The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer Summary

The Arctic Incident is the second book in the Artemis Fowl series, where 13-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl discovers his father is alive and being held hostage by the Russian Mafia. Simultaneously, the fairy police force LEP faces a goblin rebellion involving illegal weapons powered by human batteries. Artemis must team up with Captain Holly Short and Commander Root to solve both crises, leading to a dangerous rescue mission in Murmansk.

The Arctic Incident is perfect for middle-grade and young adult readers who enjoy science fiction, fantasy adventures, and clever protagonists. Fans of the first Artemis Fowl book will appreciate the continued character development and expanded fairy world-building. The novel appeals to readers aged 10-14 who love action-packed plots with witty dialogue, inventive technology, and morally complex characters navigating both human and supernatural challenges.

The Arctic Incident received generally positive critical reception, with reviewers praising its "puns, word plays, and inventive new concepts about the fairy realm". Kirkus Reviews called it an "exhilarating Celtic caper" that delights fans while converting new readers. While Publishers Weekly noted the higher body count might not suit all tastes, most critics found it a "cracking good read" that successfully builds upon the first book's foundation.

Yes, reading the first Artemis Fowl book before The Arctic Incident is highly recommended. The sequel directly references events from the first book, including Artemis's previous encounter with the fairy world and the consequences of his actions. Characters like Briar Cudgeon appear specifically because of their involvement in the "Artemis Fowl affair," and Artemis's moral development throughout the series builds chronologically. Starting with book one provides essential context for character relationships and plot developments.

Artemis Fowl I is discovered alive at the beginning of The Arctic Incident after the Russian Mafia sank his ship, the Fowl Star, three years earlier. He survived but lost a leg and the use of one eye. The novel's central plot involves his son Artemis II receiving proof his father is being held hostage and organizing a daring rescue mission to Murmansk with help from fairy allies.

The primary antagonists are Briar Cudgeon, a disgraced former LEP Lieutenant seeking revenge after his role in the first book, and Opal Koboi, a megalomaniac pixie and technology rival to Foaly. Together they orchestrate the goblin rebellion, supplying illegal Softnose weapons powered by human batteries while remaining above suspicion by staging attacks on Koboi's own property. Their ultimate goal is to kill Commander Root and seize control of Haven City.

The Arctic Incident marks significant moral development for Artemis Fowl. In a rare moment of sincerity, Artemis admits to Holly Short that he "made a mistake" regarding his actions in the first book. This acknowledgment represents the beginning of his character transformation throughout the series. His willingness to help rescue his father and cooperate with the LEP demonstrates growing empathy and indicates he's becoming less purely self-interested and ruthless.

The goblin rebellion involves heavily armed goblins attacking fairy forces with outlawed Softnose weaponry powered by human batteries, classified as Class A contraband. Orchestrated secretly by Briar Cudgeon and Opal Koboi, the rebellion serves as cover for their plan to disable LEP weapons, frame centaur Foaly as the mastermind, and ultimately kill Commander Root to take control of Haven. The attacks escalate until Artemis's team breaks into Koboi Laboratories to restore weapon control.

Yes, Mulch Diggums returns as a crucial character despite being presumed dead after his break-in at Fowl Manor. Foaly discovered Mulch survived by tracing missing gold bars to Los Angeles, where the kleptomaniac dwarf was living as a diminutive millionaire and legendary Oscar thief. The team recruits Mulch specifically because he's the only fairy who successfully broke into Koboi Laboratories during its construction, making him essential for stopping the goblin rebellion.

Captain Holly Short begins the story disgraced following events from the first book but becomes central to solving both the goblin rebellion and rescuing Artemis's father. Despite initially suspecting Artemis of supplying batteries to goblins, she joins the mission to track down the true supplier. Holly demonstrates bravery throughout, performs emergency healing when injured, and ultimately saves Artemis Fowl I from drowning when the Russians throw him overboard.

The Arctic Incident expands the fairy world established in the first book while showing Artemis's moral growth rather than purely criminal cleverness. Critics noted Colfer's successful character expansion and inventive new concepts about the fairy realm. While the first book positioned Artemis as an antagonist kidnapping Holly Short, the sequel transforms him into a reluctant ally working with fairy forces. However, Publishers Weekly cautioned the sequel "ratchets up the body count" compared to its predecessor.

The Arctic Incident explores themes of redemption, family loyalty, and moral development. Artemis's quest to rescue his father demonstrates the importance of family bonds, while his admission of past mistakes shows personal growth. The novel examines trust and cooperation between former enemies as Artemis works alongside Holly Short and Commander Root. Additionally, it addresses betrayal through Cudgeon and Koboi's treachery, and the consequences of revenge-driven actions versus working toward collective good.