Artemis Fowl And The Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer is published in hardback by Puffin Books, priced £12.99. Available now.

Those unaware of the previous exploits of teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl will struggle to understand this final instalment in Eoin Colfer's series, but for everyone else it is a pleasantly reminiscent last hurrah.

This eighth book sees the eponymous protagonist - now a staunch ally of the fairy People - return to the original story's location: Fowl Manor in Ireland.

Rather than Artemis kidnapping a fairy, this time his power-crazed pixie nemesis Opal Koboi has invaded and is trying to destroy the world.

With familiar faces Holly Short, Butler, Foaly and Mulch Diggums joining Artemis's four-year-old twin brothers, Fowl Manor becomes the battleground to save humans and People alike.

Colfer keeps the quickfire dialogue, machismo, techno-speak and sarcastic humour that trademarks the series, and while some of the jokes are growing old by now - particularly the scatological dwarf trivia - the triumphant conclusion means all is forgiven.

7/10

(Review by Natalie Bowen)

 

The Land Of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer is published in hardback by Atom, priced £10.99. Available now.

Fairy tales are enjoying a revival on the big screen, with Snow White, Red Riding Hood, Jack And The Beanstalk and Hansel And Gretel all being given the modern treatment.

Chris Colfer, better known as Glee's Kurt Hummel, has decided to join the trend with his debut novel, which sees twins Alex and Conner Bailey accidentally falling into the Land Of Stories, where fairy tales are real.

In modern-day story land, Goldilocks is a wanted fugitive, Red Riding Hood has her own kingdom after banishing wolves, and Queen Cinderella is about to become a mother.

Stuck in the fantasy kingdom, the only way that Alex and Conner can return to their land is by collecting the special ingredients needed to make a Wishing Spell.

But with the Evil Queen, Cinderella's stepmother, hot on their heels to find the same mementoes, their quest becomes a big challenge.

Packed with thrills and adventure, this book is an exciting read, whether you are eight or 80.

7/10

(Review by Shereen Low)