Colfer signs two-book deal for Artemis spinoff

WEXFORD author Eoin Colfer has signed a major two-book deal for a spinoff from his popular Artemis Fowl series.

The new novels, The Fowl Twins and an as yet untitled sequel, will focus on Artemis’s younger brothers, Myles and Beckett, who, after being left alone for just one night, end up having to save a troll from a nefarious nobleman and an interrogating nun – each of whom need the magical creature for their own gain. Readers will get to know the Fowl twins, revisit favourite characters, and enjoy all the action and wit that Artemis Fowl fans have come to expect.

In a statement the award-winning author said: ‘I am delighted to be back in the world of fairies, magic, and criminal masterminds, and I could not be more pleased that Disney and HarperCollins, two wonderful publishers with whom I share a long and fruitful history, are going to unleash the Fowl twins on the world. I cannot wait for a whole new generation of readers to immerse themselves in the magical adventures of Myles and Beckett. The future is bright. The future is Fowl.’

The two books have been acquired by Disney-Hyperion who will, in the lead up to the publication of the new books, release repackaged editions of the eight-book Artemis Fowl series, two at a time, beginning this October.

In addition, U.K. rights to The Fowl Twins were sold to HarperCollins Children’s Books UK.

The Artemis Fowl books have sold more than 25 million copies around the world and a film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is due for release in 2019.

Stephanie Lurie, editor at Disney-Hyperion, said: ‘The Fowl Twins books will transport readers right back to the world of Artemis Fowl with their trademark humour, high-tech gadgetry, and unforgettable human and fairy characters.’