The Last Guardian: Artemis Fowl, Book 8

Certainly not near the top. I have read each book in the Artemis Fowl series - some of them two, three and four times - and while the story was enjoyable as always, I felt that much of the ingenuity and imagination I've come to expect from Colfer was lacking.

Perhaps the baseball-sized killer crickets. And least interesting is the fact that, yet again, Opal Koboi is attempting to rule the world. In a series, you come to enjoy reading about the same heroes and villians, but I'm a bit tired of Opal, as much as she amuses me.

Two characters: Beckett and Miles Fowl, Artemis' young brothers. Having become acquainted with them in Book 7, it was amusing and entertaining to see them a tad older in this final book. Parker is fantastic, and I love that Miles is a younger Artemis in the making, while Beckett is much more the typical small boy, while hugely courageous and loveable. A wonderful duo.

Not particularly. Perhaps this because I've been following the series for about 10 years, though.

As a whole, I truly enjoyed the story. However, I feel that this is because, after 10 years of following this series, I am intimate with the characters and the worlds in which they live. It was enjoyable to see loose ends tied up, different characters older and more mature... And the conclusion of the book was satisfying from a reader's point of view. You will not be disappointed at the end, and will appreciate the finality. I am grateful to Colfer for that.

I'm not sure how long Colfer has been plotting Book 8, but frankly, I thought the plot and settings were rather indulgent on his part. Perhaps even "very" indulgent. Yet again, Opal Koboi is bent on world domination. Most of the events conveniently take place at the Fowl estate. Everything was just so..... Convenient. Don't worry, I won't give any spoilers. But, having read the other books, I've come to expect a certain standard from Colfer. I would have liked to see many of the events take place in other parts of the world. I would have enjoyed seeing a new villian, or, since he did need to tie up the loose end of Opal, perhaps a second villian attempting to either thwart - or join forces with - her. Since there are a number of rather fantastical events in the book, he certainly had room to do something drastic, like bring Julius Root back to life. Or perhaps the mania Artemis experienced from the his Atlantis Complex could have made a reappearance. I feel that Colfer had room for so much, and took the easy way out with events I could have casually thought up myself.

I did enjoy many of the new characters, and I must add that Nathaniel Parker is, without a doubt, one of my favorite narrators of all time. His accent lends a wonderful air to Artemis' personality, especially. He brings every character to life, and each one is completely different from the others. Even Artemis' younger brothers sound youthful, adorable, hysterical with Parker's voice.

If you have followed the series, I would say you should listen to this, just for the closure. It's of course always great to enjoy new events with the characters we've come to know and love. If you haven't followed the series, I would say you should still listen, but go back and listen to the other books first. THEY (especially the first three or four) were fantastic, and having read them, you can't leave out Book 8 haha. I'm sorry to see the series end, but few stories going beyond 8 or 9 in the series stay as "good," so I get it. Take Harry Potter, or Twilight, for example. Or Outlander, which I am voraciously reading now (on Book 4, on track to be ready for 8 when it comes out this winter :).

Hope you enjoy!

This was a nice conclusion to the series. All of the usual characteristics of the Artemis Fowl series are in it, as well as all of the characters that we have grown fond of. I also like that the series was concluded in a way that brought the series full circle. If you have read/listened to the rest of the series, it is definitely worth getting this last installment, if you have not then I would recommend trying out the first few books as starting a series at the end is always a bad idea.

This book was amazing and perfect! But I was really sad that this was the last book and I didn't wanna say good bye to Artemis Fowl! :( I had to get this book the day it was out. Loved it and you should get it RIGHT NOW!!! Hope u love it as much as I do!

won't give any spoilers- but the ending was quite a disappointment.

loved most in this series,but this one was trying too hard...

the guy who does all the voices could have done a better Job making all the voices sounddifferent from each other.

Definetly highly, it is such a wonderful series. The ending was absolutly perfect, I almost cried.

All of it! If I had to choose a favorite part it might have to be the ending. Absolutley heartbreaking.

Artemis' voice! If I closed my eyes I could picture Artemis right in front of me!

Artemis' most difficult adventure yet, will he prevaile or even survive?

Hilariously funny!

I have been listening to the Artemis Fowl series and have gone through everyone and thought that they were great. This one strays into downright weird territory. The book was fine until the end. Without giving it away, I would say that the ending was not in character with the rest of the series. It also seemed like it was rushed and did not make a lot of sense. Artemis and gang once again save the world but the soul inhabiting the bodies didn't work for the ending. I am glad that I listened to it but am unsure about my 8 year understanding the whole concept. Like I said the ending where Artemis gets "Rescued" is strange at best.

I found the book to be entertaining for both my 10 year old girl as well as myself. When started following this story about two years ago and haven't been disappointed.

The book is a child's level of "LORD OF THE RINGS". It has problem solving scenes that help the kids learn how to keep trying even when all seems lost.

I enjoyed the artificial intelligence of Follie's car. This is the car we all dream about as children.

The problem now a days is that We can't listen or read anything in one sitting. I will tell you that my daughter looked for a few mins. to turn the book on.

Action, Peril, Intrigue

My favorite character as always is the tough, ready for action Holly. She is no nonsense with just a pinch of softness at the center.

Nathaniel Parker is in a race for #1 narrator/performer in my book. I go back and forth with Jim Dale. I remarked again at hearing this book..."Nathaniel Parker is the best" but if Jim Dale comes out with another narration, I might swing back the other way...who knows?

This could be the end of everything as we know it.

I would recommend this series to anyone, including adults as well as my grandchildren. I made the error of listening to one audio version a few books back that was not read by Nathanial Parker, and that was a disappointment. Ok, but just not NP. I was delighted when he read the last two. He is a master with accents and pacing.

Is it really over? The ending was not as strong as the whole series. I guess I would hope for more installments after all.

I work at camp and I was able to switch from the book to the audiobook very easily as it became too dark to read. I feel that the narrator did a very good job with this book and I really enjoyed listening.