Book Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl. You've probably heard the name.

If Internet rumours are to be believed, he's responsible for every major crime of the new century. If you haven't heard of young Artemis, then you're lucky. You'll sleep better not knowing that someone like him is out there. But  if you must know, if curiosity is eating away at you, as it did at me, then let's start at the beginning...

In this, the story of Artemis's first encounter with the fairy People, you'll find out how he hatched a plot to restore his family's fortune. You'll read how he discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous fairies, farting dwarfs and mind-blowing technology. And you'll learn how, by kidnapping Captain Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police, Artemis almost triggered a cross-species war.

Still with me? Well, strap in, adventurers -you've never read anything quite like this...

Eoin Colfer

You might think that someone who almost triggered a cross-species war would be at least of middle age, has white hair, a sagging face and  incredible intelligence. Well, Artemis Fowl is not your normal villain. He's 12 and a child prodigy. He's like your school super genius, the one who knows everything, with a cold, wicked heart. Through out the story you'll see glimpses of an actual 12 year old, which I enjoy to see as it helps me connect with the character more.

Butler is Artemis's bodyguard and the closest thing he has to a friend. During the first few chapters of the book, Butler seems as heartless as his master but he really isn't. Even though Butler is big and burly he is more human than Artemis. He has morals and values and sticks to them unlike Artemis who only cures his mother's illness for his own advantages.

I didn't really like the book until they introduced Holly Short, a character that I can familiarise with. My favourite characters would be Butler and Holly because of their strong moral characters. The book's protagonist might be Fowl but there are parts where the book is written in the point of view of other characters, which is refreshing as I don't always want to know what's going on in Fowl's mind.

Overall I give it 4/5. 
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

Ni sa

Shopping Fever

It always comes around this year and I know the reason why. GSS. The Great Singapore Sale, the time when people get crazy over shopping. There's a rumour saying that Singapore's national sport is shopping and even though its not official, it may as well be. You can easily lose a couple of Kgs running around grabbing and shoving. I know I have.

Seriously, the malls are packed to the max with people during weekends. Your elbows must be strong, it's like riding on a train in Mumbai  excluding the dirtiness of course. If you haven't rode on an Indian train, watch the Outsourced episode, Training Day ( I think Outsourced is hilarious by the way). A little tip if you're going to Singapore, shop during the last week of the Sale if possible. The prices are much lower and they have great sale combos. Last year I shopped too early and during the last week I saw the stuff I bought on much lower prices. I wanted to smack my face. During the last week the crowd thins out because they're either too tired or the more probable reason, have no more funds.

When I landed in Singapore my need for a new pretty thing was so strong, it was almost irresistible. Fortunately I have developed a technique called the shield. It's when you list all the things you really want and keep that in mind. So when you go out, your mind's track is set and your eyes turn away at all the other pretty things, forming a shield. Do you do that?

Well bye bye for now. Enjoy your holidays no matter where you're going.
Nisa