It's been two full years since I read The Time Paradox, time enough to cleanse my palate and want to revisit Atlantis and my favorite teen villain, Artemis. In fact, time enough to hope Coulfer had reinvented Artemis and re-energized the series.
After the tragic epic fail of The Time Paradox, either nothing could be worse, or Artemis had only one last chance... So, here we were.
1. Most of the plot is once again in the arctic. Brrr. I was concerned at the start of the novel with several things. Let me outline them quickly so that I can get them out of the way: global warming (yawn), OCD/mental complex (over-done?), rehash of old villains (blah, blah, blah). However, Coulfer quickly convinced me that he was not going to bore me, preach to me, or give me something that sounded like a trip to the psychologist's chair. I also was interested in all the characters. They didn't sound old to me, even though I knew I knew them. They were new again. Kudos to Coulfer. 2 stars.
2. Artemis is definitely growing up. Coulfer could choose to do one of two things with the Fowl series. He could choose to do as several other writers do, and firmly ground Artemis in the 9-12 arena and leave him there as many writers do. Instead, Artemis is growing and evolving, more in the Rowling-Potter style. The books are getting longer, and Artemis is growing and learning. Artemis is much, much more complex than when book one was written in 2003. I must say, I adore him, and what pours out of him in several sections, while it may appall him in certain sections is delighting to the reader. Artemis is a round, amazing character. He's why I read Coulfer and very possibly my favorite fictional character of all time. Criminal mastermind, devoted son, bespoken suit, faery friend, demon defender. He's a total package. There are other darling heroes out there in books, but Artemis Fowl is quite possibly the best one in print. 1 star.
3. Captain Holly Short always saves the day. Give her a situation, and she can make it happen. She never gives up, she never gives in, and she can fly anything. Oh, and give her a weapon, and she'll usually use it against Artemis, not in malice, of course. The fact that she's a strong female character tickles me pink, and that she's always saving the day, and that she's round and not flat as a side-kick is also great bonus material. She and Foaly are fantastic back-up characters, but in this novel, Holly is worth her weight in gold. She moves the plot along, and she's the "driving" force in more ways than one. I'm pulling for Holly, and she's always dragging Artemis into doing the right thing. This time, Artemis drags Holly into the right thing, and the flip is just so delicious. Coulfer, I love you. 1 star.
4. Meh items? Colfer had some other plot items that I don't think he liked, and he did a bit of cleaning house. I think that's what the last book was about. The Time Paradox seemed a lot about cleaning up plot issues, or it was simply a mis-step. This time, there was a lot right in the Artemis Fowl world. I definitely enjoyed this book.
It's not my favorite book of the series, it's a strong one in this series. I adore who Artemis is becoming, and it had some funny moments. Recommend for the junior high set who like modern fantasy with gadgets in their mix. If they liked Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider, they might like Artemis Fowl. I know I do.
4 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment