Reviews by Jen Chapin-Smith
I found this book too dull to finish, though in fairness I will report that my spouse liked it a lot. In some ways it feels as if the author is mocking PTSD and attempts to overcome it. I also find it disturbing how many of the main character's friends are delighted by all the goodies they get when her best friend's will is ready (particularly as that friend's ghost is present at the will reading). I also think it's bizarre that the murdered woman left more to her friend and her gardiners than to her wife. It makes me wonder if the author really takes same-gender relationships seriously.
So, I don't recommend this book. It is hard to understand without reading the prequels first, so if you are going to bother with "Siren Song" go through the series in order.
So, I don't recommend this book. It is hard to understand without reading the prequels first, so if you are going to bother with "Siren Song" go through the series in order.
I love the Artemis Fowl series and am sad that "Last Guardian" is the end of it. Like the other Artemis books, this one has a riveting plot line. Artemis himself is far more likeable now as he is less snide and egotistical, though no less intelligent.
Some parts of the book are fun, such as when the author mocks psychologists' inkblot tests. Other parts are violent and disturbing (SPOILER WARNING) such as when the masked dwarf shoots two people in cold blood. The murders' lack of drama is even more frightening in some ways as it makes the violence so casual.
I recommend almost everything Colfer has written, including this book, but start with the first one in the series and work through them chronologically before reading "The Last Guardian" so you understand what's happening.
Some parts of the book are fun, such as when the author mocks psychologists' inkblot tests. Other parts are violent and disturbing (SPOILER WARNING) such as when the masked dwarf shoots two people in cold blood. The murders' lack of drama is even more frightening in some ways as it makes the violence so casual.
I recommend almost everything Colfer has written, including this book, but start with the first one in the series and work through them chronologically before reading "The Last Guardian" so you understand what's happening.
I love the Artemis Fowl series and am sad to read the last of it. Like the other Artemis books, this one has a riveting plot line. Artemis himself is far more likeable as he is less snide and egotistical, though no less intelligent.
Some parts of the book are fun, such as when the author mocks psychologists' inkblot tests. Other parts are violent and disturbing (SPOILER WARNING) such as when the masked dwarf shoots two people in cold blood. The murders' lack of drama is even more frightening in some ways.
I recommend almost everything Colfer has written, including this book, but start with the first one in the series and work through them chronologically before reading "The Last Guardian" so you understand what's happening.
Some parts of the book are fun, such as when the author mocks psychologists' inkblot tests. Other parts are violent and disturbing (SPOILER WARNING) such as when the masked dwarf shoots two people in cold blood. The murders' lack of drama is even more frightening in some ways.
I recommend almost everything Colfer has written, including this book, but start with the first one in the series and work through them chronologically before reading "The Last Guardian" so you understand what's happening.
SPOILER ALERT: Season 5 ends with Shane becoming a druggie and murderer (he already killed his teacher's pet bird), Andy proposing to a doctor and Celia setting up her own drug sales team.
Warning: this show is about illegal drug use. It contains a lot of explicit, promiscuous sex and violence. The characters also use a lot of curse words and pejorative terms for people of color, women and gays.
The show is about a suddenly widowed suburban mother who must quickly find a job. Without a college degree, the only thing she can find is selling marijuana. This illegal work draws her family into the criminal underground with all the problems, including being the victims of violence and eventually losing their house, that come with it. That said, it is a fascinating soap opera that portrays the "haves" and "have nots" of southern California and the racial diversity of the area. It even has a few gay characters.
Warning: this show is about illegal drug use. It contains a lot of explicit, promiscuous sex and violence. The characters also use a lot of curse words and pejorative terms for people of color, women and gays.
The show is about a suddenly widowed suburban mother who must quickly find a job. Without a college degree, the only thing she can find is selling marijuana. This illegal work draws her family into the criminal underground with all the problems, including being the victims of violence and eventually losing their house, that come with it. That said, it is a fascinating soap opera that portrays the "haves" and "have nots" of southern California and the racial diversity of the area. It even has a few gay characters.
SPOILER ALERT: In season 5, Nancy's involvement with the illegal drug trade nearly kills her and only being pregnant by a Mexican drug lord saves her life. The show contains a lot of violence, including torture. This is an important issue, but it is (rightly) very disturbing to watch.
The season does contain a few funny parts, such as the efforts by a revolutionary to ransom Celia. His plan completly fails because no one, not even Celia's family and friends will pay to have her back.
Warning: this show is about illegal drug use. It contains a lot of explicit, promiscuous sex and violence. The characters also use a lot of curse words and pejorative terms for people of color, women and gays.
The show is about a suddenly widowed suburban mother who must quickly find a job. Without a college degree, the only thing she can find is selling marijuana. This illegal work draws her family into the criminal underground with all the problems, including being the victims of violence and eventually losing their house, that come with it. That said, it is a fascinating soap opera that portrays the "haves" and "have nots" of southern California and the racial diversity of the area. It even has a few gay characters.
The season does contain a few funny parts, such as the efforts by a revolutionary to ransom Celia. His plan completly fails because no one, not even Celia's family and friends will pay to have her back.
Warning: this show is about illegal drug use. It contains a lot of explicit, promiscuous sex and violence. The characters also use a lot of curse words and pejorative terms for people of color, women and gays.
The show is about a suddenly widowed suburban mother who must quickly find a job. Without a college degree, the only thing she can find is selling marijuana. This illegal work draws her family into the criminal underground with all the problems, including being the victims of violence and eventually losing their house, that come with it. That said, it is a fascinating soap opera that portrays the "haves" and "have nots" of southern California and the racial diversity of the area. It even has a few gay characters.
