Reviewed by James, Berkelouw Mona Vale

The world Eoin Colfer has created in his Artemis Fowl series is one that successfully combines fairy magic with high-tech espionage.

When Artemis Fowl, child genius and criminal mastermind discovers a fairy civilisation below ground, he decides to relieve them of their riches. However, Artemis soon discovers that he may not be as cunning or devious as he believes.

Wickedly funny and brimming with action, this book can prove hard to put down once started.