Artemis Fowl, having reverted to his criminal lifestyle following his last run-in with the fairies, travels to Berlin intending to steal a famous painting from a German bank, not realizing his old rival, Opal Koboi, has been just waiting for a chance to destroy him.

In the kingdom of Axaria, a darkness has fallen. After defeating the evil mother who summoned an immortal demon to kill her, newly coronated Queen Asterin Faelenhart should have every reason to celebrate. Her kingdom is safe, forbidden magic eradicated, and her friends are alive. Except Asterin's triumph has come at a devastating cost -- forced to choose between a lifelong friend and true love, she's lost both. But the shadows in Axaria have begun...

While on the trail of her father's murderers, the young archer from "Hero's Song" discovers her birthright--a magical arrow--and the sinister doings of an evil sorcerer.