“The J. Argon Clinic was not a state hospital.”

From Eion Colfer’s Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception.

After Artemis Fowl’s last run in with the wicked pixie Opal Koboi, he should be very afraid of her new plans… if only his fairies hadn’t wiped his memory.  Despite all the good he developed in his previous work with Holly and the Lower Elements Police force (as well as the thief-turned-mostly-good-guy Digger Mulch), Artemis was deemed too much of a risk for the magical world to be allowed to keep his memories after the last time he helped them.  Now Opal has managed not only to escape her maximum security cell in a mental hospital and frame police captain Holly Short with the murder of her commanding officer, but she has also kicked off her new plan with an attempt to kill young Artemis and his bodyguard, Butler.  Unable to turn to fairies for help as she is wanted for murder, Holly has no choice but to seek help from Artemis who agrees to help at a cost.  Holly agrees to Artemis’ terms, but the trouble only seems to escalate as Opal manipulates a billionaire as part of her plan to join the human and fairy worlds in a war that will destroy both sides.

The fourth book in the series is intense and full of action, taking on slightly more serious themes while also creating an enjoyable fantasy adventure.  Colfer’s blending of the real and fantastical is, as always, fun and somehow believable.  The characters are allowed a chance to develop (especially for the title character who gets to grow for a second time due to his previous mind wipe) in pace with a solid story and imagery.  The Opal Deception acts as a turning point for the series and will leave readers waiting desperately to read the next book.