The 'eternity code' is something Artemis used to lock the C Cube - his latest invention based on stolen fairy intelligence that can control all human technology. He links up with the powerful but evil entrepreneur Jon Spiro to keep the C Cube off the market for big bucks. So far so good, but our eyes always deceive us. When the negotiations break down, Artemis loses control of what he thought had been kept in check. Then every move of his backfires. Even his loyal bodyguard Butler is mortally injured.

Artemis is as interesting a character as Harry Potter, albeit darker. Imagination abounds in both books. Harry opens the world of witches and wizards to us, whereas Artemis offers a glimpse of the fairies' haven. What a pity then that while Harry is an asset to society, Artemis seems to be a liability.

The plots also remind me of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. The tug-of-war between good and evil is vigorous in both series.

But when we go beyond the sensual stimulations, the mental journey of Eternity Code is tough. Especially when humans can duplicate life today, how can we ask ourselves to understand and appreciate human limitations? Yet such a young genius as Artemis has to pray for miracles to happen.

The reunion of Artemis and his father after five years is particularly thought-provoking. Released from prison, the father is now an honest man. He wants the family to turn over a new leaf. The request is a direct blow to Artemis, who finds it hard to understand the changes in his old man.

Colfer's narration is very true-to-life because the former elementary school teacher has a good understanding of the psychology of adolescents.

Eternity Code matches the previous two Artemis adventures. Twists and turns just get better as the story develops, but there has been a mixed reaction to the ending. Focus on the characters may not be what some readers look for in a fantasy.

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer is now available at online bookshop, paddy-field.com.

ISBN: 0-670-91352-9

Language point

Artemis gets annoyed when people treat him like a kid. Let's read how he replies to a waiter who offers him a menu for children:

'No, mademoiselle, I would not like to see the children's menu. I have no doubt the children's menu itself tastes better than the meals on it. I would like to order a la carte. Or don't you serve fish to minors?'

Pay attention to Artemis' choice of words. He is trying hard to show off his maturity and literacy. For example, he says 'minors' instead of 'children' or 'kids'. There is subtle difference between the words. A 'minor' is a person who is legally a child. In Hong Kong and many other places, people are 'minors' until they reach the age of 18. It does not say anything about one's maturity or behaviour.

However, when you describe someone as 'childlike', the person seems like a child in their character or appearance. The adjective 'childish' even shows disapproval. It means the person is immature. This is definitely not the impression Artemis wants to give!

Artemis also uses many French words to pepper his conversation with exotic colour. For example, 'mademoiselle' is French for 'miss'.

'A la carte' is originally French but is now commonly used in English. 'Carte' means a list of dishes available at a restaurant, or menu. To order a la carte means to order individually priced dishes for each course, as opposed to ordering set meals (Table d'hote).