Bringing a long-running series to a close is always tricky fan is ever entirely happy after all that buildup. All in all, though, Colfer has rounded off this final book about the not-always-likable Artemis Fowl in a way readers will appreciate, right down to the clever last lines. The principle characters are all there, and the overall feeling is uncharacteristically touching. Don't worry ere's still all the adventure and snarkiness the series is known for: ingenious gadgets; humorous sidekicks, like the perpetually gassy Mulch Diggums; and faeries who kick . . . well, you know what. But this is an ending, after all. The plot centers around nemesis Opal Koboi's plot to open a gate that will release not only long-buried warrior faeries bent on revenge against the human race but actual Armageddon. The Fowl's Irish estate is at the center of the action, and Artemis, Holly, and Butler's plans fizzle until Colfer's antihero makes himself sacrificial bait. A definite winner.

Artemis Fowl's pixie nemesis Opal Koboi reanimates a horde of spirit Berserkers to possess Artemis's four-year-old twin brothers and their nanny/bodyguard for the purpose of destroying humankind. Teen genius Artemis and his crew must out-think them all. This final volume has close-knit relationships, desperate last stands, and a gleeful penchant for utter destruction, sending the series off in high style.