The Criminal Mastermind Collection, Bks 1-3

by Eoin Colfer

A boxed set includes paperback editions of the first three books in the series featuring twelve-year-old evil genius Artemis Fowl.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction

912 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) was born in Wexford on the South-East coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father and mother, who were both educators.

He received his degree from Dublin University and began teaching primary school in Wexford. He has lived and worked all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. After the publication of the Artemis Fowl novels, Eoin retired from teaching and now writes full time. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Antonio Fanelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gradevole.
Semplicistico ma non troppo, diciamo quanto basta :)
Per essere per ragazzini è abbastanza complesso.

[Kellie philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing read!! Every time you turned a page you wanted to know what was happening next, it keeps you intrigued and wanting to know what happens next!!! Highly recommend reading this.

[Ilaria Manferdini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A qualsiasi età lo rilegga mi piace sempre

[Ilaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally one book that as a main character not so good, not the classic hero. the perfect match between real and fairy world

[Kristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know some kids absolutly love this series, but it didn't do much for me. The concept was appealing--a boy who wants the world to see himself as a villian, and his interaction with a whole elf/fairy society. The description of the elves was an attempt to give them a high tech image (like the elves in the movie The Santa Clause I)--a clever idea.
One problem I had was the character development of the elves. I keep getting the sense that the author was so intent on painting his picture of this giant society underground that the personality of each character remained flat. Character development of all of the humans was round and therefore, held my interest better. Also, the idea of elves with all sorts of human-like problems (traffic,immigration, riots..)made the elf society less appealing to me.
The plot about Fowl's ploy to hold an elf as hostage for gold got bogged down with details. But Fowl's motives were interesting, and his strategies were intrigueing. I liked reading about Fowl.
When I have lots of extra time, I might give the sequel a shot. The right kid would eat it up.

[Saija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this series in my basement for a while now - it was recommended to me and I just never got around to reading it. It is a young adult science fiction series. VERY easy reading, fun, entertaining, possible reading material for my kids when they are older (i.e. nothing in them that would be "bad"). I teetered between 3-4 stars, but considering that I read all three books in the last 2 weeks, I thought it deserved a 4 star rating.

You will like these if you like fantasy, and are OK with reading a book targeted at kids (realizing that you'll see a lot of the next steps coming, but not all). I think the third book was by far the best and just realized that there are actually more books in the series, and I am considering getting them from the library.

The premise behing the book is about a genius rich boy (from a criminal background) who discovers another world of fairies etc living underground, and wants to cash in. all three books in one way or another revolve around this theme. 8-) fun escape books.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series so far. At times, it's difficult to believe some of the ways Artemis and the fairies of that world he discovered get out of the situations they're brought into, but this is YA fantasy, after all. The books are action-packed, and it's been nice watching Artemis evolve as a character over the last three books. I'm curious to see how the two worlds come back into contact with each other again (as I know there are four more books in the series), especially since Artemis is back to his original personality.

This book is great for drawing in kids who typically don't like to read, since each book leaves the reader wondering what Artemis will be up to next. His less-than-nice personality is in its own way refreshing, as his flaws lead to interesting developments in both the plots his invents and the person he becomes. I'm eager to see where this series is headed.

[Gerrit Klyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already written a neat little doo-dad on the first book, so I won't be covering that here.

Oh ho, book two. Bust out your best fake fingernails because we're going to nitpick. Or we would be, if there was anything to pick at. Seriously, this author must never sleep because this is another flawless book. That's overlooking that it's pretty much the same plot as the first one. Artemis wants something. Magical people don't like Artemis. Hilarity ensues. Cue laugh track, roll credits.

Book three was more of the same, but with a different plot. And this time, the enemy is human. Hooray! Basically, lots of buildup, totally awesome happy-sad ending. Cue sad violin, roll credits.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

artimis fowl is an amazing young man who thinks of outrageous ideas that always works with him and butler his butler/killing machine. His ideas always work well and he gets help from captain holly short from the leprecon unit and he learns that working with her is the only way to save butler who is injured very badly. there is also a few other people that help them along there way through many enemies the million child artimis fowl always gets his way. This would be great for any one who likes adventures and thrillers.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are fun fantasy, adventure books with a little mystery. There are some pretty far fetched, outrageous situations and outcomes but its all fun fiction. It's hard to like the main character, Artemis, at first but he grows on you and his attitude changes through the experiences with his "fairy" friends. It's an interesting, very different take on fairies.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished book one and I loved it! It's absolutely perfect for the age group it's written for. It's fun, interesting, and creative. The author does not talk down or dumb up the subject for his readers. I cannot wait for my kids to read the series. In the meantime....I think I'll read them myself.

[Js · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started reading these because on of my sons was reading them. For tween fiction this is actually very good. Stories are compelling and well written, action without blood and guts, and a dose of magic on the side.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is pretty incredible. Highly unrealistic sci-fi/fantasy, but a fun and easy and amazing read.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realize these are YA books but they are a really enjoyable and light read. These remind me why I love books.

[Jaocb Shupe]

absolutly love Artemis Fowl!v

[Meredith Nelson]

Reading this series for the 3rd time :) Love them

[Sophia Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artemis Fowl is a very interesting book.I like how the author gave advanced technology to the fairy's however I didn't understand some bits.

[Marzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich habe ein Buch bei BookCrossing.com registriert!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13789805

[Haeun Is AzN~! _3 _3 _3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice. Artemis is a great charecter, I wonder how he was imagined...

[Neo Lung · Rating 4 out of 5]

very exciting

[Jennifer Arney · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good, I like the Artemis Fowl novel, he's not your average villian.

[Dawson Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and exiting at every turn I couldn't stop reading