Title: The Atlantis Complex
Author: Eoin Colfer
First published July 20, 2010
369 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781423143239 (ISBN10: 142314323X)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Artemis Fowl, the genius teenage mastermind, has embarked on a mission to save the world and its inhabitants. He has spent his entire fortune on this project, leaving his loyal friend Captain Holly Short wondering if he’s lost his mind.
However, she soon discovers that Artemis has contracted the Atlantis Complex, a rare psychosis that affects guilt-ridden fairies. It seems that his dabbling in fairy magic has triggered the symptoms, which include paranoia, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and even embarrassing declarations of love to a certain feisty fairy.
Can Holly and the fairy world help Artemis overcome this illness before it’s too late?
About the Author
Born in 1965 in Wexford, a coastal town in South-East Ireland, Eoin Colfer grew up with his four brothers under the guidance of his parents, who were both educators. He attended Dublin University and later became a primary school teacher in his hometown.
Over the years, he has traveled and lived in various countries like Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy. However, after the success of his Artemis Fowl book series, Eoin Colfer decided to retire from teaching and focus solely on writing.
He currently resides in Ireland with his wife and two children.
Editoral Review
The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer is a science-fiction fantasy novel that was first published on July 20, 2010. Colfer, who is best known for his bestselling Artemis Fowl series, takes readers on a thrilling adventure through the land of fairies and the human world while also tackling some very real social issues.
In this novel, Artemis Fowl, the wunderkind criminal of the fairy world, has developed a condition known as the Atlantis Complex, as a result of using a fairy ritual to help him erase his memories of his criminal exploits. The complex turns Artemis into a paranoid schizophrenic, plagued with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and weird tics.
With the help of his friends, Holly Short, Mulch Diggums, and Butler, Artemis sets off on a mission to save the world from an environmental disaster that threatens to destroy humanity.
Colfers writing style is crisp, and his pacing is spot-on, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
He manages to create a believable world that combines cutting-edge technology with fantastic elements like magic and fairies. The interplay between these two worlds is both seamless and intriguing, and his descriptions are vibrant and imaginative.
The characters in the novel are beautifully drawn, and the most impressive of all is Artemis himself. Despite his flaws and shortcomings, readers cannot help but root for him through all of his trials and tribulations.
The authors character development is commendable, providing readers with a well-rounded and intriguing protagonist. Holly, Mulch Diggums, and Butler, on the other hand, serve as important foils to Artemis and are each given moments to shine.
Despite its many strengths, The Atlantis Complex isn’t without its flaws. The resolution of the plot doesn’t always satisfy, and there are moments when the book feels like it is retreading old ground.
Additionally, the books tone, while appropriate for middle-grade readers, may not always resonate with the more mature audience.
Overall, The Atlantis Complex is a well-written and engaging novel that is sure to appeal to young adult and middle-grade readers alike.
Colfer has crafted an intricate story, with well real-rounded characters, and tackled issues like climate change, mental health, and friendship with aplomb. It’s a page-turner that will leave readers wanting more.
For anyone who enjoyed the Artemis Fowl series or is looking for a thrilling fantasy adventure novel, The Atlantis Complex, is highly recommended. This book is a perfect example of Colfer’s prowess as a writer, and it is sure to be enjoyed by readers of any age.
The Washington Post gives The Atlantis Complex four out of five stars.
