The Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer

[Becky]

I really enjoy these books. One of them, I think it was the 3rd in the series made me laugh so hard that I couldn't breathe.

These are fun, whimsical-with-an-edge, original adventure stories. Butler is one of my favorite characters.

Please discuss!

[JG (Introverted Reader)]

I do love Butler. There's so much more to him once you get to know him. The humor definitely appealed to the child in me. Mulch Diggums was always good for tears of laughter! What does that say about me? Artemis is always surprising me with his genius brain and yet how vulnerable he is. I've got a soft spot for him. I've only read the first two, but I'm planning on getting to the rest, hopefully soon.

[Kristen]

I loved Juliette and her obsession with wrestling. These books were so much fun to listen to.

[Becky]

Kristen wrote: "I loved Juliette and her obsession with wrestling. These books were so much fun to listen to."

I forgot about her! She is great.

I will be reading The Lost Colony for the YA challenge, but *gasp* I will not be re-reading the first four. I really don't like reading single books of a series like that, but this year I just don't have the time to re-read a lot like I would normally.

[Sara ♥]

I can't decide which book I liked best... Probably Book 5... :) I love Butler... and Holly....

[Emily]

Have any of you read Airman? I enjoyed it a lot, but thought it was much darker than the AF series. Colfer definitely seems to love the boy genius...

[Luann]

Yes! I liked Airman a lot. You can read more discussion about Airman in the Action/Adventure folder:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

[Robert]

Anyone else read the World Book Day short, "The Seventh Dwarf?"

[Robert]

I picked up a copy of the original World Book Day edition second hand. I would say it is fun for the fans but isn't a good starting point for new-comers.

[Jessika]

I tried reading the first one of these once but it didn't really grab me. I'll have to try it again, it looks like. Oh, my ever-growing TBR list...

[Rita]

I recently got the audio version of the first book from the library and listened to it on my drive to work. The first time through was enjoyable, but not earth shattering.

When I was done, I handed it to my husband to put into the family car. Listening to it as a family was much more enjoyable. The little nuggets of great dialog (like "I don't really like lollipops.") seemed funnier when I could share the laugh with my husband.

My oldest child (7) loved the story, but my middle child (6) kept saying it was boring. And yet if we turned it off, she'd say, "Turn it back on." The youngest (4) was indifferent.

[Cheryl]

Thanks for the tip about sharing. My 14 yo and I have enjoyed several other Colfer books but somehow AF doesn't rise to the top of the TBR pile. So, this summer vacation we'll read them in turn.

[Sara ♥]

Oooh... I really loved the Artemis Fowl audios! Nathaniel Parker does a GREAT job! Super entertaining!

[Arya]

I TOTALLY agree with you Sara!! Nathaniel is AWESOME!! My favorite book was The Time Paradox - Which Nathaniel DOES NOT READ!! Good thing I read all of them, and then like them so much that I listen to them . . . I will probably just not listen to Time Paradox . . . so SAD :(

[Rita]

I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do, but last year, I did a lot of driving to and from work (at one point it was 3+ hours a day). That's when I discovered audiobooks (and sometimes I listen to them at work too---shhh, that's a secret).

Anyway, I get more into the audiobooks.

[Sara ♥]

It looks like Nathaniel Parker IS doing a version http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71... but it doesn't come out until July...

[Arya]

YESYESYES!!!! I am so excited!! Thanks for the info Sara. :D

[Kellee]

I just read the first book and you all are right. The are fun, fantastic and wonderful!

First of all, I love a good book with a bad guy main character. I always enjoy the inner workings of a good evil genius mastermind and Artemis Fowl is just that. And he is just genius enough to admire and just evil enough to despise- a perfect combination for an evil genius main character.

Secondly, some of my favorite books are action/adventure books (e.g., Alex Rider, Young James Bond, Alfred Kropp) and this book is action/adventure with a fairy tale twist which just makes it that much better.

Thirdly, the fairy tale aspect of this novel is so intricate and so original. Eoin Colfer has made an entire network of fairies (fairies is a broad spectrum name for fairy tale creatures) that is unlike any other book.

Lastly, they are also funny! They literally made me laugh out loud.

Overall, this book is a fun adventure written for the lover of fantasy or action/adventure. Very enjoyable!

[Arya]

I love Artemis Fowl (even though he is despicable!) It is just impossible to not have a kind of grudging admiration for him. He is so smart!

Holly is amazing. I love the second book when she has to work with Artemis despite her personal vendetta. SO awesome!!

Commander Root . . . how do I even begin to explain how I feel about him . . . no, no I can't do it, guess you will just have to decide for yourself what you think about the tempestuous Commander.

Foaly is AWESOMENESS defined! He reminds me of someone I know (a geeky funny guy who is also special agent cool).

Mulch Diggums . . . disgustingly hilarious!!

All in all I think the reason that I like the books is because of the amazing characters and the singular plot (but isn't that why I like all books?) You should definitely read them!!

Addendum: The grudging admiration for Artemis is just in the first (maybe second) books. After that it is full-fledged love for Artemis!! He overcomes his immense ego and selfishness (ok not really, but a little) and actually cares about others (alright just Butler and Holly, but really what more can you expect, a change this big has to start gradually!)
Yes by the end of book three I pretty much love Artemis' chacacter, though occasionally a twinge of "hate" will work its way into my feelings towards him - maybe that is why it is called a "love/hate relationship"?

[Rita]

Kellee wrote: "First of all, I love a good book with a bad guy main character. I always enjoy the inner workings of a good evil genius mastermind and Artemis Fowl is just that. And he is just genius enough to admire and just evil enough to despise- a perfect combination for an evil genius main character. "

And just soft-hearted enough to love. He does have a streak of kindness hidden inside.

[Kristen]

I agree Heather, not as funny as some of the others, but just as good. I love listening to the narrator of these books. So good. I really loved the latest installment and hope for more soon!