The Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl, Book 6)
by Eoin Colfer (Author)
Review
Release on July 15, 2008
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Amazon review about this book:
"Artemis's mother has contracted a deadly disease--and the only cure lies in the brain fluid of African lemurs. Unfortunately, Artemis himself was responsible for making the lemurs extinct five years ago. Now he must enlist the aid of his fairy friends to travel back in time and save them. Not only that, but he must face his deadliest foe yet...his younger self."
Review By TeensReadToo.com "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier."
"As an ardent fan of Artemis Fowl from the first book onward, I was more than just a little excited to find out that THE TIME PARADOX was in the works. The previous book in the series, THE LOST COLONY, was one of my favorites, and it opened so many doors that I wanted desperately to see explored. After reading THE TIME PARADOX over the course of a single day, my reactions are mixed, but one thing's for sure: with Artemis Fowl in the mix, there's never a dull moment.
The storyline opens only a short while after the end of the previous book. Fourteen-year-old genius Artemis Fowl has been out of his home time for nearly three years as the result of the events of THE LOST COLONY, and the world has changed around him. But the presence of younger twin brothers at Fowl Manor is not nearly as surprising as the fact that Artemis has managed to retain some of the fairy magic that he stole while in the time tunnel, making himself part magical in turn. Early on in the story, the readers find out that Artemis has used this small magic to mesmerize his parents into forgetting all about his three-year disappearance, and is learning how to control it for specific purposes.
So when Artemis's mother develops symptoms of several deadly illnesses overnight, Artemis's first instinct is to use his fairy magic to save her. When that fails, draining all of the magic out of Artemis, his first call is to Holly Short, reinstated Captain in the Lower Elements Police. Holly arrives and diagnoses Artemis's mother with a rare disease known as spelltropy, usually passed between magic users by the use of power. The only cure is the brain fluid of a silky sifaka lemur--a species that became extinct nearly eight years ago, thanks to the work of a younger Artemis Fowl desperate for money to fuel the search for his then-missing father.
Artemis is convinced there's a simple solution to this problem: go back in time using the magic of demon warlock No. 1 and steal the lemur from his younger self before returning to his own time. Of course, with Artemis involved, nothing could ever really be that simple. Nonetheless, he and Holly both make the journey almost eight years back in time to outsmart the ten-year-old Artemis and a group of Extinctionists bent upon getting their hands on the lemur--not to mention a mysterious third player who may be manipulating everyone from behind the scenes.
The storytelling is vivid, the jokes are always funny, the puns are horrendous in the best of ways. The repartee between Artemis and Holly gets better in every book. But for whatever reason, I didn't enjoy this Fowl adventure as much as I did previous ones. It seemed somehow like there was less at stake. It was an interesting ploy, since the "villain" Artemis faces off against for the first half of the story is himself, but a lot of the major weight of the story felt psychological.
Of course, there were the requisite explosions and high-speed cross-country chases, but the focus of this book seemed to be more upon the minds of the characters involved, particularly Artemis and Holly, and their relationships to their own pasts. That's not to say the book wasn't good--it just had a different kind of depth from the others, one that I probably couldn't fully appreciate on a first reading. Some of the doors opened in THE LOST COLONY were closed rather suddenly, in my opinion, or led down passageways I hadn't thought they would explore, so that the main developments of this book were not what I thought they would be at all. But then, what would be the fun of a predictable book?
If Colfer is one thing consistently as a writer, it's unpredictable, and this book is no exception.
Reviewed by: Candace Cunard"
Review By Kidsreads.com (New York, NY)
"A lot has changed in the three years that Artemis Fowl was missing, battling demons in Limbo. In the sixth installment of Eoin Colfer's series about the teenage genius, we find that the ruthless Artemis has turned over a new leaf. He now has two little brothers to teach the ways of the world and friends he cares about. But his new and tranquil world is thrown into swirling chaos when his mother contracts a rare disease, a disease that can only be cured by the brain fluid of an extinct lemur --- an animal that was wiped off the face of the earth by a younger and desperate Artemis.
With the help of his fairy friends, Artemis and Captain Holly Short travel back in time where they must match wits with a younger Artemis. Colfer uses the battle of the Fowls to show just how much Artemis has changed over the course of five novels. The young boy genius is utterly ruthless. He will do whatever it takes to save his father, demonstrate his intelligence and, most importantly, win. Older Artemis is also desperate to save a parent, his mother, but he retains a basic humanity.
While the younger Artemis has the loyal super agent Butler on his side, Artemis the elder has a familiar cast of friends like Captain Short and the flatulent dwarf Mulch Diggums. Possession of the last lemur on Earth changes hands between the two Artemises until the younger Artemis is willing to let the lemur go. He's after bigger and even more rare prey, like a real-life fairy, that he can sell at a significant profit.
Dr. Damon Kronski is the leader of a new group of villains in the Fowl mythos. The Extinctionists are a cabal of super wealthy tycoons from around the world. All the traditional thrills and vices hold no more excitement for The Extinctionists. They get their kicks by extinguishing the last flame of life from an entire species. They are after the lemur for their yearly meeting, but Kronski knows that a new species of intelligent life will get even more attention and press coverage for the gathering. The younger Artemis is going to sell not only the lemur but Captain Holly Short herself to the lunatic Kronski. Only the future Artemis can save Captain Short, his mother and the entire planet. When Artemis infiltrates The Extinctionists, he realizes that Kronski is only the front man for an even more dangerous opponent.
Colfer is at his best here, with his trademark blend of sly humor, fairy magic and a dynamic and fast-moving plot. He is a master at keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Almost every chapter ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, as Artemis and friends continue to escape from a myriad of impossible situations. The book, humming along so nicely, falters a bit with the revelation that a hidden enemy is the secret mastermind behind the entire plot and Colfer isn't quite able to neatly tie together a very complicated conclusion. Some fans might also be disappointed in the new and more mature Artemis Fowl. Although we get treated to a vintage 10-year-old Artemis, the older Artemis has lost his trademark witticisms and smug manner.
Still, there is much to enjoy here for fans of the series, and Artemis continues to grow and mature right alongside his readership. Colfer has indicated on his blog that this may be the final installment in the series, and it is definitely the last Artemis Fowl book for at least three years as he concentrates on other projects.
--- Reviewed by Jonathan Snowden"
Review By Julie Neal "The Complete Walt Disney World" (Sanibel Island, Fla.)
"I couldn't put The Time Paradox down. Like the previous Fowl books, this one is brimming with sly humor, re-imagining fairies that pack heat and have super-cool gadgets. What kept the pages turning for me, however, was the idea of traveling back in time to interact with yourself.
In The Time Paradox, instead of plotting the perfect crime as in earlier installments, this time Artemis Fowl races to undo one of his previous criminal acts. This sets in motion a showdown between the teenage genius and his younger, more heartless self.
My favorite Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, dealt with the same intriguing situation. Harry and Hermione went back in time to right a terrible wrong, and had to save the day while occupying the same time and space as their earlier, clueless selves. They were successful in part because they never directly faced themselves. In The Time Paradox, Artemis Fowl doesn't have that good fortune.
Fans of the Fowl series will recognize many of the memorable characters here. Antihero Artemis Fowl himself, an autocratic teenage genius. Plucky elf Captain Holly Short of the elite LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance). The explosively flatulent dwarf Mulch Diggums. Evil pixie Opal Koboi.
This book has something for everyone. It's a fairy tale with high-tech James Bond gadgetry. The action is nonstop. Author Colfer handles the fledgling love story between elf Holly and human Artemis with delicacy. It's a bit of a tearjerker, with Artemis's beloved mom near death. It's a morality play, about the extinction of a sweet and curious lemur species.
It may be a bit hard to follow if you haven't read the previous books, but it's still plenty diverting. It will make you want to pick up the earlier installments.
Other Eoin Colfer books include Artemis Fowl, Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident, Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code, Artemis Fowl (The Opal Deception), The Lost Colony, Airman, Half Moon Investigations, The Supernaturalist and The Wish List.
Here's the chapter list:
Prologue
1. Espresso and Treacle
2. The World's Biggest
3. Echoes of Magic
4. Monkey's Uncle
5. I Now Pronounce You
6. I to I
7. Talk to the Animals
8. A Blob of Phlegm
9. The Prince Frog
10. A Fowl Mood
11. Pigeon Droppings
12. Gone Forever
13. The Hairy One is Dead
14. The Hole in the Ace
15. Murder Most Fowl
16. A Team of Hairdressers"
Review By Heather Babb
"I absolutely, completely, with every single fiber of my being adored this book. Really, there'e not much else to say. Although it was rather different from the others, I think it's charm still holds. The characters are as witty and lovable as ever, and I find the topic fascinating (SPOILER WARNING:Plus I have been a huge Holly/Artemis shipper since the dawn of Artemis Fowl, and I feel very vindicated after reading this) . A "Time Paradox" is an interesting theory that is explored well in this tale. Full of humor, adventure, and a few very clever twists and turns, this book easily deserves five stars, is a worthy addition to the excellent series, and I would recommend it to anyone no matter what genre of book they are into."
Review By Zandra Swift (Virginia)
"I began reading these books when I was Artemis's age and having more-or-less grown up with him, I adored Time Paradox more than the other recent additions to the series. Three years passed in our world while Artemis was in Limbo in book five, so even though he is physically 14, he should be almost eighteen. It was wonderful to see a more mature Artemis, one with hormones, especially when he was interacting with his more ruthless, cold-hearted, ten-year-old self. I enjoyed the romance the most, as in my opinion, it's the only element this series has been lacking, and the pairing was one I have waited for since book one (no Minerva or even mention of her in this book!). Though we didn't get to see as much of Butler or Foaly as I would have liked, Holly and Mulch as the main supporting characters were excellent as usual. The contrast Colfer presented in the two Artemis was well done, and Artemis the Elder's introspection was interesting to read and showed how the character has matured over the series. We even get to see Root again, which was lovely. Truthfully, I am a little sick of Opal Koboi, and my one complaint is that the epilogue doesn't make sense (time paradox issues). The Extinctionists were hilarious (and creepy) and were the epitome of cartoon-esque bad guys. This book had AF trademark wild escapades, witty dialogue, plot twists, and it made me laugh aloud many times, something that none of the previous books have done. I recommend it to anyone, young or old, who has ever been a fan of AF."
Review By WhiteSteel (California)
"I believe that this book was the best in the series. Many do complain that it didn't have the same feel, and I agree. This book gave the characters a slightly different personality that seemed different comaperd to the last books. Still, I think that Eoin Colfer did this on purpose; he wouldn't undermine his own characters. I believe the new characteristics of Artemis and Holly(who were basically the only characters that were really put in the spotlight) were to show increased character development..... at first it felt awkward reading about some of the choices the characters made, but then i got absorbed into the character's new personality and i think that it made the book better. Also, something to keep in mind is that the younger Artemis acted just like he would have in the really first book. This young Artemis had the personality that we knew of at the beginning of the series. This goes to show that Colfer knew what he was doing, and didn't just forget his own character's personality overnight. He WANTED to depict the older Artemis differently.
The only thing I disliked about this book was that it didn't depict Artemis as a smart kid. Though he retained his personality, he wasn't revisited as a "Mastermind" in this book. Not that he wasn't smart. Just not like the old books. There was no planning or anything like that. I feel as though at least that should have been added in this book.
Other than that, this book was great. As long as fans of the other Fowl books open their minds as they approach The Time Paradox they should find it as enjoyable as i did."
Review By M. Reinwald (California)
"This book was great! However, it did have a different feel from the others. Artemis has begun to mature from his criminal self, so obviously his character will be different from that of the first book. But this maturity can be seen throughout each book and was expected for this one. The general idea of facing one's self was very well written; Artemis' maturity can be seen very clearly. I greatly enjoyed this book, and look forward to any more that may be written!"
Review By BeforeDarknessFalls (California, USA)
"I've been reading Artemis Fowl since it first came out and it just seems like the books get better and better. My favorite used to be the Eternity Code. Then when Lost Colony (book 5) came out, that became my favorite and now this one is pretty darn good too.
Yay for Eion (pronounced Owen) Colfer!"
Review By Laura Mixon
Time Paradox Review
"I really enjoyed the Time Paradox, it was extremely amusing, the plot was very well thought out, and I would love to read more of Eoin Colfer.
My only disappointment was the fact that the French girl, Minerva Paradizo did not return. Otherwise the book reached all my expectations and more. The Time Paradox is exceptionally well written and most entertaining."
If you would like to buy this book, you can check out its available for The Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl, Book 6) (Hardcover) at amazon.com
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