Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series has been popular with young readers ever since it was launched in 2001 – but if your children have binged the books, what should they try next? We’ve got some ideas and want your thoughts too…
Anna McKerrow
The Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer command millions of diehard fans – and there’s even an Artemis Fowl movie directed by Kenneth Branagh, and The Fowl Twins, the first book in a new series set in the world of Artemis Fowl, which is out now.
Eoin suggested that fans of his books would love Justin Somper’s Vampiratesseries, Derek Landy’s Skullduggery Pleasant books, Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake and all the Discworldbooks by Terry Pratchett. But what else will fans of the boy criminal mastermind enjoy reading? Here are some of our suggestions…
The final Terry Pratchett novel shows there is something menacing in the air, change is coming and the veil between worlds is dangerously thin. Tiffany Aching knows she must be ready for whatever battle is ahead but with all her new found responsibilities she has no time to prepare for the fight.
For kids looking for magical adventure…
Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series has plenty of instalments to keep an avid reader happy, while Roshani Chokshi’s Aru Shah and the Song of Death is an original and gripping read, rich in Indian mythology.
Alternatively, Sarwat Chadda’s Ash Mistry series is full of enjoyable peril, demons and battling the forces of evil.
Covering themes of reincarnation, destiny, family, friendship, loyalty and a host of characters from Hindu belief and mythology, this is a page-turner that most children will find totally gripping.
For more graphic novels…
The Artemis Fowl series includes several graphic novels, so if that’s what got your children hooked, which other books might they enjoy?
There are some fantastic adventures to be had for slightly older readers in Stormbreaker, the Alex Rider graphic novel, and Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars, a dystopian sci-fi comic with a black girl engineer-come-Roller Derby legend main character.
Elsewhere, Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar features giant robots and hoverboards alongside dinosaurs and steam-powered ships. It’s a novel, but features so many full-colour, full-page illustrations that it’s a little like reading a graphic novel.
This collection of Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars, issues 1–3, is a fascinating graphic novel, melding a dystopian Mars society with the popular American sport of women’s Roller Derby.
The Time Collision changed everything. A cosmic cataclysm from beyond the stars has reshaped earth. Continents have shifted, timelines have merged, but humanity has endured.
For those who were entranced by the bad fairy theme…
The demons in Taran Matharu’s Summoner series present a delightfully scary read for tweens, while readers after something wintry and mythical with a fairytale element will enjoy Amy Wilson’s A Girl Called Owl.
Or for something with a dark undertone, Samuel Halpin’s The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is a creepy delight, deserving to be read under the covers with a torch.
This is a magical, wintery tale that explores the relationship between the human and fairy world, featuring well-known characters from folklore. Amy Wilson’s debut novel is a perfect read for those who love wintery magic.
Is there something in the woods stealing children? A creepy, compelling and deliciously dark modern fairytale. For maximum tension and thrills, try reading under the covers by torchlight.
For children who loved the criminal mastermind theme…
Kidglovzby Julie Hunt and Dale Newman, another graphic novel, features a musical prodigy navigating a world of crime and peril (the protagonist is nine, but this is easily a sophisticated enough read for tweens).
Robert Muchamore’s CHERUBseries provides a fantastic immersion in the world of crime and professional spying and, of course, Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylikeseries suits tweens who will enjoy reading through the series and following heroines Daisy and Hazel as they grow into teenagers.
This stunning pencil-drawn graphic novel of talent, music and friendship will readers young and old. You’ll be rooting for KidGlovz, the nine-year-old musical prodigy: a poignant story to be remembered for a long time.
In the first book in Robert Muchamore’s spectacular series, James is recruited into the ranks of CHERUB – a secret organisation which trains children as spies.
There’s been a rather shocking murder at Deepdean School for Girls – but luckily, young detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are on the case!
Join in!
Right, you’ve heard our thoughts and recommendations – now we’d love to hear your ideas about What to Read After Artemis Fowl! Whether you know something your children or students loved after Eoin Colfer’s series or recently read a great story that fits the bill, we’d love to hear your thoughts.
We’ve already had some great suggestions on Instagram, with @gemlovesbooks1984 agreed with our Skulduggery Pleasant suggestion and also recommended theLockwood & Cobooks by Jonathan Stroud.
‘Then move on to the YA series, Gone, by Michael Grant,’ she added. ‘If [people are] reading YA I’d also say Department 19 by Will Hill and The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda.’
Meanwhile, still on Instagram, @rjarvis239 recommended the H.I.V.E.series by Mark Walden. So go on, what would you add?
Let us know by messaging us on social media @BookTrust using the hashtag #WhatToReadAfter
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