Eoin Colfer, renowned for his bestselling young adult series, Artemis Fowl, steps into the adult fiction arena with his novel Highfire. Colfer brings his trademark wit and fast-paced storytelling to this audacious tale that blends fantasy, humor, and action in a manner that is both familiar to his longtime fans and fresh for new audiences.

Set in the swampy backwaters of Louisiana, Highfire introduces readers to Vern, a dragon whose former life of grandeur as Wyvern, Lord Highfire, has dwindled to a reclusive existence filled with Netflix binges, vodka indulgence, and an unlikely wardrobe choice of a Flashdance T-shirt. Once a figure of awe and fear, Vern now adopts a distinctly more human, if not downtrodden, lifestyle.

The narrative ignites when Vern crosses paths with fifteen-year-old Everett “Squib” Moreau. Squib, a spirited and quick-witted teenager with his own set of survival skills, finds himself entangled with a corrupt sheriff named Regence Hooke. Following a perilous encounter that leads Squib to witness a crime, his fate becomes intertwined with that of Vern’s. The dragon, despite his hermit-like existence, cannot resist becoming embroiled in human affairs once more, especially when it brings some excitement to his otherwise mundane life.

Colfer’s ability to craft dynamic characters shines through in Highfire. Vern, with his cynical humor and reluctant heroism, contrasts delightfully with Squib’s youthful optimism and moral fortitude. The villainous Regence Hooke adds a deliciously sinister edge to the tale, ensuring the stakes remain high and the pages keep turning. Yet, it is the unusual bond between a mythical dragon and a human boy that forms the heartfelt core of the narrative.

Colfer’s narrative style weaves a rich tapestry of comedy and action, with dialogues brimming with sharp wit. His descriptions of the Louisiana bayou are both atmospheric and immersive, allowing readers to almost feel the humidity and hear the buzz of insects.

However, while Highfire thrives on its elements of fantasy and humor, at times the tonal shifts between Vern’s melancholic reflections on his past and the comedic escapades can feel somewhat jarring. Despite this minor discord, the book maintains enough charm and momentum to keep readers engaged.

Overall, Highfire marks a successful foray into adult literature for Eoin Colfer. This novel is a compelling blend of the fantastical and the everyday, with enough action and humor to make it a highly entertaining read. Fans of Colfer’s previous works will appreciate this novel for its creative flair and narrative exuberance, while newcomers will find it a uniquely enjoyable introduction to the author’s expansive imagination.

Highfire is recommended for those who enjoy genre-blending stories filled with eccentric characters and zesty dialogue. Eoin Colfer has indeed brought something new to the adult fantasy landscape, and it will be exciting to see where his imagination takes him next.