The Time Paradox

October 1, 2008
Gr 4-8-Fourteen-year-old genius and mastermind Artemis Fowl realizes that he has a problem. His mother is nearing death and the only thing that can save her is the brain fluid from a species of lemur that he forced into extinction eight years earlier. He decides that he must travel back in time to right this terrible wrong but his younger self is present in the past and proceeds to challenge the older Artemis's every move. At the older Artemis's side is elf Captain Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance (LEPrecon) and Mulch Diggums, a dwarf known for his potent flatulence and ground-munching abilities. The trio struggle to circumvent destiny but find the past fraught with deception. The story flows with quick-witted humor and action-packed scenes, and Colfer's love of science shines through in the story's inventions and clever use of engineering. The dueling technology and a game match between clashing masterminds make for an exciting, modern-day fairy tale. There is no integration of previous story lines; while this does not take away from the resolution, it does leave readers questioning some backstory. The author once again offers an exhilarating ride through the fantastical world of Artemis Fowl."Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
In his sixth adventure, boy genius Artemis is faced with his toughest challenge yet: traveling back in time to save an endangered species from his younger self. This entry in the popular series will grab and keep readers' attention, as magical devices, duplicate characters, and time paradoxes combine to create complex situations and adventures.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)