Title: The Arctic Incident
Author: Eoin Colfer
First published May 1, 2002
398 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.96
Overview
In The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl faces a new set of challenges. His father is still missing, but now he’s being held hostage in the Arctic.
Meanwhile, the goblins are up to no good again, using dangerous human technology in their schemes. Foaly, LEP’s tech genius, finds himself in hot water when all LEP technology is disabled, and he’s blamed for it.
Artemis is caught in the middle of all these problems when he receives a ransom demand for his father’s release. But things take a turn for the worse when he’s captured by the LEP, who suspect him of helping the goblins.
In a surprising twist, Artemis and Holly Short, once enemies, must join forces to save the day. They’ll need to use all their skills and wits to stop a traitor from unleashing chaos in the underground world.
With plenty of action, humor, and heart, The Arctic Incident is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Eoin Colfer, hailing from Wexford, Ireland’s South-East coast, was born in 1965. His upbringing was shaped by his parents, both of whom were educators.
Eoin earned his degree from Dublin University and started teaching primary school in his hometown. His professional journey has since taken him to various places worldwide, such as Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy.
Following the success of his Artemis Fowl series, Eoin decided to retire from teaching and dedicate himself entirely to writing. He presently lives in Ireland with his better half and two kids.
Editoral Review
The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer is a thrilling and action-packed young adult novel that was first published on May 1, 2002. Colfer is an Irish author known for his Artemis Fowl series, which has been translated into over 40 languages worldwide.
The Arctic Incident is the second book in the series and falls into the fantasy and science fiction genres. The novel continues the story of the young criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, who has recently discovered the existence of fairies and kidnapping a fairy, Captain Holly Short, to obtain their gold.
However, his plan goes awry when he encounters the LEPRecon (Lower Elements Police Recruit) and Commander Julius Root. In this installment, readers follow Artemis on a new adventure as he must ally himself with the fairy world to save his father, who has been kidnapped by the Russian mafia.
Along the way, he encounters familiar faces, including Holly Short and Mulch Diggums, and new enemies, such as the traitor of the LEPRecon, Opal Koboi. One of the strengths of The Arctic Incident is Colfer’s vivid world-building.
The author does an excellent job of creating the underground civilization of the fairies and their technological advancements, as well as the bustling city of Moscow. His attention to detail is striking, and it’s clear that he’s put a lot of thought into each element of his world.
Additionally, the action sequences are well thought out, and the pacing of the story is excellent, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The development of the main characters, Artemis and Holly, is impressive.
Artemis’ growth throughout the book is particularly well executed, as he starts to realize the consequences of his actions and the importance of friendship and loyalty. Holly, on the other hand, grapples with the challenges of her job and the betrayal of someone she trusted, which makes her character relatable and sympathetic.
While The Arctic Incident is a riveting read, it’s not without its shortcomings. The plot is somewhat predictable, and some of the elements seem convenient, which takes away from the tension and suspense of the story.
Additionally, the book relies heavily on the first book’s premise, which may leave readers who haven’t read it feeling lost. Overall, The Arctic Incident is an enjoyable read that is sure to please fans of the science fiction and fantasy genres.
It showcases Colfer’s skill in crafting engaging and intricate worlds full of believable characters. Young adult readers, in particular, will appreciate the themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery that are interwoven throughout the novel.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to anyone looking for an adventurous and fast-paced story that is thought-provoking and fun.
