Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
It's Artemis vs. Armageddon in fast-paced finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE LAST GUARDIAN: ARTEMIS FOWL, BOOK 8, Artemis is discharged from his Atlantis Complex treatment in time for an emergency down at the LEP. Opal Koboi -- the one from the past who hitched a ride into the present time line -- is being held for ransom. If they don't let the present-day Opal out of prison in 15 minutes, the younger Opal will die, and then the present-day prison Opal won't exist, and then all her technology will cease to exist with her, after it all explodes spectacularly -- confused yet? Artemis is aware this is all some grand scheme of Opal's to get out of prison and take over the world -- but with the human and fairy worlds at stake, what can he do about it?
Is It Any Good?
Artemis fans will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced finale that takes on the biggest villain of the series -- the pixie Opal Koboi -- with no less than Armageddon at stake. All of Artemis' friends need to step up here, and, as usual, Mulch Diggums has a heroic, yet gassy role to play. As Opal's maniacal plan unfolds, readers wait with glee for Artemis' usual brilliant counterattack. The final grandstanding takes place on the Fowl estate -- Artemis' home turf -- but it's still not an easy fight to win.
Author Eoin Colfer brings the much-loved series to a close with his usual fun fairy-tech flourishes and humor. More time could have been given to the final third in general -- that fantastic troll ride goes by way too fast, as do Holly and Artemis' moments together -- but it's all still well worth the wild ride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Artemis' transformation in The Last Guardian and the whole series. What was he like in Book 1? What is he like now?
What happens to the human world without technology? How would you get by? What would you miss the most?
Will you read the Fowl Twins spin-off series? See the movie?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : July 10, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 13
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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