Book Review: "Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident" by Eoin Colfer

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Artemis Fowl believes his missing father is alive. He's planning a rescue mission when Holly interrupts, accusing him of a crime against The People. Once he is cleared of suspicion, he makes a deal to help them catch the real culprit. In exchange for his services, they have to help rescue his father in Russia.

CAST OF CHARACTERS-SPOILERS

Artemis Fowl seems to have a noble goal this time, saving his father. His character does develop. When Holly is injured, he works hard to help her, showing that he does care about others. Also, in the beginning, it is revealed to Artemis that he does not respect anyone or treat them like equals. This is resolved in the end and tied up nicely with a bow.

Holly Short reluctantly respects Artemis and grows more affectionate with him when she learns of his goal to rescue his father. This shows in a scene where she has to break bad news to him as well as in the final chapters.

Commander Julius Root is in this story as much as the last. His blunt and loud personality is a good contrast to Artemis and Butler.

Butler plays the same role as in the first movie, protecting Artemis and doing all of the physical work. But for a portion of the book, he and Artemis are separated. I feel the book focuses more on Holly and Artemis' relationship.

Mulch Diggums is called on to help sneak into Koboi laboratories. Having lived a life as a recluse, he eventually started stealing again. He lightens up the story with his comedy.

Opal Koboi is a rather cartoonish character. Whenever she had a scene, I found myself cringing. I think perhaps she was supposed to be funny. A woman who acts like a spoiled child. A genius with no morals. Perhaps she was meant to parallel Artemis. But this comparison never occurred to Artemis, nor anyone else in the story. After all, it's clear she is insane, and Artemis is not.

Cudgeon appeared in the first book, and was the one who went over Root's head. After being demoted, he now plots revenge.

Foaly is never in the same scenes as the others bu he still plays a crucial role, like he has previously. Like Mulch, he always has a joke.

SUSPENSE AND FORESHADOWING

There is a scene where we learn that anyone who questions a certain character will be shot in a future scene. And another where Artemis points out how something seems to convenient. Both set up for later scenes and revelations.

There is also a scene where it's revealed that one character plans to kill another. In that same scene, it's revealed that he is unknowingly being recorded. That made it obvious that said character was going to be exposed later on. I thought that was odd to reveal, as it would have been more shocking to keep it a secret and expose it later.

PACING

The pacing is just as good as last time. Again, we shift between Holly and Artemis, and eventually even to Foaly's perspective. And there is a lot of action. Barely do the characters sit still.

COLFER'S HUMOR

Again, I enjoyed most of the humor. The scene at the beginning at Artemis' school was hilarious.

Foaly's interactions with Root as well as Cudgeon are funny.

Mulch always makes me smile with his antics. But Opal is annoying, and not in a way that I believe was intended. Perhaps Colfer thought if we found her obnoxious, that would make her a good villain because readers would despise her. I didn't hate her for being a great villain. I hated her because she wasn't even a decent villain.

NO GOOD VILLAIN?

You might think if i don't care for the villain, does it ruin the book? No, actually. Because Opal is not in a large portion of the book and the main characters don't figure out who is behind things until much later in the story.

NOT AN ACTION HERO-SPOILERS

Like the last book, Artemis is the brains, but not the action. But there are plenty of times where he proves himself. Once regarding healing another character, and a second where Mulch requires his help, even though he has been told to stay put by Butler.

This is a surprisingly good role for a hero, as Artemis never feels overpowered, as some do. He may be a genius, but he needs assistance. Foaly is shown to be almost as smart, and just as helpful. While Holly is brave, Butler is strong, and Root is willing to risk his own life.

CLIMAX-SPOILERS

Our heroes must first defeat Opal and Cudgeon. It's kind of predictable how Foaly gets them to turn against each other but I didn't mind. It's what happens afterwords that shows how the characters' relationships have changed. Holly helps Artemis rescue his father. I found that scene far more interesting than anything having to do with Opal.

CONCLUSION

Colfer successfully helps develop Artemis and also develops a friendship, not just a begrudging respect between Holly and him. The humor is enjoyable, ignoring Opal of course. There is plenty of action and good pacing and Cudgeon is an okay villain. I give “The Arctic Incident” four stars.

Book Review: "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When twelve year old genius, Artemis Fowl discovers proof of faeries he plots to kidnap one. In return, he wants gold, but he gets more trouble than he anticipated. The elf he kidnaps isn't too happy about it, and she plans on an escape. Not to mention the RECON team sent to free her.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Artemis Fowl is an Irish son of two exceptionally wealthy parents. He is also too smart for his own good. Before his father went missing, he was involved with various legal endeavors. From him, Artemis has learned his lack of morals.

Holly Short is the only female in her squad. But she hasn't made it easy for herself, as she is prideful and often reckless. Her tendency to ignore orders often gets her in trouble.

Butler is a Eurasian man who has been Artemis' body guard since he was born, twelve years ago. His family has been trained as body guards for centuries. Although Butler recognizes the genius of his employer, he often worries about his plans.

Juliet Butler is Butlers younger sister. She is a teenager obsessed with wrestling. Like her brother, she has been trained in various forms of martial arts. But unlike him, she lets her emotions control her.

Mulch Diggums is a troll that has spent most of his life as a thief, in and out of prison. As such, he is familiar with both Holly and Root. He is smarter than he seems and has an odd sense of humor.

Commander Julius Root seems rather harsh with Holly. But he is actually quite fond of her. He is a politically incorrect guy who doesn't take any crap and tells it like it is.

Foaly is a tech genius and a centaur. He has had a long relationship with Root and enjoys teasing him.

PACING

The pacing is good because the story flips between different view points. At first from just Artemis and Holly, but eventually to Root and Mulch as well. Even to Juliet once. Also, there is a lot of action. Not to mention a few mysteries for the reader to figure out. Like how Artemis is going to escape the time field.

EVIL MUD MEN

The “people” as they are known as, had to live underground to escape mankind. It would make sense that some hatred would still remain. Unfortunately, this bigotry at times makes both Holly and Root rather annoying.

They seem to think all “mud men” destroy nature on purpose, and are generally evil. I do wish that Colfer had simply shown how irrational Holly's hatred was, as the current descendants had nothing to do with the past.

POLITICS

There is a small amount of Colfer's political views. No doubt, the hatred that "The People" have for the mud men due to their destruction of the environment is his own perspective (as I spoke of already). But I have to mention there is another scene where Artemis destroys a whaling ship, and awkwardly makes a speech against the immoralities. Perhaps it was meant to make him seem likable, but it just made me laugh at the stupidity. Whaling is wrong. But kidnapping and demanding money is fine.

Also, since Holly is the only girl in her line of work, she basically says everyone is sexist, which means the culture of the People is a whole may be sexist. Again, most likely reflecting Colfer's views.

These elements are silly and small and shouldn't destroy anyone's enjoyment of the story.

THE WORLD

The world that Colfer has created is detailed and full of different races (elves, sprites, centaurs, trolls and goblins) as well as a history. Although the history presented is rather vague. It feels as though there will be plenty opportunities to expand it in future books.

Also, one unique aspect of the story that it blends two genre's together. Although the creatures are from fairy tales and the use of magic is referenced throughout, there is enough techno babble to make it feel like a scifi.

A VILLAIN AS OUR HERO-SPOILERS

An interesting aspect to the story is the villain is our hero. We know Artemis is in the wrong, but he is fascinating enough to keep our interest and sympathetic enough for us to hope he changes. His mother is revealed early on, letting his mask of coldness slip away.

And along the way, his conscience bothers him. For example, when he realizes that Holly is a girl, he suddenly questions himself. He hadn't expected a female, and some sense of chivalry and the masculine extinct to protect those weaker then him, sneaks through.

Also when he lies and says that Holly has been imprisoned for three days and he used a truth serum on her. It's hard not to like a character who doubts himself so often, even if he pretends to know it all.

COLFER'S HUMOR

Although the book is clearly action mixed with science fiction and fantasy, humor is sprinkled without. It's used wisely though, without humor coming in at inappropriate times and destroying the gravity of the situation. Mulch is clearly a comical character, while the banter between Foaly and Root is amusing as well. For the most part, I enjoyed it, with few exceptions. One being the two brothers in LEPrecon. I don't usually like characters who are so stupid as to feel fake.

DON'T KILL?

There is a moment in the book I found odd. Butler has to fight off an being that seems to have animal-like intelligence. It tries to kill Butler and his sister. So to kill him just seems like self defense. But Holly steps in and demands he stops. It felt like moral grandstanding that came out of nowhere.

The beast could have easily been killed before while fighting him off. I hardly think Holly would have objected then. Perhaps a sense of kinship between Butler and Holly was supposed to be the goal. But I think Holly healing Butler and relying on him would have sufficed.

CLIMAX-SPOILERS

When someone in the LEPrecon goes over Roots head, suddenly there is trouble. Root, Holly and Artemis have to learn to work together. This changes the dynamic of the story, where it had previously been Artemis and Butler versus Root and Holly, now its all of them versus a new enemy. This helps the characters learn to respect those which were previously their enemies.

CONCLUSION

Colfer creates an original story with lots of action. The characters are distinct and likable enough to want to see them change and grow. He's careful to make sure that Artemis is sympathetic, even though he is in the wrong for the majority of the story. And the comic elements are usually enjoyable. I give “Artemis Fowl” four stars.

Book Review: "The Star of Kazaan" by Eva Ibbotson

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Annika is an orphan girl who loves her life in Vienna with her adopted family. But she still daydreams of her mother showing up and claiming her one day. But when this happens she gets a life she didn't expect. And a mystery that needs to be solved.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Annika is the main character. She has grown up in Vienna with three professors, and their two maids. She loves her city, animals and cooking. She is kind, a little naive, and grateful for her life.

Zed is the stableboy who works at Annika's new home. He loves Rocco, the one horse he takes care of. He is also an orphan, and unsure about his place in the word. He is descended from gypsies.

Hermann is Frau Edeltraut's son. He dreams of going to a military academy and spends every day going through his routines, like he would if he attended the school.

Pauline & Stefan are Annika's friends in Vienna. Although they are not in much of the book, they both play crucial roles.

Frau Edeltraut is Annika's mother, who takes her back to Germany with her. She is strict with Annika about not acting like a servant (no cooking or cleaning) but does seem to care about her.

Ellie & Sigrid are the two woman who work for the professors. They found Annika abandoned as a baby and brought her to their home and place of work: the professors' home.

Professor Emil, Gertrude, & Julius are the professors that adopted Annika.

La Rondine is the neighbor girls great-aunt. Annika gets paid to look after her and the two become fast friends. She reveals her past by telling Annika stories.

PACING

The pacing is slower, but the story is not an action story, more of a mystery. Ibbotson takes her time, showing us how Annika was found in a church, and then revealing Vienna to us. She paints a beautiful picture, then introduces Annika's friends. And although it is not until chapter five that a crucial part of the story starts, it didn't bother me that it took four chapters to get there. And it's not until chapter ten that we get to meet her mother.

CHARACTER ROLES

Most every character had a role to play that was crucial to the plot. It made the story feel like a well put together puzzle.

Pauline, a side character barely in the story, goes to investigate and gets crucial information about Annika's mother. I was surprised to find myself rooting for her when I learned about her fears. I barely knew her at all, and yet I really wanted her to succeed.

Gudrun, who seems superfluous, tells the professors where Annika has been taken, when no one else will.

Stefan, who is probably in the story the least, makes a crucial decesion when helping to free Annika.

Ellie the maid, is the one who urges everyone to find Annika when they want to give up.

Loremarie, the spoiled neighbor girl, reveals to Annika that her great-aunt's trunk has been stolen.

Hector the dog finds an item that pushes Annika to learn more about that trunk.

Professore Gertrude's special instrument is crucial to freeing Annika.

Annika's new uncle reveals information about La Rondine.

Zed retrieves and reveals crucial information.

CHARACTER LIKABILITY

Annika is definitely one of the most favorite heroines that I have read. She is selfless and loving, but not perfect. Her naivete is probably her biggest flaw. It really hinders her investigation about the trunk, and eventually her mother. But she does sometimes have selfish thoughts, like when she wants to hit Loremarie but thinks about the fuss everyone would make. She is perhaps too practical in that way and not yet morally developed.

Zed is perhaps the opposite of Annika in his personality. He has seen a lot more of the world than she has. He had a father he remembers, but lost him. Then had a father figure, then lost him. And has had to deal with the decline of the barn he works for as well as witness the abuse of animals, such as the horse Rocco, and the aftermath of Hector, the dog.

Not only are both of these main characters likable, they compliment each other as well.

IBBTOSON'S CHARM & WIT

Just like in “Journey to the River Sea”, Ibbotson weaves her charm into each character she makes. Somehow, she manages to reflect things we have all witnessed in life. The greedy relatives; The spoiled child; The forgotten, elderly relative; The abused animal.

When it comes to Ibbotson, she chooses the location of the story and immerses the reader in it. I found myself wishing I could see the Lipizzaner horses myself. And even her minor characters prove to be amusing.

THE VILLAINS

I found it interesting that even though we eventually learn who the villains are, they never come across as really hateful people. There was never a scene, even after they were discovered, where they shed their masks, so to speak. They just seemed like selfish people who were unaware of those they were hurting.

THE FATE OF ROCCO-SPOILERS

There is a scene where Annika rediscovers a letter she forgot about and rushes to Zed's aid. It seems as though Rocco is going to be taken from him. But Annika has evidence that could save the horse. But it turns out that they were not trying to take the horse anyway.

The whole scene felt a little odd to me. I wanted Annika to be able to save Rocco, so when it turns our she didn't, I felt deflated. Like, oh? Why did this scene happen then? I think it was supposed to be twist that Rocco wasn't being taken away, but I felt like the letter with its contents unknown until then, would have been twist enough.

CONCLUSION

Ibbotson's story is full of charming and amusing characters as well as a beautiful backdrop of Vienna. It's a mystery that takes its time to enfold, but where every part is savored. Every character has a role, even the minor ones. The villains are not over the top, but quite believable and the ending is rewarding. I give “The Star of Kazaan” four stars.

Book Review: "Buried Fire" by Jonathan Stroud

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Michael falls asleep on a hill, he wakes up thinking he has had sun stroke. But eventually he realizes he as a new ability: he can see people's souls. Soon he exposes his brother Stephen to the same source. The two of them start to realize there may be more bad than good that comes from it. Especially when others with the same abilities are revealed. Not to mention what lives under the ground of their town.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Michael is one of of the three main characters. He is the younger brother to Stephen. He receives the ability first, and we see how it effects him pretty fast.

Stephen is the older brother and one of the main characters. Through him we learn how Michael is changing, not just with his new abilities, but his personality.

Sarah is Stephen and Michael's big sister. They have lived with her since the death of their parent. She struggles with being a sister as well as being their guardian.

Tom is the reverend of the local church and a friend of Sarah's. Neither of the brothers like him, and call him “the pope” behind his back. Because he is so young and originally from the town, he is sometimes treated as an outsider. His role in the story if first as a researcher and eventually as an ally.

Cleeves is a youth group leader that basically no one can stand.

PACING

The story is more suspense and mystery than it is action. But the story is paced well by switching between Stephen, Tom and Michael. And at one point, even Sarah. Also, it's to be noted that the story takes place in only a few days, which rather awed me, as so much is happening.

Michael alone might have been overwhelming to a reader, as he was clearly becoming the villain. But because we see the other perspectives, we are not constantly screaming “No, no, no!” at Michael. That would have grown old, fast.

ORIGINALITY

One thing that the story really has going for it is the originality. I never would have thought of souls being portrayed as diamonds shaped animal heads.

Also, the idea that the abilities themselves would eventually corrupt someone was interesting too. In most books, magic and other abilities only have negative consequences if you don't know how to use them properly. But there is no way to avoid the evils that come along with these abilities.

PHILOSOPHY

There are certain discussions between Stephen and Michael that I found fascinating. Michael starts to view the souls as the most important things, because they are so beautiful. While dismissing the shades inside them that reveal the personality. He thinks of them like food to devour. And he is annoyed that no one else can see them and appreciate them like he can. He belittles the very owners of those souls, as though he is more important.

It's near impossible not to draw symbolism with the dragon being the source of a great evil. With Michael thinking he can use the dragon as a power source, not realizing it's far too evil to be controlled. And that he himself, instead of controlling it, will end up being controlled.

BEFORE THE GIFT

Before Michael gets the ability, we really don't know anything about him. We do get to see a little bit of Stephen though. I do think it might have helped the story, to contrast with who they were becoming. We have Stephen to react to Michael, letting us know he is changing. But it would have been nice to see how they treated each other, as well as their sister, before this. I understand that this way, the actual story starts right off the bat, and we are not waiting around. But I felt a short introduction would have been helpful.

Also, it's only mentioned in passing about their parents dying and their sister taking care of them. I would have liked to hear more about their feelings and how they have adapted since then. It's hinted at throughout the story that things have not been going so smoothly.

MICHAEL'S EVOLUTION

Although we don't get to see who he was before the incident, we do get to see how Michael changes. His views change, and often times in the beginning, he feels convicted of his actions.

And we do sense that this isn't who Michael normally is, because he reactions seem so out of proportion. Like when he reacts so angrily to Stephen receiving the same abilities as him (even when he was the one who led him to get them). Or how viciously he attacks his sister, who was clearly just worried about him.

Also how inconsistent he is in his thoughts and the ability to admit he's changed. It's almost as though you are witnessing someone become a cult member.

STROUD'S WRITING

Stroud has an amazing way with words, not mention an amazing vocabulary. While reading I regularly underlined parts of sentences, and sometimes even whole sentences. I just loved the way he phrased things, especially the first chapter, where Michael is unconscious and attains the abilities. So much is happening, and yet nothing is. At the end, when he says “Michael wakes up”, I was like, all of that happened while he was asleep? It was artistic but not flowery.

CLIMAX

The climax is the most action-packed part of the story. Even before the dragon arises, we see Michael, and the others with the gift become violent and pursue Tom and Stephen. My only complaint is that the book ends the minute the dragon is killed. I really wanted to see Michael's reaction afterwards, to what he had almost done. We assume he is redeemed, as once the dragon is released he see's everything was a lie. But he doesn't actually accomplish anything himself in any attempt to change.

CONCLUSION

Stroud creates an original story full of suspense and mystery. Not to mention a story with depth that you don't often get in stories aimed at young adults. Viewing Michael change is fascinating and horrifying at the same time while the pacing is good because of the constant changes in the characters' perspectives. I give “Buried Fire” Four stars.