The Arctic Incident (2002)

I didn't necessarily like the plot as much I liked the characters. We need more sociopaths in this world. Don't you think? ( )

The Artemis Fowl books really are perfect for a quick, easy read. Which is good, because I'll be doing the twenty-four hour readathon tomorrow, and I really don't want to get burnt out on reading!

The Arctic Incident develops Artemis as a more sympathetic figure, having left behind his attempts to exploit the People (the fairies), and feeling some remorse over how he handled things in the first book. He's also focused on rescuing his father, missing for two years, convinced he's still alive. Meanwhile, the fairies are in trouble because of a plot from within their species. Artemis is suspected to be involved, and is taken in for questioning. The result? He and the fairies become allies both in dealing with the threats and rescuing his father.

There's none of the slightly patronising 'this is not an adult book' stuff, so it ends up being a purely fun adventure story with all our favourite characters from the first book.

I think my favourite part was getting to see Grub and Trouble again -- it's nice that he doesn't create more background characters that would, in effect, people the book with Redshirts! It'd be easy to do if you weren't keeping track of characters -- it doesn't seem that important... ( )

Artemis Fowl has just received an email. The email contains a picture of a man who just might possibly be his father, who's been missing for two years. Just as Artemis heads off to Russia to find out more information, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon unit hauls him in for questioning in relation to underground smuggling. Of course things get crazy from there.

I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first. These books are just a lot of fun, even to a 30-year-old woman. They would have been some of my favorites if they'd been around when I was a kid. I have to admit to giggling aloud even now. But aside from the wackiness of the story, I like seeing Artemis grow and learn about himself. He tries to be an elitist genius who looks down on everyone, but really he's got a heart of gold underneath. I enjoy watching him learn that, sure, he might be a genius, but that doesn't mean that everyone he meets can't teach him something. What was great about this book was watching him get his hands dirty. I highly recommend these for kids, and for those who can still connect with their inner kid. ( )

My second foray into the world of Artemis Fowl was another quick, fun adventure. This book is a true sequel to the first with the continuation of the story arc of Artemis' lost father. Once again this ends up involving the fairy world including Artemis and Butler's first trip down below.

Engaging from the first page this book has a great pace that kept me turning (or should I say clicking) through the pages. I like the way that Colfer doesn't talk down to his readers. This is a children's book but is written in a way that would improve a child's knowledge and understanding but will also entertain (and even teach) an adult.

I like what I'm getting from this series and am keen to continue it at some stage. Though I still don't get why he was picked to complete Douglas Adam's legacy... ( )

I originally reviewed this book on my blog - The Cosy Dragon. For more recent reviews by me, please hop over there.

Artemus has done it again! The young criminal mastermind is always in trouble. This time he must rescue his father while also fishing the LEP out of trouble. His bright mind might be working overtime to make up plans, but will it be enough?

With his mother now completely recovered from her depression, Artemis is feeling some constraints on his plotting. Suddenly however he gets a message about his father. His father has been kidnapped, and for some reason it has taken 2 years for the threats and wanted money to come through! Artemis however is split - his fairy 'friends' are in trouble too.

Again, this is a plot driven book. It's fast-paced, and there is never a dull moment. Even though I've read it many times before, I couldn't stop thinking about the action taking place inside the pages. I didn't stay up past my bedtime, but that's only because I started reading early.

Artemis is really the focus of the novel, and his character development is slowly taking shape. He's 13, and his mind is that of a wizened, crabby old man! He softens though, and the thought of getting his father back is a scary but longed for one.

The other characters, such as Root, Holly, Butler and Mulch lack the same character development. They are a little flat, but they play their supportive roles well. They always behave as expected. I wouldn't say that was a bad thing - I personally love Mulch and his, well, toilet humour.

Colfer has crafted this book as a series book again nicely, fitting things in that allude to other books in the series. That being said, this book is an enjoyable nugget all on its own. I wouldn't have said you needed to read the first book before this one, but why shouldn't you, when Artemis is so fascinating to watch?

If your young reader isn't into reading books with lots of words, this novel has been made into a graphic novel. I haven't read it myself, but if it is anything like this book, it's well worth reading and might just sucker them into reading the rest of the books in the series! I've tagged this book for children and teenagers. There is some blood, but most of the book is just suspenseful! ( )