Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times

Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times

Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times

“Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex” book review

My appreciation of the Artemis Fowl book series by Eoin Colfer was strongest in junior
high. The series focuses on the life of teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl and his interaction with the fairy people who live underground. I enjoyed the witty humor, unique characters, clever plots and sometimes wacky situations. When I first discovered the books, three of them had been written, and I devoured those eagerly. I awaited the release of the next three books, purchasing them immediately or checking them out from the library. But after the sixth book, I stopped thinking about the series, as the sixth book wrapped up enough loose ends that I could imagine Colfer deciding to end the series there.

Then, out of the blue, I heard that there was a seventh book soon to be released – “ Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex.” One on hand, I was excited, as this provided me a chance to revisit some of my favorite storybook characters. One the other hand, I was slightly confused, wondering how Colfer would construct a unique plot.

As I sped through the book, relishing each moment of Foaly’ s witty banter with Captain Holly Short, I began to realize something about the series. Colfer is a great writer, don’ t get me wrong, but for a slightly younger audience. I first got into these books in junior high, and at that time, the style, humor and complexity fit perfectly for my level of reading and comprehension. But as I aged, the writing did not age with me. I found myself reading lines and thinking that I would have laughed at them was I back in junior high. I saw plot structures and thought that, were I a few years younger, I would have thought clever, but now they seemed slightly illogical.

Even so, there were some gems that still stood out to me as a high school reader. One scene actually made me laugh out loud, literally. For all those Artemis Fowl fans, this book is definitely worth the read. But don’ t expect to be as wowed as you were when you read the first book. Colfer reunites us with some of our favorite characters, and brings this series one step closer to an ending. I look forward to the next book; I am sure that he will give these amazing characters the send-off they deserve.

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