Genre 6: Fantasy Series

Bibliography

Colfer, Eion. 2002. Artemis Fowl the Arctic Incident. ISBN 078680855-1

Book Information

In Eoin Colfer's sequel, Artemis Fowl the Arctic Incident, readers who are keeping up with the series get another look at Artemis Fowl. Artemis Fowl's main mission in this installment is to rescue his father who is being held captive. Artemis finds himself seeking the help of his nemesis in the first book, Captain Holly, a leprechaun. He needs this fairy's help, but first has to get her trust by convincing her and others that he isn't as heartless as he seems. This is an ironic point of the book because Colfer has built Artemis' character as that of a criminal genius who is normally not remorseful.

The characters that are brought back from the first book of the series help make this high fantasy book filled with sleek technology and weapons enjoyable. Artemis is a rich, smart kid; Foaly heads the Fairy technology; Holly Short is the Captain of the L.E.P.; and Butler is Artemis' very loyal bodyguard. The characters are unique and have their faults, but when Colfer describes them in ways such as "the broad grin disappeared like a fox down a hole," we still are drawn to them. The story blends high tech "stuff" and magic with the quick mind of Artemis, which makes for a good combination. Although Artemis' family is known for being clever thieves, he is unapologetic about getting what he wants by any means. This flaw in Artemis' character still makes him likeable to reading audiences, mainly because he does the opposite of what is expected.

The fairy like underworld setting makes the book one that joins many of the magical, adventurous tales that are enjoyed by many young readers today. Most would agree that this book ranks up there with other Fantasy series like Harry Potter.

Review Excerpts

Book Magazine Best Book of the Year, 2002

Best Seller List:
1. Amazon.com
2. Booksense
3. Los Angeles Times
4. Notachain.com
5. USA Today

*Starred Review in Kirkus Reviews: "Filled with puns, word plays, and inventive new concepts about the fairy realm, this mix of fantasy and science fiction will delight fans and make converts of new readers."
*Starred Review in Publisher's Weekly: "...Colfer's finger is firmly on the pulse of his target market, and along with extra helpings of sly humor he delivers a cracking good read."

Connections

This is a good read to introduce some readers to the world of Fantasy that is currently very popular and to reacquaint others with it.

*Gather other books related to Science Fiction and Fantasy:
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. ISBN 9780440237686
L Engle, Madeline. A Wrinkle in Time. ISBN 9780440498056
Chabon, Michael. Summerland. ISBN 9780786816156

*Gather other books by Eoin Colfer:
Artemis Fowl Series
The Supernaturalist. ISBN 0786851481
The Legend of the Worst Boy in the World. ISBN 0786855061