ALA Booklist
In this sequel to The Opal Deception (2005), 14-year-old Artemis discovers an unraveling time tunnel connecting demons with the earth. These imps have sworn revenge on humans, and their unpredictable appearances threaten to expose the entire fairy world. As always, Colfer delivers not only continuous action but also witty wordplay and dialogue, understated humor, and plenty of magical technology and gadgetry. A must for kids who have enjoyed Artemis' previous escapades.
Horn Book
In this fifth entry in the series, Artemis Fowl--now fourteen and in the grip of puberty--meets his match in twelve-year-old genius Minerva Paradizo. The plot revolves around the existence of demons, and the impending collision of their world with that of humans. Schemes within schemes may confound readers new to the series, but Artemis's many fans will find much to enjoy.
Voice of Youth Advocates
Artemis Fowl, now fourteen, is facing one of his toughest challenges: puberty. After espying a demon materialize in Spain, young Fowl correctly theorizes that the demon world is beginning to unravel and that the demons might begin to appear suddenly in the human world. After a series of complicated calculations, Artemis and his beloved manservant Butler sweep off to Sicily to see if his next demon appearance prediction is correct. At an opera in Sicily, to Artemis's delight, No. 1, a young imp (a demon who has not "warped") shows up suddenly on stage. Unluckily though for Artemis, another young genius, the very intelligent and attractive Minerva Paradizo, is also there to collect the imp. When Paradizo takes off with his prize, Artemis retaliates and decides to break into Chateau Paradizo to claim the imp and try to steal back No. 1, who unbeknownst to both Artemis and Minerva holds the secret that could save both worlds. This fifth installment in the Artemis Fowl series is a hilarious and rollicking adventure sure to satisfy fans of the series and delight new readers as well. Artemis's character has long evolved from his introduction into the series; at fourteen he is turning over a new leaf and developing increasingly into a mature character whose deeds are more admirable and less criminal. Fast-paced, funny, and wholly enjoyable, the book is an action-packed thrill ride through fantastic worlds and a must-have for every library collection.-Jennifer Feigelman.