SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
After a friend is killed and Holly is blamed, she goes on the run. Knowing Artemis to be in danger, she tries to get to him in time to save him. But this Artemis doesn't remember there past three adventures. Together, the two have to outsmart a villain bent on revenge.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Artemis Fowl has reverted to who he was before he met Holly. As such, his morals are lacking. But as he regains them, its interesting to see him in the position of a pupil to Holly. The dynamic of their relationship has changed. It's even revealed that he feels terror and is shaking when he realizes the danger he is in. Quite different then the boy we have known.
Butler is in the first portion of the story. But after he is injured, he doesn't reappear until later. He is in less then half of the story but is crucial to the plot.
Holly Short takes on the role of a teacher, as Artemis is ignorant of “The People”. It's interesting to see her as the on giving orders while Artemis is an obedient pupil.
Mulch Diggums returns once he learns about Holly being in trouble. It was nice to see him go to her aid simply because he was worried about her. And he does more then get Butler to help him, as he is the main reason Holly and Artemis get rescued.
Foaly is the only one in Haven who doesn't believe that Holly killed anyone. He is crucial in finding out the truth about Opal and Holly.
Opal Koboi is still rather cartoony. I often have a hard time taking her seriously. She is still Colfer's bad comic element. And I honestly wish she hadn't been the one to kill a certain character.
PACING
The first portion of the story goes between Holly and Artemis' perspectives. Holly's end has more action while Artemis, on the other hand, is merely planning to do something. There is also Opal's perspective. Not to mention Butler's and Mulch's. This keeps the entire story well paced.
ACTION
One of my favorite scenes in the story is with Butler and a mattress. Definitely one of the most original, if not crazy things I have read. I also loved the idea of being at an abandoned amusement park.
I BELIEVE YOU-SPOILERS
When Holly finds Artemis she tells him the whole story, and he declares he believes her because it's the only thing that makes sense, and she knew about the contact lenses. I kind of wished he was more skeptical, and simply had to learn to have faith in Holly. He says he can only think of conspiracy theories to explain things, but doesn't a group of people secretly hidden underground sound like a conspiracy as well?
PAY UP-SPOILERS
In order to show that Artemis needs Holly in his life to mature, this Artemis demands payment for his services. I suppose it was necessary, but it came across as cheesy. Especially when Artemis says humans are business minded, while fairies are emotional. Its obvious that humans are very emotional, and someone as smart as Artemis should have known that. It seems to be trying to paint those with emotions as heroes, and those who support profit to be evil. All very simplistic, especially when emotions are not logic, and are certainly not truth.
HOLLY IN CHARGE
For the most part, Holly calls the shots in this story. But she isn't as overbearing as she might have been. Although she takes a shot or two at mud men, for the most part she is focused on saving her and Artemis. All in all, I found her much more likable then in the last book.
Artemis isn't completely useless though, which is good. As he might easily become annoying. He helps in multiple ways, and in the end, it's his ideas that save them.
HINTS OF THE PAST-SPOILERS
There are hints that Artemis remembers the past. He seems to be changing, developing a conscience. Ever since he found mirrored contact lenses in his eyes. Another hint is when he sees a painting of a fairy and realizes a fairy cannot go inside any building without an invitation. Not to mention Butler feels older than his years.
CLIMAX
After Artemis gets his memories back, we finally learn what Opal as in mind. This has been a mystery throughout the story, and it's finally revealed. She has more in mind then revenge on Holly and Artemis. And although it was rather silly how Opal was goaded intro trouble, it was still interesting. On a whole, I found the humor in this story less annoying, and found the end scene with Opal rather amusing.
CONCLUSION
Colfer creates another valuable entry into the Artemis Fowl Series. Each character plays a crucial role and there is plenty of action. Not to mention the usual humor minus the sometimes childlike humor we have seen in the past. We get to see Holly and Artemis play slightly different roles which is good, as there are no vast characters developments in this story. Well worth reading if you are a fan of the series. I give “The Opal Deception” four stars.
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