Child genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, has discovered the fairy people and their book of laws and traditions. In his best money making scheme yet, Artemis kidnaps a fairy and attempts to hold her for ransom. Unfortunately, the fairy he captures happens to be Captain Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police. The adventure that follows is entertaining and introduces one of the greatest casts of characters yet. This first book is fun, but the true value of Artemis Fowl comes in the series to follow where the characters develop, bond, and never cease to make me laugh.