The Atlantis Complex

Gr 4—8—Artemis Fowl is not himself in Eoin Colfer's latest addition (Hyperion, 2010) to his delightful series. He is counting his words and obsessing over the number five—because four, of course, means death. When Artemis sets up a meeting with several representatives from Fairy kind to propose a plan to save the planet, his longtime friends, Holly and Foaly, quickly realize that Artemis is suffering from a mental disorder known as Atlantis Complex, which typically strikes guilt-ridden fairies. Battling obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoia, and, worst of all, an alternate personality named Orion, Artemis must depend on his cohorts more than ever as they battle a deadly foe determined to escape from fairy prison at all costs. Nathaniel Parker effectively portrays both Artemis and his alternate persona, and ably captures the novel's plentiful humor and its occasional affecting moments. Although a bit of a departure from the typical Artemis episode, listeners will feel like they have gotten to know Artemis a little better and will be rooting for him more than ever.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT