Facebook Pixel
Searching...
The Lost Colony

The Lost Colony

by Eoin Colfer
4.01
100k+ ratings
Listen

Plot Summary

Mysterious Barcelona Encounter

Artemis and Butler await a visitor

In the bustling streets of Barcelona, Artemis Fowl, a teenage genius with a criminal past, and his loyal bodyguard, Butler, anticipate the arrival of a mysterious visitor. Artemis, driven by his calculations, expects a demon to materialize, a phenomenon linked to the unraveling of a time spell. As they wait, Artemis explains the potential dangers of this unraveling to Butler. Just as they are about to leave, a demon appears, and Artemis is momentarily whisked away through time, only to be saved by Butler's quick reflexes and a silver bracelet.

Demons and Time Unraveling

Artemis uncovers a dangerous truth

Back at Fowl Manor, Artemis delves into the fairy Book and Foaly's files, uncovering the alarming truth that the time spell holding the demon island of Hybras in Limbo is unraveling. This could scatter demons across time and space, with catastrophic consequences. Realizing the urgency, Artemis plans to travel to Sicily, where another demon materialization is predicted, hoping to gather evidence to convince the fairy Council of the impending crisis.

Minerva's Calculated Capture

A young genius outsmarts Artemis

In Sicily, Artemis, Butler, and Holly Short, a fairy ally, attend an opera, anticipating a demon's appearance. As predicted, a demon materializes, but Minerva Paradizo, a young genius like Artemis, captures it with a well-executed plan. Minerva intends to present demons to the world, posing a threat to the fairy People. Holly attempts to intervene but is captured, leaving Artemis to strategize their next move.

Holly's Daring Pursuit

Holly tracks Minerva's team

Now a Section 8 agent, Holly follows Minerva's team as they transport the captured demon to France. Despite her desire to rescue the demon immediately, she is advised by Foaly and Artemis to gather more information. Holly's pursuit takes her across Europe, where she learns more about Minerva's plans and the potential threat to the fairy world. Meanwhile, Artemis and Butler prepare to intercept Minerva at her chateau, hoping to rescue Holly and the demon.

A New Alliance Forms

Mulch and Doodah join the mission

To infiltrate Minerva's heavily guarded chateau, Artemis enlists the help of Mulch Diggums, a kleptomaniac dwarf, and Doodah Day, a pixie smuggler. Mulch and Doodah, both with unique skills, are tasked with planting a device to hack into the chateau's security system. Despite their bickering, the duo manages to complete their mission, setting the stage for Artemis and Butler to make their move.

The Paradizo Chateau Heist

A daring rescue unfolds

With the security system compromised, Artemis and Butler prepare to rescue Holly and the demon from Minerva's chateau. As chaos erupts within the compound, thanks to Foaly's technological interference, Artemis must outsmart Minerva, who proves to be a formidable opponent. The stakes are high, as the unraveling time spell threatens the existence of the demon race, and Artemis must act quickly to prevent disaster.

A Magical Escape Plan

Artemis devises a daring strategy

As the time spell unravels, Artemis Fowl and his companions face imminent danger on the demon island of Hybras. With the island's destruction looming, Artemis proposes using a bomb's energy to power a reverse time spell, hoping to return the island to Earth. The plan requires the combined magic of five beings, including the reluctant demon leader, Abbot. Despite the chaos, Artemis remains focused, knowing that the success of this plan is their only chance for survival.

The Time Tunnel's Toll

Time travel alters their reality

The journey through the time tunnel is tumultuous, leaving Artemis and his friends disoriented and changed. They arrive on Earth three years later than expected, with physical alterations like swapped eye colors. The time spent in the tunnel has taken a toll, but the group is relieved to be back. However, the realization of lost years weighs heavily on Artemis, who must now face the consequences of his absence.

Demon Politics Unravel

Abbot's control is challenged

On Hybras, the demon leader Abbot struggles to maintain his grip on power. His use of stolen magic to mesmerize the demon Council is exposed, leading to dissent among the ranks. As the time spell collapses, Abbot's authority crumbles, and he is forced to confront the truth of his actions. The demons, once united under his rule, begin to question his leadership, setting the stage for a power shift.

A Desperate Alliance Forms

Enemies unite for survival

With the island's destruction imminent, Artemis and his companions must form an uneasy alliance with Abbot and the demons. The need for survival outweighs past grievances, and they work together to harness the bomb's energy for the reverse time spell. This collaboration is fraught with tension, but the shared goal of returning to Earth unites them in a final, desperate effort.

A New World Awaits

Returning to a changed Earth

After successfully transporting the island back to Earth, Artemis and his friends face a world that has moved on without them. The three-year gap presents new challenges, as Artemis must reconcile with his family and adjust to the changes in his absence. Despite the difficulties, the group is hopeful for the future, knowing they have saved countless lives and forged new alliances.

Characters

Artemis Fowl

Brilliant teenage mastermind

Artemis is a genius with a history of criminal endeavors, now focused on preventing a crisis involving the demon race. His intellect and strategic thinking are crucial in navigating the complex situation with Minerva Paradizo and the unraveling time spell. Despite his past, Artemis is driven by a sense of responsibility to the fairy People.

Butler

Loyal and formidable bodyguard

Butler is Artemis's trusted protector, skilled in combat and strategy. His unwavering loyalty and quick reflexes are vital in keeping Artemis safe during their dangerous missions. Butler's experience and intuition often guide their actions, balancing Artemis's intellectual approach.

Holly Short

Determined fairy agent

Holly is a former LEP officer now working with Section 8. Her bravery and resourcefulness are key in tracking Minerva's team and attempting to rescue the captured demon. Holly's past experiences with Artemis have forged a strong bond, making her a crucial ally in their shared mission.

Minerva Paradizo

Young genius with ambitious plans

Minerva is a prodigious intellect, rivaling Artemis in her strategic thinking and scientific knowledge. Her discovery of demons and plans to present them to the world pose a significant threat to the fairy People. Minerva's motivations are complex, driven by a desire for recognition and scientific advancement.

Foaly

Tech-savvy centaur

Foaly is the technical genius behind Section 8, providing crucial support and intelligence to Holly and Artemis. His innovations and surveillance capabilities are instrumental in their efforts to counter Minerva's plans. Foaly's wit and expertise make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Mulch Diggums

Kleptomaniac dwarf with unique skills

Mulch is a former criminal turned ally, using his tunneling abilities and cunning to assist in the mission. His humor and resourcefulness add a dynamic element to the team, and his past experiences with Artemis and Holly make him a trusted, if unconventional, partner.

Doodah Day

Pixie smuggler with driving prowess

Doodah is recruited for his exceptional driving skills, crucial in infiltrating Minerva's chateau. Despite his initial reluctance, Doodah's involvement is motivated by the promise of amnesty, and his expertise proves vital in the mission's success.

Billy Kong

Dangerous and impulsive antagonist

Kong is a member of Minerva's team, known for his violent tendencies and lack of morals. His presence adds a layer of danger to the mission, as his unpredictable nature poses a threat to Holly and the captured demon.

No.1

Innocent and curious demon

No.1 is a young demon with untapped magical potential, captured by Minerva's team. His unique abilities and perspective on the demon race make him a key figure in the unfolding events. No.1's innocence and curiosity contrast with the dangerous situation he finds himself in.

Qwan

Ancient warlock with wisdom

Qwan is a powerful warlock who guides the group through the complexities of the time spell. His knowledge and experience are invaluable, providing the magical expertise needed to execute Artemis's plan. Qwan's presence offers stability and insight, helping the group navigate the challenges of their mission.

Abbot

Manipulative demon leader

Abbot is a cunning and ambitious demon who uses stolen magic to control his followers. His authority is challenged as the truth of his actions is revealed, leading to a loss of power. Despite his antagonistic nature, Abbot becomes an unlikely ally in the effort to save Hybras, driven by the shared goal of survival.

Plot Devices

Time Spell Unraveling

Decaying magic threatens existence

The time spell holding Hybras in Limbo is deteriorating, causing chaos and instability. This unraveling poses a significant threat to the demon race and the fairy People, driving the urgency of Artemis's mission. The spell's collapse forces the characters to confront the consequences of time travel and the changes it brings.

Minerva's Calculations

Strategic genius challenges Artemis

Minerva Paradizo's ability to predict demon materializations and her plans to reveal them to the world create a formidable challenge for Artemis and his allies. Her strategic thinking and scientific knowledge rival Artemis's own, making her a key antagonist in the story.

Section 8 Technology

Advanced tools aid the mission

The cutting-edge technology provided by Section 8, including Holly's field helmet and Foaly's surveillance capabilities, play a crucial role in the mission. These tools allow the team to gather intelligence, infiltrate Minerva's chateau, and counter her plans effectively.

Reverse Time Spell

Desperate plan to save Hybras

Artemis's plan to use a bomb's energy to power a reverse time spell is a central plot device. This risky strategy requires the combined magic of multiple beings and highlights the themes of sacrifice and collaboration. The success of the spell is crucial to the group's survival and their return to Earth.

Magical Transformation

Physical and emotional changes

The journey through the time tunnel leaves the characters altered, both physically and emotionally. These changes serve as a metaphor for the impact of their experiences and the growth they undergo. The transformations challenge the characters to adapt and find new ways to connect with each other and the world around them.

Analysis

Themes of responsibility and change

"The Lost Colony" explores themes of responsibility, change, and the consequences of one's actions. Artemis Fowl's journey from a criminal mastermind to a protector of the fairy People highlights the importance of using one's abilities for the greater good. The unraveling time spell and the subsequent transformations of the characters serve as metaphors for the inevitable changes that life brings. The story emphasizes the value of alliances and collaboration, even among former enemies, to overcome shared challenges. Through its engaging narrative and complex characters, the book offers a reflection on the power of intelligence, the necessity of adaptation, and the enduring impact of time on personal growth and relationships.

Review Summary

4.01 out of 5
Average of 100k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Lost Colony, the fifth book in the Artemis Fowl series, introduces new characters and explores demon magic. Readers appreciate the humor, especially regarding Artemis's puberty, and the complex plot involving time travel. The addition of Minerva, a young genius rival, adds intrigue. While some found the pacing uneven, many consider it one of the best in the series. The book's ending sets up excitement for future installments. Overall, fans enjoy the creative heists, character development, and expanding magical world.

Your rating:

About the Author

Eoin Colfer is an Irish author born in 1965 in Wexford. Raised in an educator family, he obtained a degree from Dublin University and taught primary school. Colfer has lived and worked internationally, including in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy. The success of his Artemis Fowl novels allowed him to retire from teaching and focus on writing full-time. He now resides in Ireland with his wife and two children. Colfer's experiences as an educator and his global travels have likely influenced his writing, contributing to the imaginative and diverse worlds he creates in his books.

Download PDF

To save this The Lost Colony summary for later, download the free PDF. You can print it out, or read offline at your convenience.
Download PDF
File size: 0.33 MB     Pages: 12

Download EPUB

To read this The Lost Colony summary on your e-reader device or app, download the free EPUB. The .epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
Download EPUB
File size: 3.06 MB     Pages: 12
0:00
-0:00
1x
Dan
Andrew
Michelle
Lauren
Select Speed
1.0×
+
200 words per minute
Create a free account to unlock:
Bookmarks – save your favorite books
History – revisit books later
Ratings – rate books & see your ratings
Unlock unlimited listening
Your first week's on us!
Today: Get Instant Access
Listen to full summaries of 73,530 books. That's 12,000+ hours of audio!
Day 4: Trial Reminder
We'll send you a notification that your trial is ending soon.
Day 7: Your subscription begins
You'll be charged on Nov 22,
cancel anytime before.
Compare Features Free Pro
Read full text summaries
Summaries are free to read for everyone
Listen to summaries
12,000+ hours of audio
Unlimited Bookmarks
Free users are limited to 10
Unlimited History
Free users are limited to 10
What our users say
30,000+ readers
“...I can 10x the number of books I can read...”
“...exceptionally accurate, engaging, and beautifully presented...”
“...better than any amazon review when I'm making a book-buying decision...”
Save 62%
Yearly
$119.88 $44.99/yr
$3.75/mo
Monthly
$9.99/mo
Try Free & Unlock
7 days free, then $44.99/year. Cancel anytime.
Settings
Appearance