Demented Fantasy At Its Worst

I was glancing around the bookshelves looking for a nice, easy read one afternoon when I happened across a peculiar little book. It had large text, curious pictures and runes on the bottom of each page, and a cover that stood out among the drab tomes to either side of it. Obviously, I snatched it up, with no clue about the author and about as much info on the plot.

Imagine, if you dare, Stewie from Family Guy as a 12 year old with a fortune at his command. That about explains the infamous Artemis Fowl II, a criminal mastermind who's hoping to make history. His scheme? Obtain and decipher the sacred Book of the Fairies.

Captain Holly Short, the first female admitted into LEPrecon, has just bumbled yet another mission when Fowl puts his plan into motion. Now this young LEP officer may well be the only thing standing between the preservation of peace and a full-blown interspecies war against the humans.

The first of a series, this book is totally irreverent, hilarious, and highly addictive. Colfer gives good details of his world without getting too descriptive for casual readers and has some interesting views on technology, culture, and Dwarven biology. *shudder*

With the exception that I'll never be able to take Dwarves seriously again, this book was not only an excellent "chance find", but a must-have for any fan of comedic fantasy, be they a casual or hardcore reader.

280 pages, large text