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mimosaeyes's review against another edition
4.0
Ah, classic Eoin Colfer humour and pacing. I'm starting this spin-off series out of nostalgia for the Artemis Fowl books - and honestly? I kind of want to re-read them again even more, now. This book has only made me miss Artemis Fowl more.
Which is not to say it isn't great in its own right. It is! Myles sometimes feels a bit too much like Artemis redux, but his dynamic with Beckett switches things up. I really like the twins' trust in each other, and there's a good balance between Beckett's talents and Myles' intelligence.
Also,.
Which is not to say it isn't great in its own right. It is! Myles sometimes feels a bit too much like Artemis redux, but his dynamic with Beckett switches things up. I really like the twins' trust in each other, and there's a good balance between Beckett's talents and Myles' intelligence.
Also,
Spoiler
I KNEW IT! NANNI'S VOICE IS HOLLY SHORT'S. ARTEMIS GAVE HIS BROTHERS' PROTECTOR THE VOICE OF HIS MOST TRUSTED FRIEND. I'm screamingpaigereitz's review against another edition
4.0
This was a delightful light-hearted read. I enjoyed a new spin on the Fowl family, and I loved how it encapsulated some great pieces of the Artemis Fowl saga while also being its own thing completely. There were many a moment that I laughed out loud.
g_korbin's review against another edition
I'd set the rating at around 3.5 stars but I have decided to omit rating it because I may be biased (both positively and negatively). ^^; Even so, the following review will mention a few things about the book that I minded, as someone who has gone through the originals too many times.
First of all, this book suffers greatly from being compared to the Artemis Fowl books (because, yes, they were better and I'll explain why) while I couldn't recommend not finishing the Artemis Fowl series first because what I enjoyed the most while reading this was fishing out the Easter Eggs in there.
My biggest problem with this was the character of Myles Fowl and how really early on this entire book became 'the Myles Fowl show'. His interactions with Beckett were cute but the book was hyperfocused on the two of them, with Myles coming up with every aspect of the plan and Beckett.... doing the muscle work, I guess? For some reason, Colfer tried really hard to show how Myles was smarter than Artemis, and apparently more condescending too, and I cannot understand why. He lacks the charm of a young Artemis, the desired character development and the ultimate goal. Artemis Fowl started out as cold and calculating but when you read that book you knew that you were reading a story about the 'villain' in a sense. Myles get slapped in the role of the hero when all he wants is to show off his intellect. There are no interesting relationships to show character (apart from his bond with his twin). Lazuli just happened to meet them by accident. There are no Butlers (where are the Butlers??), there is no family to save (and WHERE are the parents??*insert 'our expectations of you were low, but holy f**K' meme here*). There is a hint at the end that which would be a character arc I'd be down for but still. Personally, I think it'd be much more interesting to have a Myles who strives to catch up to his older brother, having grown in his shadow, so we could root for him instead of having a Myles who is already so much better than Artemis and so perfect. It ended up demeaning for Artemis himself and Myles is... annoying. Exhausting even. Have Myles try for something instead of lacking only in the emotional intellect department, which he doesn't even try to address at any point during the story.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Lazuli was used once. Once. In the same way that you'd use a fancy weapon. She was completely irrelevant to the plot and there was not much I could tell you now about her character apart from what species she is. NANNI was more interesting than Lazuli. The toy Troll was more likable than her, not because she was not likable, but because she did virtually nothing throughout the story. Going from Holly Short to her was... weak. Holly had a necessary POV. Holly did things in the scenes she was included. In this one? The twins could have had their adventure outside of the fairy world entirely and it would have ended up far too similar. In fact, the fairy world is barely brushed upon and Colfer seems to assume we have read the Artemis Fowl series beforehand.
As for the book itself, The Fowl Twins thankfully manages to keep Colfer's writing style and quirky humor and it was a pleasure to dive back into the Fowl world. There are certain things that iff me about Colfer's writing such as the frequent 'head-jump', as in not keeping a clear POV throughout the scenes even if they seem to be focused on one character. It's not a distanced narrator exactly but it keeps switching between characters mid-scene so you can't say that it's limited. Nevertheless, this happened in the previous books as well and that's something I could get used to. The plot is a little short and focused mostly on the humans. As I said before, this adventure could have easily happened without the fairies and it would not be all that different than what we ended up with.
This is getting kind of long so I'll cut it here and say that if you've already read the Artemis Fowl series, this will probably fall a little short. If you haven't read Artemis Fowl? Honestly, just go read those instead. As I'm going to soon. I'll give it that much, it reminded me of how much I loved the originals.
"I know," said Holly. "I have one just like him."
First of all, this book suffers greatly from being compared to the Artemis Fowl books (because, yes, they were better and I'll explain why) while I couldn't recommend not finishing the Artemis Fowl series first because what I enjoyed the most while reading this was fishing out the Easter Eggs in there.
My biggest problem with this was the character of Myles Fowl and how really early on this entire book became 'the Myles Fowl show'. His interactions with Beckett were cute but the book was hyperfocused on the two of them, with Myles coming up with every aspect of the plan and Beckett.... doing the muscle work, I guess? For some reason, Colfer tried really hard to show how Myles was smarter than Artemis, and apparently more condescending too, and I cannot understand why. He lacks the charm of a young Artemis, the desired character development and the ultimate goal. Artemis Fowl started out as cold and calculating but when you read that book you knew that you were reading a story about the 'villain' in a sense. Myles get slapped in the role of the hero when all he wants is to show off his intellect. There are no interesting relationships to show character (apart from his bond with his twin). Lazuli just happened to meet them by accident. There are no Butlers (where are the Butlers??), there is no family to save (and WHERE are the parents??*insert 'our expectations of you were low, but holy f**K' meme here*). There is a hint at the end that
Spoiler
Myles might pull a reverse Artemis and turn into a villainOn the opposite side of the spectrum, Lazuli was used once. Once. In the same way that you'd use a fancy weapon. She was completely irrelevant to the plot and there was not much I could tell you now about her character apart from what species she is. NANNI was more interesting than Lazuli. The toy Troll was more likable than her, not because she was not likable, but because she did virtually nothing throughout the story. Going from Holly Short to her was... weak. Holly had a necessary POV. Holly did things in the scenes she was included. In this one? The twins could have had their adventure outside of the fairy world entirely and it would have ended up far too similar. In fact, the fairy world is barely brushed upon and Colfer seems to assume we have read the Artemis Fowl series beforehand.
As for the book itself, The Fowl Twins thankfully manages to keep Colfer's writing style and quirky humor and it was a pleasure to dive back into the Fowl world. There are certain things that iff me about Colfer's writing such as the frequent 'head-jump', as in not keeping a clear POV throughout the scenes even if they seem to be focused on one character. It's not a distanced narrator exactly but it keeps switching between characters mid-scene so you can't say that it's limited. Nevertheless, this happened in the previous books as well and that's something I could get used to. The plot is a little short and focused mostly on the humans. As I said before, this adventure could have easily happened without the fairies and it would not be all that different than what we ended up with.
This is getting kind of long so I'll cut it here and say that if you've already read the Artemis Fowl series, this will probably fall a little short. If you haven't read Artemis Fowl? Honestly, just go read those instead. As I'm going to soon. I'll give it that much, it reminded me of how much I loved the originals.
Spoiler
Lazuli jerked a thumb at Myles. "Commodore, there's no point in listening to this human.""I know," said Holly. "I have one just like him."
author_abz's review against another edition
5.0
A return to form for the Fowl family universe. Myles and Beckett make simultaneous annoying and charming protagonists (which is truly the Fowl personality), and the new LEP officer thrown into their midst is charming and relatable. The plot feels very different from previous books because the starting situations of the characters are such different places as they begin their Fairy-Fowl relationship, which leads to a completely different, but still enjoyable dynamic.
All of the references to older brother Artemis feel earned, or equally satisfying, one-off phrases that suggest a whole story onto itself. He doesn't bog down the narrative, but those who love him will still get enough of him.
However, the cast of characters is remarkably small in comparison to earlier Fowl books, and to accommodate, the plot and corresponding locations are also fewer and simplified. It also would be difficult for a first-time reader (as this is the first in a new series) to truly get a sense of the world as virtually no time is spent reflecting on the People or their practices or even their technology. Magic also takes the backburner in this plot, until it suddenly doesn't.
I'd say it's worthwhile reading, especially if you already love the universe Colfer has crafted with the Artemis Fowl series. This new book is funny, and truly shines in its new characters - Myles and Beckett - and to a lesser extent, Specialist Heitz. Overall it alludes to a great series and many more grand adventures to come, so my true feelings must be reserved until those later books come out, and we can really see how Myles and Beckett compare to their older brother in getting into - and out of - tough spots.
All of the references to older brother Artemis feel earned, or equally satisfying, one-off phrases that suggest a whole story onto itself. He doesn't bog down the narrative, but those who love him will still get enough of him.
However, the cast of characters is remarkably small in comparison to earlier Fowl books, and to accommodate, the plot and corresponding locations are also fewer and simplified. It also would be difficult for a first-time reader (as this is the first in a new series) to truly get a sense of the world as virtually no time is spent reflecting on the People or their practices or even their technology. Magic also takes the backburner in this plot, until it suddenly doesn't.
I'd say it's worthwhile reading, especially if you already love the universe Colfer has crafted with the Artemis Fowl series. This new book is funny, and truly shines in its new characters - Myles and Beckett - and to a lesser extent, Specialist Heitz. Overall it alludes to a great series and many more grand adventures to come, so my true feelings must be reserved until those later books come out, and we can really see how Myles and Beckett compare to their older brother in getting into - and out of - tough spots.
minaminabot's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe I'm just older now from when I read the Artemis books but I thought it was..okay.
I at first was almost put off by my sense of disbelief when reading this book but as I got into it the story got interesting and I did want to know what happens next.
I might have a nostalgia bias but I do prefer the original Artemis series, but maybe the next books in the series will change my mind.
Overall, it was okay, but hesitant to read the next ones
I at first was almost put off by my sense of disbelief when reading this book but as I got into it the story got interesting and I did want to know what happens next.
I might have a nostalgia bias but I do prefer the original Artemis series, but maybe the next books in the series will change my mind.
Overall, it was okay, but hesitant to read the next ones
miketheboy89's review against another edition
4.0
Not only does Colfer return to the world of Fowl in this spinoff tale, he also returns to form as he showcases just how truly mesmerizing his writing can be (no pun intended). The two leads are engaging and play well off of each other with a mix of heart and wit, and the plot is engaging throughout with Colfer's signature quippy narration. The rest of the cast isn't quite as remarkable, but they do their jobs well enough. The story differentiates itself from the original series just enough to be original, while maintaining the original charm and smarts needed in a Fowl story. Disbelief must be suspended slightly too much here, and the final climax goes on a little too long, but overall, the narration and Fowl nature of Colfer is what really shines and makes this book a worthy continuation of the original bestselling series.
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a fun read. It def took me awhile to adjust to the new main characters. I really loved being back in this world and seeing this characters. It was such a fun adventure read!! I also really liked both main characters. I also really enjoyed seeing previous characters and super excited to see where this series goes. I also loved all the fast pace action of this read!
curlyheadedone's review against another edition
4.0
The book follows the adventures of Beckett and Myles Fowl the 11 year old twin brothers of Artemis Fowl. The brother find themselves in the sights of Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye,who is hunting a toy troll that surfaced by the Fowl’s home. In addition to that the boys are kidnapped by a nun who is part of an organization called ACRONYM. Along the way the boys meet a pixel (pixie and elf hybrid) named Lazuli Heitz who is part of the LEP. This group, which Beckett has chosen to call The Regrettables, finds themselves on the craziest adventures in more danger then they expected.
I really enjoyed this book more then I thought I would! It’s funny and entertaining and keeps the reader on their toes. It’s literally been years since I’ve read the Artemis Fowl series and though it would have been nice to do a reread before reading this book…it’s not necessary. Of course if you’ve read the first series you would understand the some of the references author slipped in but again it’s not necessary! Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC if this book!*
*I received an eARC in exchange for a honest review*
I really enjoyed this book more then I thought I would! It’s funny and entertaining and keeps the reader on their toes. It’s literally been years since I’ve read the Artemis Fowl series and though it would have been nice to do a reread before reading this book…it’s not necessary. Of course if you’ve read the first series you would understand the some of the references author slipped in but again it’s not necessary! Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC if this book!*
*I received an eARC in exchange for a honest review*
oneus's review against another edition
4.0
i can't believe artemis is in his 20s and also his elon musk era.
singerscientist's review against another edition
4.0
(-1 for how agregious the scientific inaccuracies were, +1 for being middle-grade, a genre im not used to).
What a fun start to the series! The relationship between the brothers was what made this book, especially Beckett being incredibly intelligent but pretending to not be to annoy the crap out of his brother.
What a fun start to the series! The relationship between the brothers was what made this book, especially Beckett being incredibly intelligent but pretending to not be to annoy the crap out of his brother.