H. I. V. E.: Higher Institute of Villainous Education by Mark Walden

The Blurb On The Back:

You have been selected. All of you. The worst. The most cunning. The most mischievous minds from around the world - selected to become part of an institution like no other.

Thirteen-year-old master criminal Otto Malpense has been chosen to attend H.I.V.E., the top-secret school of villainy. But there is one small catch - he cannot leave until his training is complete. There's no way Otto is going to spend six years studying something he has such a natural talent for.

He is left with one option. Escape.

He just needs to figure out how.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

It's okay. Not particularly innovative and far too many similarities to Harry Potter for it to stand on its own. However, the story arc has the potential to be interesting, which is why I'd read on.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

The Blurb On The Back:

Artemis Fowl. You've probably heard the name.

If Internet rumours are to be believed, he's responsible for every major crime of the new century. If you haven't heard of young Artemis, then you're lucky. You'll sleep better not knowing that someone like him is out there. But if you must know, if your curiosity is eating away at you, as it did at me, then let's start at the beginning ...

In this, the story of Artemis's first encounter with the fairy People, you'll find out how he hatched a plot to restore his family's fortune. You'll read how he discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous fairies, farting dwarfs and mind-blowing technology. And you'll learn how, by kidnapping Captain Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police, Artemis almost triggered a cross-species war.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

It's not perfect, but it's very entertaining and the writing is good enough to make me want to read more of this world.