Title: The Supernaturalist
Author: Eoin Colfer
First published April 27, 2004
267 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780786851492 (ISBN10: 078685149X)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
In the grim and distant future, a young boy named Cosmo Hill is born into a world that doesn’t want him. Abandoned by his parents, he’s sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys where he’s forced to work as a test subject for dangerous products.
But Cosmo knows that he can’t stay there forever, and he’s determined to escape before it’s too late. Luckily, he’s not alone.
With the help of a group of fellow outcasts known as the Supernaturalists, Cosmo sets out to fight against the Parasites, supernatural creatures that prey on humanity. But when they stumble upon a dark and terrible secret, they realize that their fight is far from over.
In this thrilling and haunting novel, Eoin Colfer paints a vivid and unforgettable picture of a dystopian world, filled with danger, adventure, and unexpected twists at every turn.
About the Author
Eoin Colfer, pronounced Owen, was born in 1965 in Wexford, a town located on the South-East coast of Ireland. Growing up, he and his four brothers were raised by their parents, who were both educators.
Eoin went to Dublin University, and once he received his degree, he started teaching primary school back in Wexford. He has traveled extensively and has taught in various places around the world, including Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy.
After the Artemis Fowl series was published, Eoin decided to retire from teaching and now dedicates all his time to writing. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.
Editoral Review
The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer is a young adult science fiction novel that was first published on April 27, 2004. Colfer, best known for his bestselling Artemis Fowl series, once again demonstrates his skill as a storyteller with this unique and imaginative work.
Set in a dystopian world, The Supernaturalist follows the journey of a young orphan named Cosmo Hill, who escapes from a cruel and abusive institution called the Clarissa Frayne Hospital for Parentally Challenged Boys. Cosmo is joined by three other kids: Stefan, Mona, and Ditto.
Together, they become the Supernaturalists, a group of young scavengers who hunt and capture supernatural creatures known as Parasites. The thrilling plot of The Supernaturalist is driven by the group’s hunt for the ultimate Parasite known as the Blue Morpho.
This hunt leads them to uncover dark secrets about the mysterious Satellite City, a seemingly utopian metropolis hovering in the sky. Colfer’s writing style is engrossing and descriptive, transporting readers straight into the heart of the futuristic world he has created.
The characters are well-developed, with distinct and compelling personalities that keep readers engaged throughout the book. While The Supernaturalist is primarily geared towards a younger audience, the themes and messages embedded in the story are relevant to readers of all ages.
The novel touches on issues such as environmental destruction, societal inequality, and the power of corporate greed. In the current era of rampant capitalism, this makes The Supernaturalist especially poignant and timely.
One of the strengths of The Supernaturalist is its pacing. The story moves at a breakneck speed, hooking readers from the very first chapter and never letting go until the satisfying conclusion.
The plot structure is well-crafted, with plenty of suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. The book has some minor flaws – for example, the ending may feel slightly rushed compared to the rest of the story, and some of the character motivations are not fully explored.
However, these shortcomings do not detract too much from the overall quality of the book. Overall, The Supernaturalist is a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Colfer’s ability to blend humor, action, and social commentary makes this a highly effective novel that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting, imaginative, and socially relevant read.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.