(Image from Barnes & Noble)

When Artemis manages to procure the mythological Book of the People, a handbook for fairyfolk, he has all the info he needs to hunt down the treasure. He knows it won't be simple to trick the creatures out of their money, but he's not called a boy genius for nothing. It's only when Artemis captures feisty Captain Holly Short of the elite LEPrecon unit, however, that he starts to get a taste of what he's really up against. Still, with his brains, his Herculean bodyguard, and his iron will, Artemis is sure to triumph. Isn't he?

In Artemis Fowl, the first book in Eoin Colfer's popular series, the Irish author introduces an entire world (underworld?) of fantastical creatures. Artemis is interesting in his own right, but then we have his adversaries: a cigar-chomping Elf commander; a stubborn fairy captain; a wise-cracking, tech-savvy centaur; a kleptomaniac, digestively-challenged dwarf; and a whole lot more. Their interactions with the Mud People (humans) make for a fun fantasy adventure that is action-packed and clever to boot. While I did get a little bored with the tale, my kids hung onto every word. They've been boring through the sequels with a tenacity that would make Mulch proud. Even though my own reaction to Artemis Fowl is more lukewarm than head-over-heels, I'm still excited to see where the story goes. As long as it keeps getting better, I'll tag along for the ride.

(Readalikes: Reminded me of Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series)

Grade: B-

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG because of intense action, very vague sexual innuendo and language (a handful of mild invectives)

To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Artemis Fowl from the generous folks at Disney/Hyperion. Thank you!