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A review by author_abz
The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer
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.