Artemis Fowl

Carla Edeliza M. Varias

I've read a review in Inquirer last July 2003 about “Artemis Fowl”. The article made me interested to read the book. I got a copy from National Bookstore. Unfortunately, the book was not properly classified. That's why I started with the wrong book. Heck, I read the book backwards. I'm finished reading the 3rd and 2nd book. I have yet to raise P279 to buy the first book before a 4th book will be launched. =) The books aren't expensive and they're worth reading.

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Artemis Fowl is not another old-fashioned fairy story. There is so much intelligence, actions, and technology that you wouldn't find in a typical fairy-tale. Just imagine fairies doing some espionage like James Bond and Charlies Angels. There ain't any fairy tale that's similar to Artemis Fowl's cleverness.

The character of Artemis Fowl isn’t a typical guy for his age. He is only 13(22nd and 3rd book) but he thinks as if he is thirty. He is simply smart and too greedy for gold. This has something to do with his environment and the philosophy his father has instilled to him, “Gold is Power.” Heck, the little Artemis made use of his intelligence to harvest a lot of money (an attitude not eminent to kids of his age).

Eoin Coefler is highly commendable in enabling to show that even magic has its own limits. The LEP (Lower Element Police) use their intellects before executing their magical powers. They are aware of the extent and externalities of their powers. Unlike the common fairy-tales that uses magic spells, in Artemis Fowl, to execute fairies’ power, there is a need to study. The fairies don’t have to memorize abracadabra lines to exercise their magical powers. Science and Technology have a big role in LEP’s magical prowess.

I am very much amazed with the espionage gadgets used in the story. In an old-fashioned fairy story, one would wish to possess the fairies magical powers. In Artemis Fowl, one would wish to acquire the high technology espionage gadgets and the intelligence of the fairies. An iris camera, a skin-colored microphone, and simulated Artemis are just some of the gadgets used in the story.

Another thing I like about the book is its sublime philosophical content. It may not be evident in the plot of the story but it is apparent in the texts from Artemis’ diary. Though the thought is simple, “Money is not important”, people today haven’t yet surpassed that temptation. All wants money to gain power.

The book is classified as children’s book. I just wonder if little kids would understand and appreciate the book. Probably, teen-aged guys would do. =)


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I'm waiting for a book 4. Can't wait to continue following Fowl's adventures =)
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