Summary
Artemis Fowl by Irish author Eoin Colfer follows the adventures of 12-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl II as he discovers and exploits the hidden world of fairies. Published in 2001, it marked the debut of an eight-book young adult fantasy series, blending elements of science fiction and crime thriller to create a unique world where high-tech fairies clash with a child genius. Known for its witty dialogue and inventive mythology, Artemis Fowl gained a dedicated fanbase.
Plot
A 12-year-old criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl II hatches an ambitious plan to restore his family's fortune by kidnapping a fairy and holding her for ransom. After extensive research into fairy lore, Artemis and his bodyguard Butler capture Captain Holly Short, an elf in the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance) unit. Artemis demands a ton of gold from the fairy people in exchange for Holly's safe return.
The LEP, led by Commander Root, attempts several operations to rescue Holly and thwart Artemis's scheme. However, Artemis proves to be a formidable opponent, having anticipated many of their moves. As time runs out, the fairies resort to more drastic measures, including a “time-stop” and a troll attack on Fowl Manor. Meanwhile, Holly manages to partially escape and heal Butler's younger sister Juliet, gaining some leverage in the situation.
In a final showdown, Artemis outsmarts the fairies by exploiting loopholes in their rules and magic. He secures half the ransom gold but agrees to return Holly and relinquish the other half in exchange for helping cure his mother's madness. Though Artemis achieves his goal, the experience begins to soften his ruthlessness, hinting at the possibility of redemption for the young criminal genius. The book ends with the fairies mind-wiping Artemis and his associates to protect the secrecy of their underground civilization.
Themes
Coming of age and moral growth
Clash between magic and technology
Greed and the corrupting influence of wealth
Trust and friendship across cultural divides
Family loyalty and legacy
Environmental conservation and protection
Good versus evil and shades of gray morality
Setting
The Artemis Fowl series takes place in the modern era, spanning the early 2000s to early 2010s. While the exact years are not specified, the books incorporate contemporary technology and cultural references, placing the stories firmly in the 21st century. This modern setting creates an intriguing juxtaposition with the ancient fairy civilization that exists hidden from human society.
Geographically, the series spans multiple locations around the world. Much of the action is centered in Ireland, particularly at Fowl Manor, the sprawling estate of the Fowl family located outside Dublin. However, the stories also take readers to diverse settings like the Arctic, London, Chicago, Sicily, and even an underwater city. The fairy civilization, including the underground city of Haven, adds another layer to the world, existing below the surface in vast networks of tunnels and caverns.
Within these broader geographical areas, specific locations play important roles in the plot. Fowl Manor serves as Artemis's base of operations and the site of several key confrontations. The high-tech facilities of the Lower Elements Police (LEP) showcase fairy technology. Various human cities provide backdrops for Artemis's schemes and adventures.
Characters
Artemis Fowl II: 12-year-old criminal mastermind and main protagonist. Highly intelligent but cold and ruthless in pursuing his goals.
Domovoi Butler: Artemis's loyal bodyguard and friend. Highly skilled fighter and weapons expert who accompanies Artemis on his adventures.
Holly Short: Elf and captain in the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance) unit. Kidnapped by Artemis but later becomes his reluctant ally.
Commander Julius Root: Leader of the LEPrecon unit. Known for his short temper and red face, earning him the nickname “Beetroot."
Foaly: Centaur tech genius who works for the LEP. Designs most of their advanced equipment and weapons.
Mulch Diggums: Kleptomaniac dwarf and criminal who ends up helping the fairies against Artemis.
Angeline Fowl: Artemis's mother, who has descended into madness after her husband's disappearance.
Artemis Fowl I: Artemis's missing father, presumed dead after an encounter with the Russian Mafia.
Juliet Butler: Butler's younger sister, who occasionally assists on missions.
Quick facts
The character of Artemis Fowl was partly inspired by Eoin Colfer's younger brother Donal, who was a very serious child.
Colfer originally intended for Artemis Fowl to be a standalone novel, but its popularity inspired him to expand the adventures into an eight-book series.
Colfer describes the first book as “Die Hard with fairies."
The character Holly Short was originally going to be male, but Colfer changed her to female to add diversity.
In 2010, Artemis Fowl was voted the favorite Puffin Books title of all time by readers.
The series has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, with translations into 44 languages.
The audiobook versions are narrated by actor Nathaniel Parker, who voices all the characters.
There are graphic novel adaptations of the first four books in the series.
A film adaptation directed by Kenneth Branagh was released on Disney+ in 2020, but was poorly received by critics and fans.
Colfer has expressed interest in possibly writing a musical adaptation of Artemis Fowl in the future.
About the Author
Eoin Colfer is an author best known for his Artemis Fowl young adult fantasy series. Born in 1965 in Wexford, Ireland, he began his career as a primary school teacher. His passion for storytelling led him to pursue writing full-time. His Irish heritage and extensive travels throughout Europe have significantly influenced his work, providing rich cultural backgrounds for his stories.
Colfer's breakthrough came in 2001 with the publication of Artemis Fowl, which quickly became a New York Times bestseller. The series, comprising eight main books, has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. Beyond Artemis Fowl, Colfer has authored numerous other successful works, including Airman, The Supernaturalist, and the W.A.R.P. series.
In addition to his original works, Colfer was commissioned to write the sixth installment of Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, titled And Another Thing.... He has also ventured into graphic novels, collaborating with Marvel Comics to release Iron Man: The Gauntlet in 2016. Colfer's versatility as a writer is evident in his range of works, from children's fantasy to science fiction and adventure novels.
Colfer's contributions to literature have earned him numerous accolades, including the Irish Book Awards Children's Book of the Year. From 2014 to 2016, he served as Laureate na nÓg, Ireland's Children's Laureate, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in children's literature.
