A review by berenikeasteria
Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

3.0

Two new books have come out in the Artemis Fowl series since I first read and loved the original four, and later books five and six also. I’ve recently been revisiting the series, re-reading the first six and now I’ve come to the new entries in the series, starting with this one. I have to admit The Atlantis Complex is something of a surprise. I have very mixed feelings about it. Initially, the story drew me in. Artemis is expanding his relationship with the fairies by proposing a collaboration on a long-term project, and shifting direction by turning his genius to tackling a purely altruistic project which he proposes to fund himself. In previous books we’ve seen his character slowly grow towards this path, so it felt satisfying to see him reach this point. Then, another interesting hook is introduced. Artemis is suffering from some magic-related psychological disorder which causes him to become paranoid, superstitious, and obsess over numbers; to a literally debilitating extent. My interest was hooked. This was a new twist in the series – how would Artemis focus the genius usually required of him on his adventures when he was psychologically incapacitated? Also, as per usual, the book was jam-packed with the thrills, spills, and non-stop action that we’ve come to expect.

However, other elements in the story just didn’t sit right with me at all. As his antagonist Colfer uses

Spoiler

Turnball Root, a character who’s been established before in this world in a short story addition to the series. I know some readers will be happy that he was used since some have complained that Opal Koboi is overused – this book even makes a joke of that, having Artemis want to check repeatedly that Koboi isn’t behind proceedings. However, my problem was that it kind of uses a formula that’s been used before even if the antagonist is new. That of antagonist biding their time under lock and key and then breaking out with an elaborate plan to seek revenge.

Another thing that didn’t feel quite right was how Artemis’ illness was handled.

Spoiler

At first it seemed truly debilitating, and his friends Holly and Foaly seem seriously concerned. But then it becomes a joke. When Artemis’ split personality alter ego, Orion, emerges, Holly and Foaly don’t seem concerned any more, and indeed go about making jokes at his expense or otherwise expressing their annoyance. And I grant, Orion was very annoying, I didn’t like his inclusion at all – but despite how annoying this character was shouldn’t Foaly and Holly have been more concerned about the wellbeing of their friend instead of brushing him off? Again, I grant that they were under attack and needed to focus on other more immediate concerns, but… really? And it was just all too convenient that an electric shock switched Artemis between personalities. In the end it didn’t seem to be that debilitating or concerning at all, which was a disappointment.

Other niggles; I really don’t like the fact that

Spoiler

Artemis’ mother now knows all about the fairies and his adventures with them. She feels like a constant interruption in this book, forcing Artemis to wear clothes he doesn’t like, telling him to never get involved with the fairies again and generally not comprehending at all the stakes that require Artemis to get involved. What a party pooper. I rather wish she’d stayed mind-wiped and Artemis’ family was kept out of knowledge of the fairies. I know, I know, in real life she’s just being a good parent, not wanting her son to get into trouble, and other YA books get a lot of flak for absentee parents; but in a fun adventure series like this, not a paranormal romance like other YA, this kind of helicopter parenting is just irritating. Also, I don’t like the fact that Colfer killed off Commander Vinyaya. She was barely used in previous books, but it seemed like she might make a great replacement for Julius Root – figuratively speaking – in the role of fairy contact in power and authority who is actually a decent sort and who Artemis, Holly, Foaly and company can trust to be smart and do the sensible thing. It seemed like she would take on a big role, like Julius Root did in The Arctic Incident where he’s one of the four main characters of the piece. Other than Holly, we’re told there aren’t that many female fairies in positions of power – there’s Lily Frond who is repeatedly mentioned in passing in the series but never appears and Holly doesn’t like her because she’s just a photogenic poster girl, and there’s the genius of Opal Koboi of course but since Koboi is also a megalomaniac antagonist she’s not exactly a figure of admiration – so I always thought Vinyaya was a pretty cool character and looked forwards to her having a greater role after Julius Root’s untimely demise. Well I guess that’s never going to happen now!

Since Artemis is suffering under a psychosis for this entire book the Artemis/Holly ship really doesn’t progress or go anywhere, which was a pity because I’ve appreciated the way Colfer slowly built up and gradually grew the relationship over time, and after the last book… well after the last book and the rift between them I’ll be honest I didn’t expect them to get together here or anything, but I was anticipating a couple of heartfelt moments dropped in here and there, some regret, some forgiveness, and maybe by the end the door being left open for the final book in the series.

I’m not sure how I feel about this book in conclusion. It definitely hooked me in at the beginning, but then it didn’t turn out to be as good as I hoped it would be. It definitely wasn’t as good as its predecessor, The Time Paradox, but I’m not sure if it’s as bad as The Lost Colony, which for me has always been the low point of the series with a bit too much pointless backstory and the badly misjudged character of Minerva Paradizo.

6 out of 10