Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl (2001) is the first of 11 fantasy novels in the Fowl Adventures series. It was written by Eoin Colfer, an Irish writer, and details the titular character’s attempt to restore his family’s fortune by kidnapping an elf named Holly Short. Taking place in Colfer’s home country of Ireland, the novel is also his first foray into the fantasy genre. The novel explores themes of community, environmentalism, and the line between magic and science.

In 2010, Artemis Fowl was chosen by readers as the favorite Puffin Books title of all time. It also received favorable reviews from The New York Times Book Review and Time. Colfer has also written The Wish List (2001), The Supernaturalist (2005), The Legend of Spud Murphy (2006), Half Moon Investigations (2006), and Airman (2008), among others.

Content warning: This study guide contains discussions of violence and abduction, alcohol use disorder, and use of drugs (sleeping pills) to force compliance without consent.

This study guide refers to the 2001 edition published by Scholastic, Inc.

Plot Summary

The Prologue opens by explaining that Artemis Fowl is an account of the titular character’s “first villainous venture.” It positions Artemis as a devious young prodigy and informs the reader that this story is the best way to get to know the boy.