Mini Reviews [25]

The Artic Incident (Artemis Fowl, #2) by Eoin Colfer

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Artemis Fowl wants to find his father, held hostage in Russia; Holly Short wants to find who’s supplying the goblins with human technology; Foaly wants to find out who’s disabled all the LEP Technology and pointed the finger at him. Artemis has received a ransom demand for his father but is captured by the LEP who suspect him of supplying the goblins with dangerous Human technology (batteries). He convinces them he’s innocent and agrees to help them if they help him free his father.

Meanwhile, down in the underground world, chaos has arisen. An unknown traitor has stolen forbidden weapons and armed a horde of trolls, setting them loose to wreak havoc on the citizens. Clues lead Captain Holly Short straight to Artemis, and she exacts a small bit of revenge by kidnapping him, just as he once kidnapped her. But soon she learns that Artemis isn’t behind the chaos, and if she’s to have any hope of stopping it, she will need his help. As a result, these onetime adversaries must now join forces—a mix that proves to be both charming and volatile.

I enjoyed The Artic Incident more than Artemis Fowl because Artemis and Holly actually work together in this one (and I think for the duration of the series). It's more fun watching these two as a team as opposed to villain and victim. Artemis and his bodyguard (Butler) had a tenuous relationship with the Folk going into this one, but now they are forever bonded. Also, Mulch has to be one of my all-time favorite characters. He's a kleptomaniac dwarf with a butt flap, which is enough on its own to make him interesting.

There were a lot more goblins in The Artic Incident, and my son would giggle whenever it mentioned one of them licking their eyeballs (so gross, I know). Foaly is clever, sarcastic and funny. I think this book did amazing things for his oversized ego, and Root is simply amazing. I love his fungus cigars and quick temper, and his heart is always in the right place. If you're looking for a series to read with your kiddos - or even to recommend to them - this one is fun and enjoyable!

The Magic Order #6 (of 6) by Mark Millar, Illustrated by Olivier Copel

Synopsis (via Goodreads): This explosive miniseries climax is a high-octane magical battle of good versus evil, as the remaining Magic Order wizards make a last stand against Madame Albany and the forces of darkness. Family bonds are tested, blood is spilled, and black magic threatens life as we know it.

This was the final issue in the The Magic Order series and it did not disappoint! I'm starting to really appreciate Mark Millar's writing and the way he tells a story. 

I thought the overall series wrapped up nicely, although there's definitely room for more. It's one of the darker comics I've read (gory and violent), so beware if that's not your thing. Typically, it's not mine either, but the story was really engaging and interesting. I have no regrets! 

The Magic Order primarily focuses on family and shows how complicated and messy those relationships can be. 

Magic Slays, Gunmetal Magic, and Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #5, 5.5, 6) by Ilona Andrews, Narrated by Renee Raudman

Find the synopsis for Magic Slays here.
Find the synopsis for Gunmetal Magic here.
Find the synopsis for Magic Rises here.

I'm reviewing these three simultaneously because I'm flying through this series! Additionally, I don't like to say very much about the books that fall in the middle. I'm too worried I'll spoil something that happened previously! However, I feel like something needs to be said, because I am really loving all of the Kate Daniels books. Even Gunmetal Magic, a book from Andrea's perspective, was amazing. I'm so happy they decided to write a book from her point of view!

It's hard to choose a favorite character, because I honestly love them all! Kate's fierce determination, Curran's unwavering presence, Andrea's sweet southern accent (only when she wants something), Roman's hilarious "dark" side, everything about Aunt B, Jim's need to be puurrrfect, Doolittle's endless sweet tea and kind heart, Ascanio's antics and enthusiasm, Derek's loyalty and stoicism -- I could go on and on! They are all so uniquely different, and I love learning new things about them as the story progresses (there are other characters I didn't name, but that are equally awesome).

Ilona Andrews is an amazing author duo, and I have loved every single thing I've read by them. I recently ordered all of the books in this series because I wanted physical copies for my shelves. Kate Daniels is that good. Pinky swear! The details are ridiculous and insanely convincing, the fight scenes make me feel anxious (even though the rational part of my brain knows there are more books so most of the characters have to be okay). I really like everything about the Pack, including the mating frenzy (some of the tricks they played were hilarious). Simply put: it's a fantastic series! Read it!

Oliver #1 by Gary Whitta, Illustrated by Darick Robertson

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In this totally new take on a literary classic, Charles Dickens’ most famous orphan is reimagined as a post-apocalyptic superhero fighting to liberate a war-ravaged England while searching for the truth about his own mysterious origins.

I really liked the premise for this one, but I'm unsure how I feel about it after just one issue. I know new stories like this require a lot of setup and world-building, which is why I'm willing to give Oliver another chance to win me over. I'm interested, but not entirely convinced it's going to work for me.