Parents' Guide to The Eternity Code: Artemis Fowl, Book 3

Book Eoin Colfer Fantasy 2003
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Common Sense Media Review

By Matt Berman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

High-action page-turner sequel a great summer read.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 9+

Based on 28 kid reviews

Kids say that this book stands out in the series due to its quick pace, engaging action, and character development, particularly the transformation of the anti-hero into a more sympathetic figure. However, it has mixed reviews regarding pacing and occasional violent content, making it suitable primarily for mature younger audiences.

  • character development
  • action-packed
  • mixed reviews
  • suitable for older kids
  • transformation theme
  • some violence
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

In THE ETERNITY CODE, Artemis Fowl, 13-year-old criminal genius, sees his latest plan go awry when he tries to blackmail an American tycoon, Jon Spiro. Instead Butler is shot, and Spiro absconds with the C Cube, a supercomputer made with Fairy technology. Now Artemis must once again team up with the Fairy police to save Butler and retrieve the computer.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 28 ):

The hallmarks of this popular series are action, suspense, and a humorous B-movie writing style, all of which are continued in this entry. Also present are the elements that trouble some parents -- a ruthless (though mellowing) child-criminal for a hero, and plenty of fantasy violence. Fans of the series will enjoy this one, even though they may find some of the plot convolutions confusing. If you haven't read the first two, don't try this one first -- aside from the complexity, it assumes knowledge of the earlier stories.

This may not be great literature, but given its chosen style, it's well-written -- and it's hard to imagine a summer reading book that's more fun.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Artemis and the other characters are changing throughout the series. Is Artemis the same criminal genius readers were introduced to in the first book? What's different about him now? Which personality traits have stayed the same?

  • How is the Cube a bigger deal than a smart phone? What else can it do?

  • Will you read the next book in the series?

Book Details

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