colfer has teamed up with established comic writer Andrew Donkin to adapt the text. For the first time, rabid fans will be able to see what FoalyÀ™s tin hat looks like; discover just how ÀœBeetÀ� Root got his name; and of course, follow their favorite criminal mastermind as he plots and connives in action-packed, full-color panels.


REVIEW:

Graphic novels of novels tend to be either absolute corkers or lose a lot of what made the novel a hit for the reader. The fine line between enough information and just hacking an otherwise brilliant plotline apart can be so thin at times as to be almost see through, but this is not the case with this offering. We have the characters coming to full life within the pages with an artistic treatment that makes the whole thing hugely addictive. Definitely something to add to your growing Artemis collection and you’ll get a real kick out of rereads as well as the artistic interpretation of certain events. Wonderful.



BOOK BLURB:

Since the release of Artemis Fowl in 2001, Eoin Colfer's blockbuster series has sold more than eight million copies in the United States alone. Now, in this second graphic novel installment of the series, fans can follow along as the world's youngest criminal mastermind rushes to save a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya: his own father.

Eoin Colfer has once again teamed up with acclaimed comic writer Andrew Donkin to adapt the text for this action-packed, brilliantly illustrated adventure in the Artemis Fowl series.


REVIEW:

As with the first graphic novel we see that the plot is kept as full as possible without the loss of detail and with the return of the same writer/artistic team this tale continues to enchant more and more. If you love graphic novels or are having trouble getting certain people to read a proper book then this might be the way. Yes its sneaky, yes is might be underhand but once they’ve got a taste of the characters through the two GN’s then you can gently introduce the books as they won’t have to wait to get so far into the series. Good going.

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