The
Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl, Book 2) by Eoin Colfer is
the second book in the Artemis Fowl series. It is a well-written, fun filled
fantasy for children. It continues the story of Artemis Fowl, now 13-year old,
the boy genius and anti-hero sets out to save his father from the Russian Mafiya (sic).

Artemis
Fowl is set on an estate on the outskirts of Dublin,
Ireland and in Arctic
Russia. At the beginning of Book II, it is made clear to the reader that
Artemis Junior’s belief that his father, Artemis Fowl Senior, a wealthy Irish
crime lord, was alive, indeed, is correct. When his ship, the Fowl Star, sank
in his attempt to bring 250,000 cans of cola to the Russians, Artemis Fowl Sr.
was found alive and has been held prisoner for the past two years by the
Russian Mafiya. 
At the beginning of Book II, the Mafiya has
decided that it is time to negotiate a ransom for Artemis Senior. The price is
steep and the deal is time limited. This would not be a major issue except just
as Artemis is ready to set out, he is kidnapped by "The People" a
race of fairies living underground. It seems that members of the goblin triad, B’wa Kell, have been found with
human batteries. Since goblins are basically very dumb, it becomes clear that
someone, not goblin, is directing their operations. Artemis is immediately
blamed and is taken prisoner alone with his trusty bodyguard, Butler
by Holly Short. (Holly Short, a captain of the LEPrecon
(Lower Elemental Police Reconnaissance) an elite force trained in dealing with
the "Mud People" (humans) appeared in Book I.) After it becomes clear
that Artemis et al. are innocent, their services are enlisted to find and
destroy the goblins connection in exchange for their services in gaining the
release of Artemis Senior. Working under enormous time pressure, their task is
accomplished, but when Holly and her superior Commander Root, set out to
fulfill their part of the bargain, a coup occurs underground in the land of "the
People." Foaly, the techie centaur,
is accused of heading up the revolution. Holly, Julius, Foaly, Artemis Jr., and
Butler race against time to save
The People from an evil dictator and save the life of Artemis Senior. Also look
for the return of Mulch Diggums, the "kleptomaniac
dwarf" to return in a starring role in this novel.

            Artemis
Fowl continues to ride on
the popularity of Harry Potter, but
in its own unique way. In Book II, Artemis Fowl becomes more likeable. As his
love for his father becomes more apparent, his selfish behavior begins to fade
away. Also in Book II, not only does the human-fairy alliance grow and deepen,
but so do the many relationships and partnerships. As the relationships grow,
the quips and verbal sparring also intensifies. In my opinion, Book II has a
more interesting plot than Book I, however the story
flow was rough at times. I found myself rereading sections trying to figure out
who was doing what to whom or how some one ended up somewhere.

            Eoin Colfer
is a former elementary school teacher. His first novel, Benny and Omar, was a bestseller in Britain. Artemis Fowl is his
first novel released in America. It has won numerous
awards including: W. H.
Smith Book Award, British Book Award, Whitbread Book of
the Year Award: Shortlist, Lancashire County Library Children’s Book Award:
Shortlist, and Bisto Book of the Year: Shortlist.  Currently there are three books in the Artemis
Fowl series, Artemis Fowl (2001); Artemis Fowl: the Artic Incident (2002);
and Artemis Fowl: the Eternity Code
(2003). (Film rights have already been purchased for the Fowl series.) He has also recently published two independent
novels, The Wish List (2003) and The Supernaturalist
(May 2004). Eoin Colfer
lives in Ireland with his wife and
son. He has just published He has two websites: www.artemisfowl.com
and www.eoincolfer.com 

The
Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl, Book 2) by Eoin Colfer is
the second book in the "Artemis Fowl
series". The series is interesting, but not as challenging to read for
a young reader or as daunting to lift as the Harry Potter series. The book is recommended for ages 10 years and
up. I recommend this book.

© 2004 Su Terry

 Su Terry: Education: B.A. in History from
Sacred Heart University, M.L.S. in Library Science from Southern Connecticut
State College, M.R.S. in Religious Studies/Pastoral Counseling from Fairfield
University, a M.Div. in Professional Ministry from
New Brunswick Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Spirituality/Spiritual
Direction from Sacred Heart University. She is a Licensed Minister of the
United Church of Christ and an Assistant Professor in Library Science at Dowling
College, Long
Island, NY.

Categories: Fiction, Children, General