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The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer, rewiewed by Mandy L.

In his fourth thrilling novel following the life of crime of child genius, Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer once again outshines many other authors in weaving a web of spells over readers of all ages. In Artemis Fowl: the Opal Deception we follow the never-ending excitement of the life of Artemis Fowl and the elf, Captain Holly Short. As the story unfolds, the readers continue to learn not only about the story as promised by the author, but about the little things in life one would never have thought to learn.

Child prodigy Artemis Fowl, who already had a criminal file in Interpol at age thirteen, had his mind wiped of all his memories and knowledge gained from his experience with the underground world by the LEPrecon fairy police. LEPrecon felt that Artemis’ vast knowledge about the underground world was dangerous. Unfortunately, now LEP need Artemis’ help in defeating their common enemy, though Artemis doesn’t remember her. Opal Koboi, a pixie known throughout the underground world by her attempt to take over LEP, miraculously and secretly escaped from prison, and now she’s planning on taking over the world. Of course, revenge against those who had brought about her downfall wouldn’t hurt either, thus hours after her miraculous escape, she successfully framed Holly as a criminal. Opal is determined to have nothing stand in her way, and it is up to an outlawed LEP officer and the mind-wiped Artemis to save the world from the disasters of Opal Koboi. The readers continue to follow along in the development of Artemis’ life and his decisions. Reading Artemis Fowl, Artemis Fowl: the Arctic Incident and Artemis Fowl: the Eternity Code is a must as a prerequisite in order to capture the full essence of this novel.

This novel is an excellent novel for people starting from age ten and up, because not only is the plot itself captivating, older or more experienced readers can actually take the time out to decode the “fairy language” on the bottom of the page using a decoder located in The Artemis Fowl Files, a separate book written by the same author. Readers who are interested in subjects like this can also derive pleasure out of the little quirks located all throughout the book, such as learning about fine paintings that few know exist.

However, some readers might find the novel too juvenile, and would prefer a book that’s focused more on reality. The subject is really out there, and some don’t appreciate that. Additionally, some might be confused, because the author switches points of view a lot.

Overall, this book has a comeuppance of five smiley faces. Artemis Fowl is just a book that readers will never tire of. Book after book, Colfer continues to enchant readers with his works and instill the mind with his creative wonders.