Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Witty and exciting series start with irresistible antihero.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say the book features a complex and intriguing storyline surrounding a young criminal mastermind who interacts with a variety of fairytale characters in a unique way, blending fantasy with darker themes and humor. While many readers appreciate the rich character development and educational elements within the narrative, others are put off by the main character’s moral ambiguity and certain violent aspects, leading to a mixed reception overall.
- complex storyline
- character development
- moral ambiguity
- educational elements
- mixed reception
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
After a jaunt in Ho Chi Min City to steal from a rogue fairy, it's finally his: ARTEMIS FOWL, age 12, millionaire criminal, has a copy of the fairies' sacred book containing all their secrets. With the help of his brilliant mind and some sophisticated computer software, he decodes the book and begins to make his nefarious plan to force the fairies to give up their gold. Stakeouts ensue around ancient oak trees, where fairies need to complete their rites and renew their magic. Poor Captain Holly Short, member of the fairy police LEPrecon Unit, heads to the wrong tree for the ceremony and gets kidnapped by Artemis and his hulking bodyguard, Butler. As the negotiations begin for her release, the fairies with their magic and sophisticated weaponry think they have Artemis easily beat. But they don't know Artemis.
Is It Any Good?
This witty, exciting series start boasts an irresistible 12-year-old antihero and a host of fantastic characters. There's kidnapped Captain Holly, who's determined to redeem herself; Butler, the perfect assassin who will do anything to protect his sister; overconfident and foolish Commander Root -- and they're all flawed and intriguing with plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Even as the action ratchets up, readers will be torn about whom to root for.
Another wonderful strength of the book is the way the story builds. Most of it takes place in one evening -- magical fairy time stoppage included. Even when a real clock isn't ticking, readers will be biting their nails counting down to the scary "blue-rinse" bomb. The big question throughout the action-packed evening: Is Artemis really one step ahead of the fairies or finally in over his head?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Artemis. Do you like him? Why, or why not? Do you want Holly or Artemis to prevail, or both?
What do you think of the series so far? Will you keep reading? What kinds of hints does the narrator give about what's to come for Artemis and Holly?
Do you think Commander Root is a good boss or a bad one? Why did he hire Holly, and why does he want her to succeed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : April 26, 2001
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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