Someone has been supplying Class A illegal human power sources to the goblins. Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit is sure that her arch-enemy, thirteen-year-old Artemis Fowl, is responsible. But is he? Artemis has his own problems to deal with: his father is being held to ransom and only a miracle will save him. Maybe this time a brilliant plan just won't be enough. Maybe this time Artemis needs help...

Another great book in the series! I read a copy of this from the school library where I work a year or so back and really enjoyed it.

Picked up at the meetup with the Dunedin bookcrossers on Saturday. Apparently I should read these in order, so I'll put this aside until I can find the other(s).

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I finally managed to borrow the other books in the series from Meerkitten, so I was at last able to read this one.

So far I haven't been enjoying these books as much as the Harry Potter ones - they're fun, and imaginative, but somehow are just a bit lacking in something (though I can't put my finger on exactly what). Some of the bad science concerns me a bit too (yes, I know the books are fantasy, but if you're going to use stuff that sounds like science, especially in a children's book, then I think you should make the effort to get the bits that correspond to real world ideas right).

But apart from that, they're enjoyable books, and it's fun having a (rather wimpy) evil genius as the hero in a kid's book. Having the codes along the bottom of the pages is a nice touch, too - something to stretch young minds a bit (so far they've been reasonably simple substitution codes with a cute little twist to up the difficulty level a bit). If you can't be bothered doing it yourself, here's what this book's secret message says (highlight to read): Congratulations human. If you have cracked this code then you are more intelligent than most of your species. This is a message from the fairy people. We are seeking out our allies among the mud men. Though most humans are dullwitted creatures there are exceptions. You for example. The reason for your intelligence is that you have fairy ancestors. Do you feel different from those around you? Are your ears a bit pointier than most? Is your tongue long enough to touch your nose? Do you dream of flying? Have you ever thought that you do not belong among the mud men? That is because you have fairy blood in your veins. So young mud fairy I have a mission for you. As one of the people it is your duty to protect the earth from those who would destroy it. You must become one of a new race of mud men who love this planet as much as the fairy folk. There is one simple rule. Use only what you need and use it wisely. Do this and the earth will survive. Go now and begin your quest. I shall repeat this message for those humans whose fairy intelligence is buried a bit deeper than yours. Congratulations human... (spoiler ends).

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Given to another bookcrosser at today's meetup.

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Picked up at a bookcrossing meet-up. Now being read by my wife (gwilk's squeeze).

On a park bench overlooking the playground.