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.
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