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Artemis Fowl #7
The Atlantis Complex
ARTEMIS FOWL'S CRIMINAL WAYS HAVE FINALLY GOT THE BETTER OF HIM . . .Young Artemis has frequently used high-tech fairy magic to mastermind the most devious criminal activity of the new century. Now, at a conference in Iceland, Artemis has gathered the fairies to present his latest idea to save the world from global warming.But Artemis is behaving strangely - he seems different. Something terrible has happened to him . . . Artemis Fowl has become nice.The fairies diagnose Atlantis Complex (that's obsessive compulsive disorder to you and I) - it seems dabbling in magic has damaged Artemis' main his mind. Fairy ally Captain Holly Short doesn't know what to do. The subterranean volcanoes are under attack from vicious robots and Artemis cannot fight them. Can Holly get the real Artemis back ---before the robot probes destroy every human and life form?This eagerly-awaited adventure is now out in paberback with a fabulous new cover-look to celebrate ten years of Artemis action.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
2408 people are currently reading
26586 people want to read
About the author
Eoin Colfer
156 books11.8k followersEoin 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,391 reviews
January 29, 2021
(A-) 82% | Very Good
Notes: Killing time before the final book, it's an excuse to bring the team all together and facilitate comedy and camaraderie.
Notes: Killing time before the final book, it's an excuse to bring the team all together and facilitate comedy and camaraderie.
October 24, 2025
(A-) 82% | Very Good
Notes: Wherein brains are addled (sense skedaddles), many people die, gallantry fests are sanity tests, and gadgets go awry.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
Notes: Wherein brains are addled (sense skedaddles), many people die, gallantry fests are sanity tests, and gadgets go awry.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
November 24, 2021
""at-lan-tis kom-pleks""
This was the first time I observed a drop in overall quality in Artemis Fowl series, especially in the plot itself. The story wasn't bad by any means, but when compared to previous ones, I cannot say I enjoyed it much. But you will still be able to laugh through the entire book.
""Shoot the fairy!""
This was the first time I observed a drop in overall quality in Artemis Fowl series, especially in the plot itself. The story wasn't bad by any means, but when compared to previous ones, I cannot say I enjoyed it much. But you will still be able to laugh through the entire book.
""Shoot the fairy!""
November 16, 2023
Another entertaining instalment by Eoin Colfer, with his innovative constructed reality where the Fairy races (sprites, elves, gnomes, dwarves, centaurs, pixies etc.) are just as competent with modern technology as they are with magic! Having faced his most difficult challenge, last volume, that being his younger self, Artemis faces an even more deadly ultimate adversary - himself! Well, that and the return of the L.E.P.s biggest foe hellbent on destroying Artemis, the L.E.P. and even Atlantis! I can't get enough of this easy-read children's fantasy series, with it's nice touches of humour, empowered and respected within their reality female characters, and the strong but not overt moral messaging. 8 out of 12, increased by a point Four Star re-read.
2023 and 2019 read
2023 and 2019 read
August 9, 2010
After a hideously long stretch without a new Artemis book, Atlantis Complex decides to throw at us....
Psychological disorders!
Giant squids!
Interspecies love! (Aaaw.)
Killer blobs of gel! (Yaay!)
...and much, much more. Colfer's wit is as sharp as ever, the confusing technological banter is utterly welcome, and our characters are back just the way we like 'em. Of course, though, such is not the case with Artemis...
It's nice to know that our current villain is not whom I was expecting, and also that he/she has a motive other than TAKING OVER THE WORLD!!! This book was layered deeper, and the only fault I found with it was that it was too short. I mean, come on, Time Paradox (which at the moment holds my vote for best book in the series) was at least 200 pages longer. Colfer certainly left loose ends, which will be tied up in the 8th book, which will be the last. (I will weep.) The romance alternated between wince-inducing and tender (works quite well), and I was rather worried for Artemis by the end of the tale, since he's still...well, not all there.
But, by and by, another rapid, lively, hilarious and very gung-ho installment in the Artemis Fowl series, who is definitely one of my favourite heroes (or should I say villains?) of all time. Please, Colfer, make the next book nice and long, will you? 600 pages of awesomeness never really hurt anyone. (Hmm. Maybe I should send him fan mail.)
PS - Damn you, Hyperion. Who asked you to switch the US covers? They were perfectly fine, and now my shelf pattern is messed up. (Speaking of OCD...hahaha...)
PPS - I still want to see Holly end up with Artemis, at least for a book or so. Artemis trumps Trouble every time. Who cares about age and species differences? This book's plot hinted at this possibility anyways, nay? *Holds up huge GO ARTEMIS sign* Colfer, you know this would be awesome. :) Besides, human-elf love seems to be a common trend in fantasty literature.
So. *Waits for book 8*
Psychological disorders!
Giant squids!
Interspecies love! (Aaaw.)
Killer blobs of gel! (Yaay!)
...and much, much more. Colfer's wit is as sharp as ever, the confusing technological banter is utterly welcome, and our characters are back just the way we like 'em. Of course, though, such is not the case with Artemis...
It's nice to know that our current villain is not whom I was expecting, and also that he/she has a motive other than TAKING OVER THE WORLD!!! This book was layered deeper, and the only fault I found with it was that it was too short. I mean, come on, Time Paradox (which at the moment holds my vote for best book in the series) was at least 200 pages longer. Colfer certainly left loose ends, which will be tied up in the 8th book, which will be the last. (I will weep.) The romance alternated between wince-inducing and tender (works quite well), and I was rather worried for Artemis by the end of the tale, since he's still...well, not all there.
But, by and by, another rapid, lively, hilarious and very gung-ho installment in the Artemis Fowl series, who is definitely one of my favourite heroes (or should I say villains?) of all time. Please, Colfer, make the next book nice and long, will you? 600 pages of awesomeness never really hurt anyone. (Hmm. Maybe I should send him fan mail.)
PS - Damn you, Hyperion. Who asked you to switch the US covers? They were perfectly fine, and now my shelf pattern is messed up. (Speaking of OCD...hahaha...)
PPS - I still want to see Holly end up with Artemis, at least for a book or so. Artemis trumps Trouble every time. Who cares about age and species differences? This book's plot hinted at this possibility anyways, nay? *Holds up huge GO ARTEMIS sign* Colfer, you know this would be awesome. :) Besides, human-elf love seems to be a common trend in fantasty literature.
So. *Waits for book 8*
March 11, 2017
Whattt!! I was reading the whole previous 6 books...to get this type of character arc! Really, Mr. Colfer??!
Well this book was TOTALLY an opposite book than its previous books. Artemis isn't the same. My criminally-good has captured in Atlantis Complex. What could you think of Atlantis Complex? It isn't the place. It is the disease Artemis is suffering from because of a reason. The disease has made him innocent. Not the boy I loved from the beginning of the first page of the series.
Oh my God!! This disease has made him nice . Really?! All of a sudden this book has made him nice and caring . It has changed the boy, who doesn't think of anything except for making fortune by criminal plans, into a type of caring boy. And generous enough to think about the country's future. To save glaciers from melting by making an incredible device. All these changes come from what!! A disease!!
Or finally Artemis admits that he loves Caption Holly, of course. This thing also happens just because of that damn disease!!!
After my long complaints, I would say, this book is my least favourite in the series. I liked few parts of the book: like Artemis' invention which was extremely impressive. I liked the concept of this. And I would really appreciate this invention.
With the heavy heart, I am saying this: I am not in the state of reading its next and final book. Not After what this book has done to Artemis' character. I have no problem with the reformation. I do have problem with how this reformation is done.
I am very confused right now! My mind is insisting me to read the final book but my heart isn't willing to do so.
I am beginning to become mad.
January 19, 2017
Well this book was TOTALLY an opposite book than its previous books. Artemis isn't the same. My criminally-good has captured in Atlantis Complex. What could you think of Atlantis Complex? It isn't the place. It is the disease Artemis is suffering from because of a reason. The disease has made him innocent. Not the boy I loved from the beginning of the first page of the series.
Oh my God!! This disease has made him nice . Really?! All of a sudden this book has made him nice and caring . It has changed the boy, who doesn't think of anything except for making fortune by criminal plans, into a type of caring boy. And generous enough to think about the country's future. To save glaciers from melting by making an incredible device. All these changes come from what!! A disease!!
Or finally Artemis admits that he loves Caption Holly, of course. This thing also happens just because of that damn disease!!!
After my long complaints, I would say, this book is my least favourite in the series. I liked few parts of the book: like Artemis' invention which was extremely impressive. I liked the concept of this. And I would really appreciate this invention.
With the heavy heart, I am saying this: I am not in the state of reading its next and final book. Not After what this book has done to Artemis' character. I have no problem with the reformation. I do have problem with how this reformation is done.
I am very confused right now! My mind is insisting me to read the final book but my heart isn't willing to do so.
I am beginning to become mad.
January 19, 2017
February 23, 2024
It is my understanding that there is a natural tendency to forge intimate relationships in the midst of conflagrations, heated encounters where disparate individuals, sometimes from completely distinct backgrounds through mutual need become dependent on each other. In the Atlantis Complex, Book #7 of the Artemis Fowl series, Artemis and Holly have been through at least six of these conflagrations.
It is evident that they have affection for each other despite their individual or collective baggage, and their vast differences (not the least of which is species). There also appears to be a mutual drawing toward each other whenever confronting challenges. (Who should I ask for help? Depending on who's asking the answer is either Holly or Artemis.)
Sure, Holly is a three-foot tall fairy, and Artemis is an arrogant, adolescent, genius, blowhard, but they seem to like each other. Here, in this novel, Colfer does a little misdirection with the villain. We, readers thought it was one person, but Colfer went another way. I was not fond of the major plot point that Artemis is mentally ill. It underscores an already prevalent regard that genius is somehow akin to madness. Still, I can't wait to read the final novel.
It is evident that they have affection for each other despite their individual or collective baggage, and their vast differences (not the least of which is species). There also appears to be a mutual drawing toward each other whenever confronting challenges. (Who should I ask for help? Depending on who's asking the answer is either Holly or Artemis.)
Sure, Holly is a three-foot tall fairy, and Artemis is an arrogant, adolescent, genius, blowhard, but they seem to like each other. Here, in this novel, Colfer does a little misdirection with the villain. We, readers thought it was one person, but Colfer went another way. I was not fond of the major plot point that Artemis is mentally ill. It underscores an already prevalent regard that genius is somehow akin to madness. Still, I can't wait to read the final novel.
July 7, 2012
There was an undeniable freshness to Artemis Fowl and this freshness was what endeared this series to me. The same could be said of Rick Riordan's mashup of YA & Greek Myth but for some inexplicable reason, my interest in the Percy Jackson series was not sustained. Even then, Artemis Fowl remained a series that I was totally engrossed in. It is not usual to come across a criminal mastermind who is but a young boy dressed as if going to a funeral ! I have noticed those traces of freshness disappearing in the 6th book of the series and here it becomes a cliche ridden and extremely predictable story line.
When asked about whether his Batman series would continue beyond a third film, Christopher Nolan had replied that there is only so much that you can stretch a character and its environs ( those were not the exact words but you get the picture don't you ? ). This applies for some series books for from being extremely entertaining to dreary dullness is the matter of just a few pages. Colfer is humorous and entertaining here but somehow this tale has an artificiality to it. Even in the thick of things, my mind kept telling me This is pointless, go on and look at the book carefully. Did they put some other book between the covers ? Alas, it was Artemis Fowl being made a cliche ! This one is way out of tune for such a brilliant series.
That said, I am pretty positive that I will read the last installment as well. Two bad apples in a cart of five juicy ones is acceptable ain't it ?
When asked about whether his Batman series would continue beyond a third film, Christopher Nolan had replied that there is only so much that you can stretch a character and its environs ( those were not the exact words but you get the picture don't you ? ). This applies for some series books for from being extremely entertaining to dreary dullness is the matter of just a few pages. Colfer is humorous and entertaining here but somehow this tale has an artificiality to it. Even in the thick of things, my mind kept telling me This is pointless, go on and look at the book carefully. Did they put some other book between the covers ? Alas, it was Artemis Fowl being made a cliche ! This one is way out of tune for such a brilliant series.
That said, I am pretty positive that I will read the last installment as well. Two bad apples in a cart of five juicy ones is acceptable ain't it ?
May 3, 2019
Done reading THE ATLANTIS COMPLEX - Book 7 in Artemis Fowl Octalogy. Overall, it is a fun and great read so I am giving it a 5 of 5 stars. The story stands unique too. This is the first time that Artemis Fowl develops a serious mental illness. He is obsessing with orderliness, his level of paranoia is high and he is having a dual personality occasionally. Atlantis Complex is the diagnosis, based on Fairy's Wicca-pedia.
Yet, no one stops the boy genius when he wants it. He and his other five friends namely Butler, Juliet, Foaly, Holly and Mulch need to stop Turnball Root before the underwater metropolis disappears on the map. Finale is coming!
Yet, no one stops the boy genius when he wants it. He and his other five friends namely Butler, Juliet, Foaly, Holly and Mulch need to stop Turnball Root before the underwater metropolis disappears on the map. Finale is coming!
March 1, 2016
This was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I love Artemis Fowl. Don't get me wrong. He was still quite humorous in this one, and I still enjoyed all the secondary characters' ingenuity and determination. I think it was going to be a tough thing for Colfer to portray mental illness in a good way with the cast of characters that he's working with, and I was right to a point. The characters treated the illness as a joke when Artemis was clearly suffering which didn't sit too well with me. I may just be being overly sensitive about it because I just read Challenger Deep, and the two characters go through similar thought process although they don't suffer from the same thing (obviously the mental illness in this is different & made up and is a magical mental illness). And another thing that was weird was that Colfer gets a Greek myth about Artemis and Orion way wrong or used a version I could not find nor have ever heard of. But other than those two things, I found the journey fun and exciting. The pacing was fine as I finished this in less than a day. I think Colfer does some interesting things with poking fun of tropes which I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to finishing the series with book 8!
August 2, 2012
A week ago, I'd think it's impossible for me to not like an AF book. Having just surfaced from this and the last book, I'm sorry to say that this is the weakest link in the entire series. And a very weak link it is.
The story starts out full of action - but none of it feels like the edge of the seat action found in previous books. In fact, it all feels like we're just hashing out routine. An explosion here, a crisis there. I find myself skipping whole paragraphs and then going back to read them out of duty. That was how unexciting it was - it felt like I was re-reading an old book for the thousandth time, with no interest in it at all.
There's also a lot of wasted potential in the story. Orion, for example, could have been fleshed out to play a bigger part in the story. Instead, he's relegated to a hamming sideshow. He appears, pops a few funny lines, and then someone zaps him back to oblivion. Artemis too, is lacking of his characteristic master plans. That's understandable, of course, given his condition, but unfortunately, no one really steps up to fill in the void.
As I've mentioned, the whole novel is pretty much one action scene after another. What's worse is that the action doesn't culminate in THE action scene. Instead, the climax is lukewarm, and if it wasn't for the appearance of THE villain, I wouldn't even recognize it as THE action scene. The ending was less a big bang than a white flag.
The witty back-and-forth felt stale. No rolling on the floor laughing lines like the first few books here. Sometimes it even felt TOO back-and-forth, like the characters are rehearsed comedians.
I'd sum the book out as 'meh', and you should read this if you're an AF fan, or just want to know it all for the upcoming finale. Those who are just picking up the book should start from the first one, or at the very least, the first few books.
The story starts out full of action - but none of it feels like the edge of the seat action found in previous books. In fact, it all feels like we're just hashing out routine. An explosion here, a crisis there. I find myself skipping whole paragraphs and then going back to read them out of duty. That was how unexciting it was - it felt like I was re-reading an old book for the thousandth time, with no interest in it at all.
There's also a lot of wasted potential in the story. Orion, for example, could have been fleshed out to play a bigger part in the story. Instead, he's relegated to a hamming sideshow. He appears, pops a few funny lines, and then someone zaps him back to oblivion. Artemis too, is lacking of his characteristic master plans. That's understandable, of course, given his condition, but unfortunately, no one really steps up to fill in the void.
As I've mentioned, the whole novel is pretty much one action scene after another. What's worse is that the action doesn't culminate in THE action scene. Instead, the climax is lukewarm, and if it wasn't for the appearance of THE villain, I wouldn't even recognize it as THE action scene. The ending was less a big bang than a white flag.
The witty back-and-forth felt stale. No rolling on the floor laughing lines like the first few books here. Sometimes it even felt TOO back-and-forth, like the characters are rehearsed comedians.
I'd sum the book out as 'meh', and you should read this if you're an AF fan, or just want to know it all for the upcoming finale. Those who are just picking up the book should start from the first one, or at the very least, the first few books.
January 5, 2017
I have enjoyed the Artemis Fowl series but this is a disappointing addition to the series. Artemis, ridden by guilt, has devised a system to combat global warming but in fact is in great danger from the Atlantis Complex - a multiple personality and OCD syndrome that is endangering his sanity when his fairy friends need his deviousness most.
The book itself acknowledges that it doesn't follow the usual pattern so don't expect any resolution. Consequently, it's surprisingly long considering this. Ultimately, this is a very funny read - Orion is a highly entertaining character and Foaly is his usual sarcastic self. Other than that I am waiting for the next one to resolve many of the events in this one.
The book itself acknowledges that it doesn't follow the usual pattern so don't expect any resolution. Consequently, it's surprisingly long considering this. Ultimately, this is a very funny read - Orion is a highly entertaining character and Foaly is his usual sarcastic self. Other than that I am waiting for the next one to resolve many of the events in this one.
June 13, 2016
it seems artemis has lost his mind
and a giant squid is involved
and a giant squid is involved
March 8, 2020
3.75*
Another fun adventure, where Artemis has this time his own mind to fight. In all, enjoyable, but not as much as previous stories. Probably my least favourite in the series.
Another fun adventure, where Artemis has this time his own mind to fight. In all, enjoyable, but not as much as previous stories. Probably my least favourite in the series.
March 31, 2020
4 stars
Each time Artemis, Butler, Holly, Mulch and Foaly get together it's always party-time, lol. I love the gang and was happy Number one got a small part too. Did miss Doodah though! Also interesting to see Artemis "in a new way". Looking forward to the final instalment to see how that will develop.
Each time Artemis, Butler, Holly, Mulch and Foaly get together it's always party-time, lol. I love the gang and was happy Number one got a small part too. Did miss Doodah though! Also interesting to see Artemis "in a new way". Looking forward to the final instalment to see how that will develop.
July 18, 2019
2.5
چرا اینقدر افت واقعاً؟!
چرا اینقدر افت واقعاً؟!
August 18, 2010
Part of the fun of this series is that Artemis always has a scheme. Usually, a scam within a scheme. This time around...no scheme, no scam. In fact, no Artemis. Ok, in all fairness, Artemis is in this book, just not the Artemis that we know and love. Instead of the snarky boy genius with a tendency to lean toward criminal activity, we have a nice kid who feels guilty for all the wrong he has done in his life. Eh?
Evidently, all the guilt (along with dabbling in fairy magic) has caused him to develop something called the Atlantis Complex. Which causes OCD-like symptoms, paranoia, and multiple personalities to emerge. Ok, that's not a bad premise for a story. Sounds good, right? Bzzzzzzt! Wrong! Why, you ask? Because Colfer never saw fit to cure him! He started out the book nuttier than a fruitcake, and in the closing pages he was sweetly shuffled off to the loony bin.
Now, I'm assuming that in the next book, this little problem will be rectified. However, it still doesn't change the fact that I read this entire book waiting for the real Artemis to pop up and say, "Gotcha! I was only faking! Mwahaha! Now let me show you how this was all part of my master plan!". Sadly, that never happened.
If this is the direction the series is taking, then I hope Colfer wraps it up after the next book.
Evidently, all the guilt (along with dabbling in fairy magic) has caused him to develop something called the Atlantis Complex. Which causes OCD-like symptoms, paranoia, and multiple personalities to emerge. Ok, that's not a bad premise for a story. Sounds good, right? Bzzzzzzt! Wrong! Why, you ask? Because Colfer never saw fit to cure him! He started out the book nuttier than a fruitcake, and in the closing pages he was sweetly shuffled off to the loony bin.
Now, I'm assuming that in the next book, this little problem will be rectified. However, it still doesn't change the fact that I read this entire book waiting for the real Artemis to pop up and say, "Gotcha! I was only faking! Mwahaha! Now let me show you how this was all part of my master plan!". Sadly, that never happened.
If this is the direction the series is taking, then I hope Colfer wraps it up after the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2010
Actually this book really made me sad. I thought they would finally bring back the original cunning Artemis Fowl that made me fall in love with the series. But now that I've read this book my hopes of having a good Artemis Fowl book again are gone. I also thought adding Juliet back was extremely stupid. No one (myself) wanted to know what happened to her. Oh and Orion made me want to close the book and put in the pile of "I will never finish, waste of my money" books. The way Colfer decided to put the people into this was poor. Holly, again man I got tired of seeing Holly and Foaly. Those two were perhaps the two most annoying characters in this book (besides Orion). Ok theres my opinion I don't really think an 8th Artemis Fowl would be a good idea; though seeing previous deals Artemis made in maybe a Prequel to the first and best Artemis Fowl? Who knows.
October 18, 2019
as always: AMAZING!!!!
September 5, 2023
Another great story. Really enjoyed the suspense and the sheer imagination.
A must read.
A must read.
September 4, 2011
I was horribly disappointed with this book. Artemis Fowl has been one of my favorite series since middle school and I have always loved Colfer's voice and humor. But this book fell flat for me, it really did. First of all I didn't like how Artemis was either unconcious, insane, or was replaced by Orion (gag), for the entire novel. I know that this is purely personal opinion, but it really did ruin the book for me. Also, the plot was weak; I wasn't expecting this to happen at all. Colfer always has seat-of-your-pants plots with plenty of suspense, twists, and intruige. The Atlantis Complex had none of this. It was like he had completely run out of ideas and threw something together without putting any artistry into it at all. Character development was also really weak, which was another huge disappointment. Usually, Colfer's characters are well-defined and capture the readers attention; again, the Atlantis Complex didn't have this. I'm hoping he writes another, because this would be a horrible way to end an otherwise wonderful series, though I am a little afraid that another novel will recieve the same lack of artistry and effort that this one did.
June 28, 2020
Ίσως 3,5*
Νομίζω πως αυτό, παρέα με το 2ο, δεν είναι από τα αγαπημένα μου!
Πάμε για το τελευταίο τώρα!
Νομίζω πως αυτό, παρέα με το 2ο, δεν είναι από τα αγαπημένα μου!
Πάμε για το τελευταίο τώρα!
August 28, 2021
#1) Artemis Fowl ★★★☆☆
#2) The Arctic Incident ★★★☆☆
#3) The Eternity Code ★★★☆☆
#4) The Opal Deception ★★★☆☆
#5) The Last Colony ★★☆☆☆
#6) The Time Paradox ★★★☆☆
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December 6, 2022
✩ 3 stars
~
now i don’t know if this book gave me a reading slump or if i just read this at the wrong time idk
~
now i don’t know if this book gave me a reading slump or if i just read this at the wrong time idk
May 8, 2014
I'm always up for a good mind-stimulating read, which is something I've always been able to depend on Colfer for. His books always kept me thinking, and his endings always got me to re-read his books again and again to try to catch every significant detail I might have missed hinting to the intricate twists and turns he weaves. I’ve grown to love the young yet enduringly intelligent Artemis Fowl; to have had to tolerate (and eventually I would go so far as to use the word ‘suffer’) through an entire book lacking the usual flair was a terrible shame. Artemis’s trademark almost annoyingly-cocky-yet-endearing air (unfortunately replaced by a almost obnoxious, practically useless kid) and the story’s typical out-of-the-ashes victory only obtained by sheer wit and very detailed planning taking place throughout the entire story right within the text but floating completely unnoticed right through our minds was desperately missed. I found myself thinking time and time again throughout the book, “oh he’ll come through with some ingenious unforeseen plan!” only to be sorely disappointed. The usual twist in Colfer’s books was glaringly absent. This story was almost boring in relation to the previous installments; no spark, no satisfying ending leaving the reader in awe, no real indication that the next page would get much better. Nevermind Artemis’s genius being inhibited by the OCD he contracts; Colfer’s own genius gets smothered in this novel. It was a sad day to finish an Artemis Fowl book without thinking “this guy really IS a genius.”
May 4, 2011
This was by far my least favorite Artemis book in the series. I don't know if I've just hit some sort of weird cosmic rut, but at least five of the books I've read this year which are parts of ongoing series have featured the main series protagonist being absent or fundamentally altered for a significant portion of the book. This one has Artemis experience a dissociative break very early on which lasts almost the length of the book. Much of the humor that the series is known for was absent as Colfer focused on giving proper gravitas to the torment of mental disease. Focusing on secondary characters and their quest to save the day without Artemis' help on the surface sounds like a recipe for avoiding stagnation in a fairly formulaic series for children, but in practice I felt a very large void because of Artemis' absence.
The consequences have been graver and the resolutions have been messier and less conclusive as the series has progressed (Artemis himself even remarks upon this very thing in a meta acknowledgement by Colfer that his goal is to age the series). I'm happy that the characters have grown and changed over time, but the more adult the books become, the less I find myself enjoying them. I guess I don't see the problem with a series initially written for children staying firmly in the realm of children, but the modern trend towards aging a series along with the audience clearly disagrees with me.
The consequences have been graver and the resolutions have been messier and less conclusive as the series has progressed (Artemis himself even remarks upon this very thing in a meta acknowledgement by Colfer that his goal is to age the series). I'm happy that the characters have grown and changed over time, but the more adult the books become, the less I find myself enjoying them. I guess I don't see the problem with a series initially written for children staying firmly in the realm of children, but the modern trend towards aging a series along with the audience clearly disagrees with me.
October 5, 2020
I don't know if I'm supposed to be excited or not that I'm almost done with this series. It's also a bit weird how I just stopped at book 6 last time as well. Not sure why I ghosted Artemis... but I do plan to see how this series is going to end. I'm prepared - bring in on.
The Atlantis Complex is the seventh installment of the Artemis Fowl Series. Just like the previous book, it was okay. Not necessarily my favorite but it was an interesting take on Artemis. Especially when it comes to his alter ego (in a way) Orion. I mean, Orion basically had no filter whatsoever and was friendly. Which was a complete shock to everyone who knows Artemis.
So, yeah, I laughed a little here and there but I was confused about something. Okay, so for some weird reason I kept thinking Holly was a lot older than Artemis.. and yet, they like each other. Like have a crush on one another now? Am I missing something? Did I drink too much wine during the last book?
Not sure how I feel about that.. but maybe the next book will leave me with less questions and confusion. Hopefully.
The Atlantis Complex is the seventh installment of the Artemis Fowl Series. Just like the previous book, it was okay. Not necessarily my favorite but it was an interesting take on Artemis. Especially when it comes to his alter ego (in a way) Orion. I mean, Orion basically had no filter whatsoever and was friendly. Which was a complete shock to everyone who knows Artemis.
So, yeah, I laughed a little here and there but I was confused about something. Okay, so for some weird reason I kept thinking Holly was a lot older than Artemis.. and yet, they like each other. Like have a crush on one another now? Am I missing something? Did I drink too much wine during the last book?
Not sure how I feel about that.. but maybe the next book will leave me with less questions and confusion. Hopefully.
August 6, 2019
*sigh*
This might sound bad, but this is the book that ruined my life. XD
In a good way! (I think.)
I’ll try to explain why I love this book so much.
For the first six books of the series, we meet Artemis Fowl. Genius. Criminal mastermind. Teenager. We see bits and pieces of his humanity as the series goes along, although usually the plot returns to saving the world.
We always see Artemis Fowl as this invincible person - at least in the mind, anyways.
But this book just throws all that out the window and replaces it with a plot of Artemis . . . kind of going insane. And it is FASCINATING. (Not in a creepy way.) Atlantis Complex is the type of fictional illness that I both want to see in action in real life and also never want anyone to get.
Seeing Artemis struggle with this, which is caused by guilt, is just . . . it’s very fresh. And it shows his humanity in a way that none of the other books could - through fighting something that is messing with the one thing he trusts most, his intellect.
Also, this might sound bad, but Artemis with Atlantis Complex is just downright FUNNY. All those Orion sequences? (Orion is a dual personality brought on by Atlantis.) Yeah, you’ll never take Artemis seriously again. XD
(Just a side note: every time I finish this book I catch a small version of Atlantis Complex. Yes, I’m counting my words. ;) )
It’s a pretty clean book, unless you count these hysterical snippets as “not appropriate”:
Orion: *to Holly* “Oh I’m crazy all right. Multiple psychosis, paranoia, OCD. I’ve got them all, but most of all, I’m crazy about you.”
Foaly: “That’s actually not a bad line. He is definitely not Artemis.”
Artemis: “I’m the nut. I’m the nut!”
Artemis: *ten minutes after reciting number poetry* “Number poetry? That’s ridiculous.”
May the fives be with you all. ;)
This might sound bad, but this is the book that ruined my life. XD
In a good way! (I think.)
I’ll try to explain why I love this book so much.
For the first six books of the series, we meet Artemis Fowl. Genius. Criminal mastermind. Teenager. We see bits and pieces of his humanity as the series goes along, although usually the plot returns to saving the world.
We always see Artemis Fowl as this invincible person - at least in the mind, anyways.
But this book just throws all that out the window and replaces it with a plot of Artemis . . . kind of going insane. And it is FASCINATING. (Not in a creepy way.) Atlantis Complex is the type of fictional illness that I both want to see in action in real life and also never want anyone to get.
Seeing Artemis struggle with this, which is caused by guilt, is just . . . it’s very fresh. And it shows his humanity in a way that none of the other books could - through fighting something that is messing with the one thing he trusts most, his intellect.
Also, this might sound bad, but Artemis with Atlantis Complex is just downright FUNNY. All those Orion sequences? (Orion is a dual personality brought on by Atlantis.) Yeah, you’ll never take Artemis seriously again. XD
(Just a side note: every time I finish this book I catch a small version of Atlantis Complex. Yes, I’m counting my words. ;) )
It’s a pretty clean book, unless you count these hysterical snippets as “not appropriate”:
Orion: *to Holly* “Oh I’m crazy all right. Multiple psychosis, paranoia, OCD. I’ve got them all, but most of all, I’m crazy about you.”
Foaly: “That’s actually not a bad line. He is definitely not Artemis.”
Artemis: “I’m the nut. I’m the nut!”
Artemis: *ten minutes after reciting number poetry* “Number poetry? That’s ridiculous.”
May the fives be with you all. ;)
November 24, 2018
Artemis' opposite personality is amazingly funny, and the fact that both must share their only body is going to become a real challenge for their friends.
I can't wait to see the Films they are making.
I can't wait to see the Films they are making.
August 12, 2010
It's about time Colfer came out with another Fowl book!
Although the book was great I have to express my utter disappointment with the new jacket design. While the art is nice, you can't change an established title convention on book SEVEN of a series that is hitherto unchanged. It drives me crazy to see six books with the same font and template with one non-conforming book at the end. NOT okay, Hyperion.
Beyond my OCD, the book is great. Artemis's complex makes for a great new character addition. The prose, which is generally quite pretentious, is great here. His new (new? I don't remember him writing like this in the other ones, but maybe I wasn't paying attention) semi-absurdist, Family Guy-esque random humor is very well-placed (eg, "Turnball Root was famous for dealing with evidence and witnesses in a severe fashion. There was a legend going around the fairy fugitive bars that the captain had once burned down an entire shopping complex just to get rid of a thumbprint that he may have left behind in a booth at Falafel Fabulosity." pg. 225) and the whole book moves well. Our heros are back and ever-growing, which is great to see an author do (too many forget that, as time passes, people change). The villian is less exciting than villians of the previous books, but the whole package is quite worthwhile.
In the next (and purportedly last) Artemis Fowl novel, there had better be no more ArtemisxHolly shipteasing, because we've been putting up with it for much too long. DTR, Colfer.
Other than the unfortunate jacket mishap, a great book.
Although the book was great I have to express my utter disappointment with the new jacket design. While the art is nice, you can't change an established title convention on book SEVEN of a series that is hitherto unchanged. It drives me crazy to see six books with the same font and template with one non-conforming book at the end. NOT okay, Hyperion.
Beyond my OCD, the book is great. Artemis's complex makes for a great new character addition. The prose, which is generally quite pretentious, is great here. His new (new? I don't remember him writing like this in the other ones, but maybe I wasn't paying attention) semi-absurdist, Family Guy-esque random humor is very well-placed (eg, "Turnball Root was famous for dealing with evidence and witnesses in a severe fashion. There was a legend going around the fairy fugitive bars that the captain had once burned down an entire shopping complex just to get rid of a thumbprint that he may have left behind in a booth at Falafel Fabulosity." pg. 225) and the whole book moves well. Our heros are back and ever-growing, which is great to see an author do (too many forget that, as time passes, people change). The villian is less exciting than villians of the previous books, but the whole package is quite worthwhile.
In the next (and purportedly last) Artemis Fowl novel, there had better be no more ArtemisxHolly shipteasing, because we've been putting up with it for much too long. DTR, Colfer.
Other than the unfortunate jacket mishap, a great book.
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