When Holly Short's arch-nemesis, Opal Kaboi, escapes from the mental institute, kills Commander Root, and frames her for the crime, there's only one person who can help. Unfortunately, the LEP has erased all fairy-related memories from teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl's brain, and Opal's grand scheme for revenge includes him and his faithful bodyguard Butler as well. Now Holly and Artemis must not only outsmart the super-genius, ego-maniacal pixie, but they also must escape the clutches of hungry trolls, restore Artemis's memory, and clear Holly's name, all before Opal accomplishes her sinister scheme.True to form, Colfer once again combines the mythical intrigue of fairy magic with fast-paced and high-tech action for an over-the-top adventure that is both intelligent and fun. This episode also has a lot of heart, as the characters deal with the loss of one of their own, and as Artemis continues to contemplate what to make of his life -- whether to use his genius for positive or for profit. It wouldn't be an Artemis Fowl book without Mulch Diggum's flatulence jabs, a touch of violence, and some advanced technical jargon -- elements which not all readers might appreciate in YA fiction. Overall, though, this was an exciting (albeit typical) Fowl adventure that is hard to put down!
