Helpful Score: 6
I've heard a lot about the Artemis Fowl books but didn't really know what they were about. So I found it very intriguing that we get the story from the point of view of the traditional "bad" side; the hero is a criminal mastermind (even though he is only 12 years old). And so I found myself rooting for both sides, hoping that they'd both win in some way. Good storytelling and exciting as well.
Helpful Score: 5
It was a very imaginative kids book, but I would not recomend it for anyone over the age of 12.
Helpful Score: 4
I had picked it up for my boys, but I am the one that got hooked. I had to get the rest of the series!
Helpful Score: 4
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. With two trusty sidekicks in tow, he hatches a cunning plot to divest the fairyfolk of their pot of gold. Of course, he isn't foolish enough to believe in all that "gold at the end of the rainbow" nonsense. Rather, he knows that the only way to separate the little people from their stash is to kidnap one of them and wait for the ransom to arrive. But when the time comes to put his plan into action, he doesn't count on the appearance of the extrasmall, pointy-eared Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaisance) Unit--and her senior officer, Commander Root, a man (sorry, elf) who will stop at nothing to get her back
Helpful Score: 2
This series is great for young readers who like Harry Potter or Eragon. It is also an easier read then the above books.
Helpful Score: 2
Seriously a lot of fun, older kids (contains very minor swearing) AND adults will love this one. I honestly don't know which it was intended for, but we all enjoyed it. If you liked the Lemony Snickett type stuff, you'll really like this.
Helpful Score: 2
Boy Genius/Mastermind Criminal Artemis Fowl kidnaps a fairy to find mythic gold. What he doesn't know is that this isn't a regular fairy, it is Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit and they are all dangerous. Lots of fun for kids and adults.
Helpful Score: 2
If you like antagonists with a twist then you will love "Artemis Fowl." The stories are very technology driven, but they don't talk down to you at all which is great for technophobe's everywhere. The subtle way that Colfer draws fantasy and reality together so seamlessly is incredible. Not to mention the moral thread he has managed to tie in without beating you over the head with an Aesop's Moral of the Story sort of end. Definitely a book to take to your comfy chair, they will keep you entertained and interested the whole time.
Helpful Score: 1
After reading so many reviews about this series I really wanted to like it and I just didn't.
My sons (12 year old twins) didn't care for the book either, they couldn't really articulate why, except to say that they didn't like it.
For me, I just didn't find any of the characters my cup of tea. I read a lot of YA/Teen books because of my kids (I like to know what they are reading, we don't censor, but we like to be able to discuss the books they are reading or address questions that may come up so we read what they do) and I enjoy many of the books in these categories; Alex Rider, Percy Jackson, the Gatekeeper series by Horowitz, among others.
This book just didn't give me characters I could relate to, like or even care about and I am disappointed since from other reviews it seemed like such a promising (and long) series to read.
--Aileene
My sons (12 year old twins) didn't care for the book either, they couldn't really articulate why, except to say that they didn't like it.
For me, I just didn't find any of the characters my cup of tea. I read a lot of YA/Teen books because of my kids (I like to know what they are reading, we don't censor, but we like to be able to discuss the books they are reading or address questions that may come up so we read what they do) and I enjoy many of the books in these categories; Alex Rider, Percy Jackson, the Gatekeeper series by Horowitz, among others.
This book just didn't give me characters I could relate to, like or even care about and I am disappointed since from other reviews it seemed like such a promising (and long) series to read.
--Aileene
Helpful Score: 1
My kids love this book and so do I. Great gift for a 8 to 10 year old. This is book 1. I would wish list the rest of the series as soon as you recieve this book because by the end you'll want to read more.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it if you enjoy fantasy and magic.
Helpful Score: 1
Artemis is an extremely intelligent child, and also criminal. This is a hilirous romp with great adventure including fairies, dwarves, and goblins. This is the first book of a series and I plan to revisit it soon. It amazed me and it is a good work of fantasy. This is a young adult book.
Helpful Score: 1
In the first book of the series we meet Artemis Fowl a young criminal mastermind intent on learning the fairies secrets and stealing the fairies gold. In order to do this Artemis takes on captures and kidnaps Captain Holly Short of the L.E.P.Recon police unit. Captain Foaly is very upset over this and will stop at nothing to get Captain Holly Short back however! Luckily Artemis is aided by his Butler who is oddly enough named Butler and his sister to help him in his quest to steal the fairies gold. But in order to succeed Artemis must escape the Time Field and time is running out!! Will Artemis escape the time field? Will Artemis get away with stealing gold? Will Captain Holly Short escape Artemis and live? To find out get this book now!
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book because my daughters liked it so much and really enjoyed it. I found that I liked it enough to want to read the rest of the series, too.
Helpful Score: 1
Artemis may be only twelve and he may be a criminal mastermind, but he is a truly likeable character in this book. A very quick and interesting read for teenagers as well as adults.
Helpful Score: 1
If you like adventures this is the book for you.
Helpful Score: 1
Great for young readers. Even pretty good for adult readers.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was just so boring. It lacked the oomph of similar books. People keep telling me to try the rest of the series. This one was just so bad I can not do it. Yep I am actually giving a book 2 stars and that's a rarity. Thumbs down all the way.
Helpful Score: 1
Great easy read. I love young adult fiction - fantasy is definitely still alive!
Helpful Score: 1
My children thought it was a great book!
Helpful Score: 1
I know all the kids love this series. I guess I'm old fashioned, but I don't like it when the bad guys win.
Helpful Score: 1
My daughter loved this book!
Helpful Score: 1
Great for adults and children alike. Good story and lovely to listen to in the car.
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
I've been trying to find a new series to hold me over until the next Harry Potter book--and I've finally found it. Meet Artemis Fowl the Second, a twelve-year old genius who doesn't want to go to school, is worried about his mother's fragile mental health, is preoccupied with his father coming back from the dead, and who is determined to add to his family's coffers by any means possible. In a word, Artemis is an evil genius, and you just can't help but love him. Or hate him. Or love to hate him. Or hate to love him. Or...well, you get the picture.
Artemis, along with his bodyguard/manservant/butler ironically named, of all things, Butler, Artemis sets out on his greatest, and most ambitious, scheme to date--discover the secrets of the fairy world, and relieve some of said fairies of their precious gold. After all, they have plenty to spare, and after Artemis Fowl the First lost a vast majority of their fortune, the Fowl family needs to pad the coffers.
So off Artemis sets on a world jaunt to discover the secrets of the fairies, and his ambitions and delusions finally pay off--he meets an alcoholic sprite who, in exchange for the return of her magic, lets Artemis get a good look at her Book. The Book, you see, contains all the mandates, rules, and regulations (along with a slew of secrets) of the fairy world--and now Artemis Fowl is able to hatch his nefarious scheme.
Artemis discovers that the fairies must adhere to very specific rituals to renew their powers, so along with Butler, he sets out on a stakeout to catch himself a fairy. Hoping, of course, that he can hold said fairy for ransom in exchange for some gold.
What Artemis didn't include in his calculations, however, was Captain Holly Short. A member of the LEPrecon Unit, Holly, although a small sprite, is very human looking--and can be extrememely wily and dangerous. As Artemis implements his evil plan, Holly uses her own military-type background to hatch her own plan of escape. The results are both disastrous and hilarious.
I read ARTEMIS FOWL in one sitting. Once you get started on this story of the human world of the Mud People mixing with that of the magical beings who live below ground, you just can't stop! The magical quality of the book is that it is all too believable--and so much fun! You envy Artemis his brilliance at the same time you can't believe how undenianably evil he is. You pity him, and you despise him. As for Holly Short, you love the fairy, admire her tenacity, yet hope at the same time that she spares the lives of Artemis, Butler, and Butler's sister, Juliet. I have to admit that I loved Foaly, the centaur in charge of computers and technical equipment. Actually, I loved ALL the characters of ARTEMIS FOWL, and can't wait to read the next book! Pick up a copy today!
I've been trying to find a new series to hold me over until the next Harry Potter book--and I've finally found it. Meet Artemis Fowl the Second, a twelve-year old genius who doesn't want to go to school, is worried about his mother's fragile mental health, is preoccupied with his father coming back from the dead, and who is determined to add to his family's coffers by any means possible. In a word, Artemis is an evil genius, and you just can't help but love him. Or hate him. Or love to hate him. Or hate to love him. Or...well, you get the picture.
Artemis, along with his bodyguard/manservant/butler ironically named, of all things, Butler, Artemis sets out on his greatest, and most ambitious, scheme to date--discover the secrets of the fairy world, and relieve some of said fairies of their precious gold. After all, they have plenty to spare, and after Artemis Fowl the First lost a vast majority of their fortune, the Fowl family needs to pad the coffers.
So off Artemis sets on a world jaunt to discover the secrets of the fairies, and his ambitions and delusions finally pay off--he meets an alcoholic sprite who, in exchange for the return of her magic, lets Artemis get a good look at her Book. The Book, you see, contains all the mandates, rules, and regulations (along with a slew of secrets) of the fairy world--and now Artemis Fowl is able to hatch his nefarious scheme.
Artemis discovers that the fairies must adhere to very specific rituals to renew their powers, so along with Butler, he sets out on a stakeout to catch himself a fairy. Hoping, of course, that he can hold said fairy for ransom in exchange for some gold.
What Artemis didn't include in his calculations, however, was Captain Holly Short. A member of the LEPrecon Unit, Holly, although a small sprite, is very human looking--and can be extrememely wily and dangerous. As Artemis implements his evil plan, Holly uses her own military-type background to hatch her own plan of escape. The results are both disastrous and hilarious.
I read ARTEMIS FOWL in one sitting. Once you get started on this story of the human world of the Mud People mixing with that of the magical beings who live below ground, you just can't stop! The magical quality of the book is that it is all too believable--and so much fun! You envy Artemis his brilliance at the same time you can't believe how undenianably evil he is. You pity him, and you despise him. As for Holly Short, you love the fairy, admire her tenacity, yet hope at the same time that she spares the lives of Artemis, Butler, and Butler's sister, Juliet. I have to admit that I loved Foaly, the centaur in charge of computers and technical equipment. Actually, I loved ALL the characters of ARTEMIS FOWL, and can't wait to read the next book! Pick up a copy today!
Children's Literature, and the first of the Artemis Fowl series. I didn't care for this one. Artemis Fowl is a pre-teen, Criminal Mastermind. His father is missing, and his mother has had a break-down. Artemis focuses on a master-plan to steal gold from Faeries, to return the Fowl fortune to its former glory. I had no sympathy for Artemis, and didn't like him. I'll probably try the second one to see if Artemis becomes more likeable.
I started this book many years ago when I was younger and didn't find it very interesting then... It might be because I'm not a big fantasy/scifi reader. I did find it interesting though that the code on the cover can b decoded, and that by doing this the reader can decipher the code at the bottom of the pages throughout the book.
My daughter loved this book as did all of her friends that read it!
This book is about a 12 year old boy. His father is presumed dead after an accident and his mother has gone insane. He is the head of a multi-million $$ estate and is determined to find is father. In order to fund such explorations - he will need a lot of money. Just the kind of money hinted at in legends of fairies and fairy gold. Since this boy, Artemis, is a genius he is able to discover the world of "The People" and possibly capture the gold he is searching for....
This book is great for teens - a bit below an adult reader....
This book is great for teens - a bit below an adult reader....
Fun for older kids and adults.
Similar to the Harry Potter series, fantasy type books
I really enjoyed this fantasy, definitely a twist on the traditional legends.
A fun, quick read. Looking forward to reading book 2. You're not sure who to cheer for, and somehow you want everyone to win in the end.
Wonderfully fun for boys. My son and I really enjoyed the plot twists!!
This is an entertaining book for young adults (and older if you like fantasy literature). I enjoyed reading about the interesting main character (book title) as well as the leprechauns. Fun read!
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius, and above all, a criminal mastermind.
A light easy read that will probably delight the younger audience for which it was written. As an adult I found it a satisfying if not particularly memorable read.
I read this book in advance of my oldest daughter and found it very interesting - not what I expected at all! Includes some magic, unusual creatures, and a dastardly nemisis.
I was immediately captivated by Artemis's imperviousness at the beginning, and his gradual changes throughout the series. His name facinates me, because there is an interesting history behind it. You will find out in Artemis Fowl #2: The Arctic Incident!
This was a fast, fun read. I liked how smart Artemis was and how he bested the fairies.
Great read.
Fun for kids. Not in the class of Harry Potter.
Easy read, but still amusing. Looking forward to checking out the other 2 in the series
My 10 and 12 year old loved it.Anyone who reads will love this book. A fast moving mystery, a magical adventure!
Great book!!! I enjoyed it even though is geared for teens... great story and very funny! Keeps your interest and a special code at the bottom of each page is great fun to crack!
LOVE this series! The books on CD are so well read and funny - recomended for all ages!
Very enjoyable reading.
"I can't wait to read the next one in this series" - Hannah age 9
First one in series and I enjoyed it. Will be getting more of them.
Weird book. The title character, Artemis Fowl, is not developed as much as some of the "lesser" characters. Full of fairies and trolls and things like that, so it's a weird genre.
I tried to read this one, but I couldn't find it interesting enough. I didn't like how it was written, so I only got a chapter in.
very good book. I recommend the entire series.
Great book!!! Read it!!!
My 8 year old son who is a voracious reader LOVES this series.
I got this for my child, but ended up reading it myself and running out to get the rest of the series. This book is funny, engaging, occasionally a little bit crude (the better to win over its target audience) and completely un-put-downable. It is complex enough for adults to enjoy while still being approachable for tweens and young teens. Colfer does a great job of using humor to draw young readers into an intelligent book.
Yes, its a kids book, but so is Harry Potter. Great read.
i bought this book new and never read it....from my friends i hear its excellent
My daughters enjoyed this story.
It was a nice and easy read.
I read it quite a while ago, but from what I remember it was a very engaging and interesting book at the time (I was maybe 12 or 13 years old), I'd recommend it as an alternative to Harry Potter for young adult readers.
Started out a little slow, possibly because it was not at all what I thought it would be. The magical, yet technologically advanced fairies were interesting. The lead character, a little annoying because of his "genius" status, sometimes, and the whole idea of a mobster-in-the-making being the "hero" just doesn't sit right somehow. But, it's an interesting spin of some old folklore, so it does make for a good read regardless.
Say what you want about big people reading YA. I adore Artemis Fowl.
I enjoyed this battle of wits and magic between the genius Artemis Fowl and the LEPrecon captain Holly Short, her boss Commander Root, and Foaly the Centaur. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Arctic Incident.
This is a book popular among young adults. It is a fantasy story.
This is a great series for all ages. Quick light reads that are quite entertaining.
Was an enjoyable read.
Fairies and Trolls and magic with a good story line.
Twelve-year old Artemis Fowl is a milionaire, a genius - and above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories - they're dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure.
A mastermind and a genius and a millionare. He's only 12! He's on a mission to steal something no one has ever tried before. A good read especially if you teach a class of middle schoolers or even high school students.
Great story, page turner, follows in the line of the golden compass and harry potter with sci-fi/magic themes
Who is Artemis Fowl? A genius. A criminal mastermind. A millionaire. And he is not twelve years old. Yet crafty as he is, Artemis may have met his match in Captain Holly Short, and elf from the LEPrecon Special Forces, when he plots to steal the richest treasure the world has ever known- the timeless treasure of the fairies!
The first book in the wildly popular series of Artemis Fowl books!
From back cover:
Artemis Fowl is a one of the greatest criminal minds the world has ever seen. He is heir to the Fowl family empirea centuries old clan of international underworld figures and con artists. He is arguably the most cunning Fowl of all. He is also twelve years old...
For fans of J.R.R.Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and Philip Pullman, Artemis Fowl is a high-tech fantasy, mixing faries, leprechauns, and computers, in a brilliant, thrilling story that is destined to become a cult favorite.
Artemis Fowl is a one of the greatest criminal minds the world has ever seen. He is heir to the Fowl family empirea centuries old clan of international underworld figures and con artists. He is arguably the most cunning Fowl of all. He is also twelve years old...
For fans of J.R.R.Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and Philip Pullman, Artemis Fowl is a high-tech fantasy, mixing faries, leprechauns, and computers, in a brilliant, thrilling story that is destined to become a cult favorite.
This book has never been read. is in great condition!
Haven't read.
Who is Aretemis Fowl? A genius. A criminal mastermind. A millionaire. And he is only 12 years old. Yest as crafty as he is, Artemis may have met his match in Captain Holly Short, an elf from the LEPrecon Special Forces, when he plots to steal teh richest treasure teh world has ever kown - the timeless treasure of the fairies!
I haven't had a chance to read this book and I hear it's excellent. I just have too many books on my TBR!
