The Last Guardian (Artemis Fowl, #8)

by Eoin Colfer

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

Coming back to this book was still so sad for me. I continue to love this world and these characters. Even when they have their down moments, and the not-so-awesome seventh book (imho), I still love them. When you find a series like this one - or like Harry Potter, or the Grishaverse - it's so hard to say goodbye. Even when it's done well.

As far as endings go, I'm happy with the way Eoin Colfer left this series. It's absolutely heartbreaking, don't get me wrong, but it's also beautiful. I think all the characters are at their most vulnerable here. I'd like to see more from Miles, Beckett, and Juliet... but I think on that front Colfer has left himself an opportunity for a spinoff series that could be fun should he decide to go that route. As for our old friends - to use a phrase of Artemis's - we get to say goodbye. They're stretched to their limits, each and every one of them. Even Mulch gets a bit of unexpected glory. It's a dazzling way for them all to go.

This series remains very close to my heart, and I continue to recommend it all over the place. It's one that was popular in its time, but seems to have faded since then. I desperately hope that this film coming in August is successful, because I would love to see this series gain some more popularity. It holds up. And it was a wonderful journey.

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Original review: July 25, 2012 - Five Stars

Reading this book was very bittersweet for me. Artemis Fowl is the last series that I have been reading since I was a kid (okay, high school) that hasn't finished yet... and now it has. It's been a tough few years - Harry Potter's done, the Hunger games are done, and now even Artemis Fowl's all finished.

That said, however, I couldn't've asked for a better ending. No spoilers, though.

I felt like I could have read this book in an hour. The writing was a fresh as ever, and all the favorite characters make at least a brief appearance... right down to Foaly's wife and Butler's sister.

To be honest, I don't have a lot to say, which is much the way it goes when I've finished a beloved series.

To summarise? I could not ask for more. Thank you, Mr. Colfer.