Journal Entry 5: HK DISNEYLAND

Day 8 (Second Last Day):

Well...Today we went to Disneyland...

Starting from an hour bus ride from the hotel to the station where we would change to a different bus. The jourmey was long, but smooth.
Reaching Disneyland, our destination, we were shocked at the immensely huge line queued up to enter starting an hour even before disneyland even threw its gates open for visitors.

Entering Disneyland felt like a dream come through from a fairytale. Similiarily themed buildings and attractions from different fairytales sprang into life as a towering Sleeping Beauty castle towered over all, standing majestically in the heart of Disneyland. With so many attractions and rides to go to, and so little time, we were spoilt for choice as to what to go on first. Wondering around aimlessly, awestruck by the incredible sight, we decided to try to go on everythinga nd the first thing taht caught my eye was the roller coaster, Space Mountain.

Featuring sharp turns, steep climbs, sudden drops and multiple twists in a high speed ride, it could be really scary for smaller children, but to me, it was an superb experience. The ride, moving in a superfast speed really led me clamouring for more. i was almost sorry when the ride ended, and wanted to ride it again, but unfortunately, the rest of us decided to do something else and we settled for a must less exciting Astro Busters.

Astro Busters is a ride in which you would be given a laser gun where you would have to shoot at targets, giving different scores. The higher you score, the greater your rank. I managed a 30 000 in the first ride and then a 70 000 in the second, giving me a rank 3 - First Class Space Commissioner. My younger brother, aged 6, somehow managed to get other 200 000 points gaining him the title of Super Space Officer.

Next on the list was Adventure world, where we would watch a show featuring the Lion King. Although i didn't want to go there at first, i quickly cahnged my tune after watching some of the superb stunts and majestic performance they they didn't, featuring acrobatics, martial arts and basically complete chaos. Although it was slightly deterring at first, it soon became so awe-striking that i could not tear my eyes off the performance.

That was only the tip of the iceberg. But if I were to go through all the attractions I went, including the 4D theatre, the parades and the boat ride that featured (false) cannibals, poison darts (That were pepper balls) and gods (The seemly dormant rock formation gushed out a large straem of water equivalent to a waterfall and the water below caught fire), it would probably be too long for this post.

Probably the BEST performance of Disneyland EVER was the incredible, indescribable, wonderful, enchanting, delightful, fabulous and unbelivable Fireworks that shot into the sky above Sleeping Beauty's castle. It was such an awestriking performance that I probably stood there for the entire performance, mouths gaped at the spectacular sight before my eyes.

That was the end of my trip. I loved it...

Journal Entry 4: Trip to China, Beijin (Transit to HK) Day 5

Day 5

(I skipped Day 4 because nothing much happened)

Day 5 was one of the most cruel days in my entire holiday, and it was soon evident why.

First, we visited a temple that was called, "The Hall of Heaven". The Hall of heaven is an 15th century masterpiece that was built to honour the gods. When a plural the "gods", I mean it. They really praised a whole lot of (No offence) incredibly ridiculous gods sucha s the god of rain, god of snow, god of fire, etc. nevertheless, it was a delicately preserved and extremely beauitiful structure.

Next, we wnet for our lunch (DELICIOUS PEKING DUCK!), and then we went to the COLDEST PLACE I HAVE EVER BEEN TO: ~CHENGDE~

By the way the temperature in the day was about minus 20 degrees celsius and would plunge to almost minus 30 degrees celsius at night. BLOODY HELL, it was friggin' cold. When you are in 4 layers with a heavy overjacket above, you could still feel the cold passing through your bones. A mere 5 minutes out in the cold is about enough to get you shivering non-stop. At that temperature, even 5 to 6 degrees temperature (the temperature the heater is set to at most restaurants is considered really warm.

The Cold was agony, it attacked me like fire. Soon, I couldn't fell my toes or fingers - it was as though they dropped off...ugh! Well, the worst was to come the next day. Since the bus ride there was about 3 hours, the most of the day was already gone. So the next day, we would explore Chengde...

Journal Entry 3: Trip to China, Beijin (Transit to China) Day 3

Day 3

Today features one of the Modern Wonders of the world, only present in China and stretches 10000 miles long. The One and Only GREAT WALL of China (duh!).

Anyway, we woke up to another BONE-CHILLING DAY. The tour guide informed us that the great wall of China was reasonably colder than the town. for today, the town's highest temperature was 0 degrees Celsius and the coldest at MINUS 10. At the great wall of china the temperature was steady at MINUS 5 AT the BOTTOM!!! I had to wear 3 layers inside minus the thick jacket.

Anyway, when we reached the great wall of China, my first impression was that the great wall of china was indescribably majestic and it seemed to go on forever. It was incredibly long and word cannot describe the pure superiority the great wall of China encompassed. By the way, once I got out of the bus, the EXTREMELY COLD and powerful wind kept blowing at my face and the part of my face that was exposed felt REALLY raw after a short while. Well, a visit doesn't end without climbing the great wall of China. Unfortunately, we were at the part where it was all uphill from the bottom and we seemed to be climbing a mountain, so obviously it would be even colder at the top...

Up and up I climbed the thousands and millions of steps (DAMN, it was tiring). After reaching the first sentry post. I was dead beat. It was really high and tortuously COLD. the steps were extremely steep and there it was really narrow, especially since many people was walking up and down the Great Wall. And we didn't stop there, of course we won't climb the ENTIRE BLOODY THING, but we wanted to reached the summit, which was the fifth sentry post.

After forcing myself to start on the steps again, I felt a little better, less tired, although MUCH COLDER. Up and up I climbed, and the tower seemed further and further. Forcing my legs to move, I trudged up the steps. I felt numb on my fingers, face and even my toes. After what seemed like eternity I had only reached the second tower. OMG! How the **** am I supposed to continue climbing?

Well, after reasoning to myself that contemplating the task again would not make it any warmer, i just went out and did it. Without caring and just charged all the way to the third tower. Big Mistake. I almost fell at the middle, and I had a terrible migraine around the stop, so I had to abandon the climb. Sigh...

You really have to respect how in the world tehy built such a wonderful monument. It was extremely long and I didn't even climb 1%, not 0.1%, not even 0.001% of it. The pure majesty of the great wall was a real sight to behold. If you want to experience it, you'll have to climb the wall yourself...

There aren't many picture because unfortuantely, the camera froze up.

Journal Entry 2: Trip to China, Beijin (Transit to Hong Kong)

Day 2:

(Note: I'm not bothering to change the position of the pictures 'cause its getting irritating)

We woke up at around 7.00 a.m. We dressed and got ready before getting on the bus that will take us to our first destination. It was a FREEZING COLD day as the temperature plunged from 6 degrees Celsius to 2.

Today's visit was to the Forbidden City. a GIGANTIC palace where the emperor of China used to stay in... and wow...

Well...anyway...the tour guide showed us around and we stayed there for a while...and boy was it cold...

Anyway, it was a real eye-opener for me. The place was HUMONGOUS. You could easily get lost in it. The place was really beautiful and the many different cultural objects with different meanings really bamboozled me. The place was really an interesting artifact preserved perfectly from the ancient world. The meridian gate was also really fascinating.

It was around 11 a.m. when we finally managed to get out of (hehe) Forbidden City. We spent the next hour walking back to the bus. (for some reason, there was not car park near the forbidden city and the closest one was REALLY FAR away) When we finally reached the bus, we set off for our lunch.

Same experience: A delicious array of food set up for us...really oily and salty, but on the whole, just pure delicious. They also let us have a taste of the exquisite tea widely drunk in Beijing: the wild puer tea that is renowned for slimming and for improving face complexion. Well...I wasn't really into those kind of stuff...but I ...ahem... tried some.

After that we went to a tea shop and had to listen to the explanantion of the different health benefits of the different teas. Then they asked us to buy and my mother spent more than RMB 1000 (About $250) buying teas. If there's something I hate about the people of China is their really persistent attitude at getting us to buy things. For example, after my mother purchased all that teas. She was asked to buy many other things, including given promotings and price cuts...etc. One saleswoman even took her hand and brought her to see some other merchandise... how despicable!!!

Anyway, after that we were taken to a place where people who ferry us on bikes (pretty much like a trishaw) through a small town...well...just look at the pictures. The thing I was holding was a heat-pak...did I mention how cold it was?

Well after that we went to some shops (TOO BORING, SO I WON'T DESCRIBE). And then we went back to the hotel.

Journal Entry 1: Trip to China, Beijin (Transit to Hong Kong)

Day 1: Flight to China
...Anticipation...anticipation...before I knew it, the day had come. The day kicked off with a slow start as we had to wake up at 3.30 am to prepare and drive to the airport since our plane flight was at 7am. Throwing our drowsiness to the winds, we forced ourselves out of bed and got dressed.

Arriving at the airport, we quickly registered and went to a nearby cafe for a quick bite before going through the custom officials to enter the Gate. Since we had arrived early, we had some time on our ahnds and we decided to take a few shots before continuing on our way to the boarding gate.

The Plane Flight was 3 hours...

Well, in the first flight, it was to Hong Kong, then to China, so... We didn't reach there yet.

We walked for a while to relax our tense muscles and went to the boarding gate to CHINA, BEIJIN...again...

Another BORING 3 hours...

Done! We finally reached China, Beijin at around 6.30 p.m.

Since China has the same timeline as Singapore, we didn't need to twidle with our watches. We went to the customs and went through the same, boring ritual and finally, we entered China.

It was the winter season in China, so it was finally cold, especially at evening to night time. The temperature there when we reached was about 5-6 degrees celsius, so we needed a few layers on before we went to embrace the cold air.

Our trip was a package tour, so it took a while to get all the families gathered (3 only, by the way). Then we went to have our dinner. On the way to the restaurant, our tour guide expaline that the food might we rather salty and oily as it was the cuisine of the people in Beijin during winter. She also explained the few things commonly found around Beijin and some of the cultures of the people.

Dinner was served...

It was a sumptous spread of food and we ate until we could not each anymore.

That Ended Day 1...

Book Review: Sapphique

Book Review: Sapphique
Author: Catherine Fisher
Genre: Fantasy

Sapphique is the sequel to Incarceron. Continued from the last book, Finn has escaped the prison which is Incarceron, but his freedom is fleeting as soon he realises that the world he has escaped into is barred by protocol - as inescapable as the walls of Incarceron. Worse, he has left his friends Keiro and Attia behind and his guilt hangs heavily overhead.
Claudia wants to see Finn crowned but the story takes a turn when an impostor claiming that he is the real Giles fight for the throne. Claudia knows that Finn is the true Giles, but when the impostor displays the skills that Giles would have so well, Finn doubts even himself, while Claudia begins to doubt Finn.
Meanwhile, Keiro and Attia are in search of the legendary glove of Sapphique. As they search, their path is obstructed by many obstacles including monsters and magic. As they cross swords with the Warden of Incarceron and the crazy enchanter Rix, both of them realise the truth of Incarceron: Incarceron itself wants to escape.
And through the chaos, in the midst of all the havoc, emerges the ever elusive figure of Sapphique, the only person who has escaped from Incarceron and the only person the prison had ever loved.
The tense, intriguing plot that twists and turns once again proves freedom to be a complex affair as the author examines the true nature of freedom and the cost which is necessary. Once again Catherine Fisher weaves a delightful story from the same threads that made the first book worth reading.
The characters, however seemed dull as all of them a reckless, impatient, high-handed, aggressive, untrustworthy or otherwise highly flawed. For example, Kiero uses his half-mechanical physiology to excuse his own nature; he is inhuman, he says, an assertion which is later shown to be false.
As a sequel to Sapphique, Catherine Fisher has done her stuff again and produced a dark, thoughtful and interesting tale that will grip you from the first page.

Rating: 8/10
Great Book!

Book Review: Incarceron

Book Review: Incarceron

Author: Catherine Fisher
Genre: Fantasy

Imagine a prison so vast in contains seas, forests annd cities. Welcome to Incarceron - prison of the future. Believed by the Outside to be a paradise and the ultimate in rehabilitation theory. In the beginning all criminals and dissenters were sent there along with 70 Sapienti - a caste of mystics, scientists and healers, in order to create a paradise from a hell. The result: a failed experiment. Furthermore, Incarceron has been sealed for centuries and dreams of escape are only crumbs of comfort. Only one prisoner has ever escaped, and he has NEVER returned. In the middle lies Finn, a young prisoner who has no memory, but sure beyond everything that he came from outside. He is a Star Seer and he receives visions that he believes will help them esacpe.

Outside is also a prison of sorts. Technology has been rejected in favour of an authoritarian and feudal regime which insists on everything in Era - a peculiar regression to the age of lords and ladies, courtly manners and transport by carriage. The court is a place of intrigue and plot and politics and the only one who knows the truth about Incarceron's failed experiment is its Warden. Claudia, the Warden's daughter, is caught up in an arranged marriage and an assassination plot.

When Finn and Claudia both find an identical crystal key, they are able to communicate with one another. Their worlds clash together as Finn tries to escape and Claudia helplessly does all she can to help them achieve their goal. Unfortunately, no one except the Warden knows the entrace to Incarceron. However, the Warden will not allow Claudia to find out, much less enter Incarceron.

When Claudia realises there is no way out, she sinks into despair until her mentor tells her that there is indeed a way in, but the way out is very much limited. Claudia decides to enter and bring Finn and if possible his companions back. Meanwhile, Finn struggles from a failed attempt to escape, until Claudia emerges and tell him the way to escape. However, only Finn can escape and their companions are stuck in there. he swears to get them out and the story ends as Finn exclaimed in delight as he sees outside for the first time. The ending is found in the equally exciting sequel, Sapphique.

The narrative is tense and fast-moving with a real atmosphere of menace and the twin worlds juxtapose wonderfully to create equally failing environments. The Prison is a Mad Max world of feral and failed industrialism while the Outside is stifling, corrupt and unequal. Escaping from one to the other is really little more than leaping from the frying pan into the fire. Yet there is hope, and it lies in Claudia and Finn. Their journeys of personal discovery may well be filled with pain, but they are the path to a better future.

This story blends elements of excitement, hope and despair in an almost flawless and superb combination. The novel is both touching and exhilarating. Reading this book is like a rollercoaster ride which twist and turns and you are forced to read until the end, only to find that it is only the beginning.

At over 400 pages, this book is a average size for a novel but may be deterring to those who prefer fast hack-and-slash action. Furthermore, it may be boring if you are unable to understand the plot as it moves swiftly and without pause. Overall, this is an excellent book. After reading it, I was forced to read the sequel to find the ending. So gripping is the storyline that it makes it a uncomparable book.

Rating: 8.5/10

Superb!

Book Review: The Black Tattoo

Book Review: The Black Tattoo

Author: Sam Enthoven
Publisher: Random House Books
Genre: Fantasy

The Black Tattoo is an adventure novel of anti-theology, excising all the white hats in favor of a panoply of demonic dictators and gladiators which will appeal to fans of grotesquerie and fight scenes. Now, don't get me wrong. Even if you are not a fan of such gruesome scenes, The Black Tattoo is not just a mindless hack-slash type of book. Instead, it also focuses on the everyday aspect of life, in reality.

The protagonists are handsome, adroit Charlie and his scrawny, risk-adverse friend, Jack. The duo is perpetually disappointed with the life they have. Following a angry visit to Charlie's dad, who abandoned him and his mother, the story takes a turn when a enigmatic black-clad stranger helps them then offers to give them a test.

Soon, the black clad character is dead, but not before the story unfolds as they learn about the Scourge, a demon race. They meet a teen fighting phenomenon, Esme and her dad, and Charlie unknowingly gets possessed by a demon, giving him supernatural powers. Esme and her dad, Raymond are the last remaining members of an ancient order believed to guard the world from the Scourge.

Thus Charlie is thrown into a realm of utter madness and with his first encounter with a demon, he displays unimaginable poweress, but to a cost of a human life. Soon, he becomes obsessed with his powers and gains himself entry to Hell.

In this book, Hell is another place, not a status. On the back of a sleeping cosmic dragon, it’s no afterlife, but an alternate dimension. People, or the many bizarre species of planetary beings that pass for people, do die here and often. In that vein, God turns out to be just another resident, a tatty and doddering old irrelevance named Godfrey. The quality of one’s character is much less important here than one’s image management and kung fu skills. In this context, Charlie becomes intoxicated with his commanding new capacities and the resulting adoration of the mob, and lurches toward what puny earthlings, at least, would consider a bad decision. Meanwhile Esme and Jack, in divergent ways, will try to stop him with the occasional help and hindrance of a different secret human sect, the numbered Sons of the Scorpion Flail, more suited to being Keystone Cops than inter-dimensional operatives.

Weakening the plot’s movement, after scrapping traditional underpinnings of good and evil and dismantling the rationales for virtue in favor of pure cunning and force, there’s a dearth of legitimate motivations for the protagonists to pursue the “right” story goals as we’re still intended to understand them, such as saving Charlie from himself.

Esme has a warrior’s strength, but she never explains herself as following any code of honor that might substitute for the herein pointless notion of virtue. No matter what happens, she doesn’t doubt, she executes, literally. Out for revenge, she’s positively hollow except for her grim, inexplicable resolve. Self-sacrifice is demonstrated on her behalf, sort of, but the bones of the many dead are quickly forgotten and ground to powder beneath everyone’s heels.

Eventually, and it could’ve come quicker for me, this book makes the ticking-clock apocalyptic climax about the destruction of all existence. That’s probably wise, although why, you'd have to read the book for yourself.

In relation to the book, you might want to say away from it if you are unfamillar with grostequerie and the like. If you are one with a strong stomach and do not get queasy at the scene of cannibalism, then approach this book with caution. It is a great book, but without doubt, it is one of the most gruesome book I have ever read so far, along with the destruction of the universe.

Rating: 6.5/10
Not bad, but not good either

Book Review: The Ranger's Apprentice Book 4 - The Battle for Skandia

Book Review: The Ranger's Apprentice Book 4 - The Battle for Skandia

Author: John Flanagan
Publisher: Penguin Books
Genre: Fiction, Medieval

Like Last time, the Book I am reviewing is not the first in the series. In fact, as implied by the book's name, it is the fourth. Therefore, I believe a short introduction is necessary.

Set in the mythical land of Araluen, the series follows the adventures of Will, a small and lively 15 year old boy living in medieval Castle Redmont. Rejected for training as a warrior-knight, Will is apprenticed instead to the Ranger Corps – a mysterious group who act as the King’s eyes and ears throughout Araluen and beyond its shores.As an Apprentice Ranger, Will is trained to be an expert archer and knife thrower, as well as learning the skills of silent, unseen movement, tracking and concealment. Gradually, a bond develops between the garrulous, inquisitive Will and his grim-faced mentor, Halt – renowned as one of the greatest of all Rangers.
In the first book, the Ruins of Gorlan, Morgarath, the main antagonist, rallies vile and powerful creatures called the Kalkara. Halt decides to send a party to kill one. However, Halt and the rest of the party is soon severely injured and unable to fight. Will, who is one of the few uninjured people, uses an immense amount of determination and using what he has learnt from Halt, sets his arrow on fire and fires at the Kalkara, eventually defeats it.
In the second book, The burning bridge, Will and his friend, Horace, along with a friend, Gilan set out on a special mission, but discovers that something is wrong. Gilan thinks that it has to do with Morgarath and tracks Morgarath's army. along the way, they find Evanlyn, who is actually Princess Cassandra from Araluen. They find out the plan that Morgarath has and Araluen will suffer a bitter defeat, if Morgarath's plan is carried out. They discover the only way to stop this is to burn a bridge. They manage to do it, but are captured, except for Horace and Gilan, who went away to do other important things. Meanwhile, the war between Morgarath and Araluen continues, with Morgarath losing. He sends out an order to retreat and challenges Halt to a battle. However, the king forbids Halt from fighting Morgarath and Horace arrives and challenges Morgarath to a fight. Morgarath is powerful and every blow he delivers is a staggering blow against Horace. Horace fights back as much as he can and eventually kills Morgarath. Will, however is still captured and Halt arrives too late to save his apprentice.
In the third book, the icebound land, Will and Evanlyn form a strange friendship with Erak, who sells them in the hope they will have a better job then as their slaves. However, although Evanlyn is treated better, Will suffers greatly and cannot resist the temptation to take a drug which gives him a warm, soothing feeling, but makes him a mindless zombie. Meanwhile, while Halt and Horace is trying to find Will and Evanlyn (aka Princess Cassandra), they are challenged by freelance knights. Horace, however, defeats them easily. Soon, he is renowned as the Oakleaf Knight and is has not been defeated yet. Unfortunately, their fame does not go unnoticed and they are challenged by warlord, Deparnieux. Horace was injured in his last battle and declines. Deparnieux, angry at being declined, captures them until Horace recoveres. Seeing the cruelty at Deparnieux castle, Halt chalenges Deparnieux and kills him. Meanwhile, Evanlyn despairs at seeing Will as a zombie and Erak helps them escape. The conclusion is at the book I am reviewing, The Battle for Skandia.
In The Battle for Skandia, Will is freed from the effects of warmweed and helps Evanlyn search for food. However, Will is still weak and Evanlyn is captured by the Temujai, a powerful enemy which is the origin of the Rangers. Will tries to save her and is soon aided by Halt and Horace. Later they find Erak and discovers the plot of the Temujai to destroy Skandia, to achieve domination of the seas. Although the Skandians are fierce fighters, they have limited or no tactics and compared to the strategic Temujai, they are no match. Halt, who has experience with the Temujai, devises a tactic for the Skandians so that the Skandians can defeat the Temujai. The Skandians eventually wins after sustaining many casualties including the leader of the Skandians, the Oberjarl. Erak later becomes an Oberjarl and offers to send Will, Halt, Horace and Princess Cassandra back to Araluen. The king is overjoyed and rewards Halt, Horace and Will. However, Will refuses the kings offer to put him at a leadership position in charge of Royal Scouts, meaning honor, prestige, rank and recognition, but Will declined it, preferring the freedom of the forest. This descision was especially painful to Princess Cassandra, in which their friendship would be heavily tarnished. The book ends with Princess Cassandra waving farewell to Will, but Will, who was riding south, did not notice.

Personally, as with the other books, I had been amazed by the vividness and clarity of the story as well as the lure of the high adventure carried out by believable, down-to-earth heroes. The author's deft character potrayals and well paced story has never failed to leave me clamouring for the next volume. However, I must admit that it is impossible to go straight into the later volumes without going through the first volume by chronological order. Also, while the story is engaging and exciting, the story seems to miss a few gaping holes in which some of the events seem unbelievable. However, the weakness is covered by the storyline. Therefore, I can say that this book is one of the few books that have a superb appeal. I strongly reccomend this if you are interested in swordplay and archery. And yes, you have to read the earlier volumes in chronological order first.

Rating: 8.5/10

iNNOVATORS@Montfort

For those of you who do not know the Montfort Innovators II blog, its address has been changed to http://www.innovators3e1.blogspot.com/. Sporting a new name, iNNOVATORS@Montfort is a another new development, by yours truly. This blog aims to inculcate in students the love for learning and a place to go to to check for any important new developments and events. This blog has started its BETA version in late October and all updates and developments should be completed in late November or Early December. Although it is new, I will try to upgrade it ASAP.

Also, although this blog is meant more for 2E4 (in 2008) and 3E1 students, I strongly encourage those from other classes to visit it. The link to Eureka Lab will be posted there and notes (Pure Physics, Pure Biology and Pure Chemistry) are coming out soon.

As an extra bonus, those who visit the blog and regularly comment and post on the Shoutbox will be grant a bonus by getting a free package of goodies. If those reasons aren't enough, let me warn you: Secondary 3 life is very harsh and you will have very little time for your own activities. In addition, the work is much harder. Therefore, if you need a little boost, the website is there for you.

Regards,
Laurent Ee
Administrator of iNNOVATORS@Montfort
Exceutive Commitee

Book Review: Artemis Fowl and the The Lost Colony

Book Review: Artemis Fowl and the The Lost Colony


Author: Eoin Colfer
Publisher: Puffin books
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction


Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony is another addition to the Number One Bestseller series, Artemis Fowl. It revolves around a criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl and his Bodyguard, Butler. Artemis Fowl is a genuine genius who has exploited a race that is not known to mankind, even kidnapping a species of that race, an elf, demanding a ransom of fairy gold. Later, he has a change of heart and let the elf, Captain Holly Short go.
After a few "close shaves", Artemis Fowl develops a close friendship with the fairy race, especially Captain Holly Short. Helping them during the goblin revolution. However, he still continues to keep his criminal side.
Later, he gains a change of heart after the events of The Eternity Code, and feels that living a criminal life isn't really the right thing to do. However, he is forced to undergo a mind wipe which erased all fairy knowledge from his mind. Fortunately, Artemis Fowl had planted a device to trigger his and his bodyguard's memories, just in time to save the fairy race from ultimate destruction.
In The Lost Colony, Artemis Fowl is following a trail of demon, another fairy race, apparitions which has happened in different parts of the world. He fears this might lead to the exposure of the fairy race which will prove disastrous. Also, he finds out that the time spell on the demon world is disintegrating and is determined to stop it. However, he does not know that another genius, Minerva Paradizo has her eyes on his own project and is eager to exploit the demons to gain a Nobel Prize at the cost of the extinction of the demons.
Artemis Fowl is soon caught up in the event and finds that Minerva Paradizo is indeed very cunning and clever and decides to use his own ingenuity to stop her. Meanwhile, while Minerva is still observing her specimen, her guard, Billy Kong has another plan. Artemis Fowl unleashes his plan and steals her demon away from her, much to her disdain. However, Billy Kong steps in and takes over after the entire fiasco. He demands to Minerva that he must have a demon despite her protests and threatens to the head of security of the Paradizo family. Fortunately, he is stopped once again by the entrance of Artemis Fowl, who insists a trade of the demon with Minerva. Billy Kong agrees, not knowing what Artemis Fowl has up on his sleeve. He uses the power of suggestion to lure Billy Kong to the place of his choice and after giving up his demon, steals it back after having the girl.
He explains to Minerva the enormity of her actions and tells her to stop her plans. She agrees and Artemis Fowl begins the second part of his plan to save the demon world, Hybras. Hybras has once been frozen into time by some warlocks, but the spells is now disintegrating and the only survivor of the time spell has been frozen to stone. Only a warlock can turn him back and it turns out that the demon Minerva stole is a warlock who has powers to turn the warlock back to life. However, he does not know how to control his power.
Meanwhile, Billy Kong is enraged by Artemis Fowl's deception and vows to take Minerva back. He sets up a bomb to explode and Artemis Fowl is forced to teleport himself and a few other magical beings into Hybras to continue his plans.
His plan succeeds and he gains some magical power on the way. However, he did not return to his own time, but 3 years in the future. Fearing he had caused the depression of his parents, he returns to see the wreckage he had caused. Butler greets him warmly and tells him of Minerva friendship between him and her. He also tells him that the Fowls has two new family members, and the story ends on the enigmatic note: What will happen when he uses his magic powers?

I feel that he storyline is superb and the character development and pace of story is fantastic. However, the story tends to drag at parts when they describe the development and the cause for panic for the problem in the story. Furthermore, they tend to add to overly describe and sometimes under describe the process and plan that Artemis carries out. The story also tends to blind us a little with science. However, the book still carries out its purpose and gives a refreshing read. Overall, if you are looking for a new book or are a fan of fantasy or science fiction, this is the book for you. However, you might need to read the earlier series or you may not understand what is going on.

Rating: 7.5/10
Great book!