Get ready to step into the magical realms of fantasy as we unveil 11 incredible books like Artemis Fowl that capture the same enchanting spirit. If you’ve been craving more clever heroes, mythical creatures, and epic adventures, you’re in for a real treat. In this carefully curated selection, you’ll find imaginative worlds, charismatic characters, and thrilling quests that will transport you to places beyond your wildest dreams.
Whether you’re a die-hard Artemis Fowl fan or just venturing into the enchanting world of fantasy, these recommendations for books Like Artemis Fowl promise to ignite your imagination and keep you glued to the pages. Join us as we embark on these captivating journeys and explore the limitless wonder of fantasy literature.
Books Like Artemis Fowl
Here are 11 books like Artemis Fowl for fans and sci-fi enthusiasts.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians (2005)
by Rick Riordan
‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians’ is a five-book fantasy series. It follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. The series combines elements of Greek mythology with modern-day settings and revolves around Percy’s journey to uncover his true identity and save the world from various mythological threats. The series is essentially ‘Artemis Fowl’ with a mythological twist.
Throughout the series, Percy encounters various Greek gods, monsters, and legendary figures while dealing with his own personal struggles and growth. Through their adventures, they unravel a deepening conflict between the gods of Olympus, uncover long-held secrets, and confront personal struggles.
“Artemis Fowl” and “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” have a lot in common. Both the novels follow young heroes on exciting adventures that mix fantasy with the real world. Family dynamics, friendship, and coming-of-age themes are common in both, with strong supporting casts and humor. Hidden worlds play a role in both stories, and there are these ongoing epic conflicts.
Total Pages– 377 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.30
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 34 minutes to finish #1 book of Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.
The Bartimaeus series (2003)
by Jonathan Stroud
The story is set in an alternative version of London and follows the adventures of the young magician Nathaniel and the snarky djinni Bartimaeus. Nathaniel, like the protagonist in ‘Artemis Fowl,’ is young, intelligent, cunning, and possesses extraordinary abilities.
In this world, magicians hold power and control over commoners and employ spirits from other realms to carry out their bidding. Nathaniel, a talented but ambitious magician’s apprentice, summons Bartimaeus, a wise-cracking and cunning djinni, to help him seek revenge on a powerful magician who humiliated him. However, their initial encounter sets off a chain of events that will challenge their abilities and force them to confront the corrupt and oppressive system of magicians.
As the series progresses, Nathaniel rises in the ranks of the government’s magicians, becoming known as John Mandrake, and finds himself embroiled in complex political intrigues. Meanwhile, Bartimaeus, a creature of immense power and ancient knowledge, becomes entangled in the human world, forming an unlikely bond with Nathaniel. Together, they navigate treacherous alliances, confront dangerous adversaries, and uncover shocking secrets that threaten the balance between the magical and non-magical realms.
Total Pages– 950 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.03
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 31 hours and 40 minutes to finish The Bartimaeus Series by Jonathan Stroud.
His Dark Materials Trilogy (1995)
by Philip Pullman
Set in parallel universes and combining elements of fantasy, science fiction, and philosophy, the trilogy tells the coming-of-age story of a young girl named Lyra Belacqua and her quest to uncover the mysteries of the universe.
The trilogy is primarily set in a world similar to ours but with striking differences. Each human has a daemon, a physical manifestation of their soul in the form of an animal companion that is inseparable from them. Lyra lives in Oxford, where she becomes entangled in a quest to find her missing friend Roger Parslow, who has been abducted by a group known as the Gobblers. As Lyra delves deeper into the secrets of her world, she discovers a connection between the Gobblers and a mysterious substance called Dust.
As the story unfolds, Lyra embarks on a thrilling adventure that takes her to various parallel universes, meeting fascinating characters along the way. She encounters armoured polar bears, witches, angels, and other beings while navigating political intrigue, betrayal, and personal growth. Lyra’s destiny becomes intertwined with a monumental conflict between opposing forces, including the authoritarian Magisterium, an organization that seeks to control knowledge and suppress free will.
Total Pages– 560 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.28
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 18 hours and 40 minutes to finish His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullan.
The War of the Flowers (2003)
by Tad Williams
Set in a contemporary world with a hidden magical realm, the story follows the life of a musician named Theo Vilmos. Theo is a struggling artist living in San Francisco, disenchanted with his mundane existence.
However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that he is actually a half-human, half-faerie prince from the hidden realm of Faerie. Upon this revelation, Theo finds himself embroiled in a complex and dangerous conflict.
In Faerie, Theo learns about the intricate and treacherous politics of the faerie court, where different factions fight for power and control. He becomes entangled in a web of deception, alliances, and betrayals as he navigates this unfamiliar world. Along the way, Theo encounters various fantastical creatures, such as talking animals, ancient spirits, and mythic beings.
In his journey to save Faerie, Theo must uncover the truth about his own heritage, harness his latent magical abilities, and gather allies to stand against the impending darkness.
As Theo embarks on a quest to protect the world he never knew he belonged to, fans of ‘Artemis Fowl’ will find this book by Tad Williams a very fun and interesting read.
Total Pages– 828 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.89
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 27 hours and 36 minutes to finish The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams.
The Dresden Files (2000)
by Jim Butcher
Harry Dresden, the protagonist, works as a wizard-for-hire, taking on cases that involve paranormal investigations. He is the only wizard listed in the Chicago phone book and operates under the moniker “Harry Dresden, Wizard.” Throughout the series, Harry finds himself embroiled in a variety of supernatural conflicts, often dealing with dangerous creatures, dark magic, and malevolent forces.
As the series progresses, Harry’s character and powers evolve. He forms alliances with both human and supernatural allies, including the White Council (a governing body of wizards), his fiercely loyal friend Karrin Murphy (a police detective), and Bob, a spirit who resides within a skull and serves as Harry’s adviser.
‘The Dresden Files’ delves into Harry’s personal struggles, his past trauma, and his efforts to navigate the dangerous paths of love and friendship amidst the chaos of supernatural conflicts.
Artemis Fowl and The Dresden Files share some similarities despite their genre differences. Both feature protagonists with unique abilities who engage in problem-solving and operate in hidden worlds or societies. They also explore moral complexities, with characters facing gray areas. However, their tones, settings, and styles differ significantly, with Artemis Fowl leaning toward science fiction and techno-fantasy, while The Dresden Files embraces urban fantasy with a detective noir vibe, resulting in unique identities within their genres.
Total Pages– 355 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.98
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 11 hours and 50 minutes to finish #1 book of The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.
Skulduggery Pleasant Series (2007)
by Derek Landy
‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ revolves around Skulduggery Pleasant, a wise-cracking detective, just like the prodigy Artemis Fowl II, and a powerful sorcerer who is also a walking, talking skeleton. The story is set in a contemporary Ireland where magic and supernatural creatures exist alongside the human world.
The series follows the adventures of Stephanie Edgley, a young girl who discovers the hidden magical world after the death of her uncle, Gordon Edgley. Stephanie, who later takes on the name Valkyrie Cain, forms an unlikely partnership with Skulduggery Pleasant as they uncover a vast and dangerous conspiracy that threatens to bring about the end of the world.
Throughout the series, Stephanie (Valkyrie) and Skulduggery face numerous enemies and encounter a diverse range of allies, including other magical beings like vampires, trolls, and witches. As they fight against these dark forces, they uncover shocking secrets, face heart-breaking losses, and forge powerful friendships.
Similar to ‘Artemis Fowl,’ this series doesn’t shy away from humor. It’s all about the witty banter, the sarcasm, and the clever exchanges between the characters. These moments of humor really help lighten the mood, especially when things get pretty intense.
Total Pages– 392 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.18
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 13 hours and 4 minutes to finish #1 Skulduggery Pleasent Series by Derek Landy.
Ranger’s Apprentice (2004)
by John Flanagan
This fantasy book series is set in the fictional kingdom of Araluen and revolves around an orphan named Will, who dreams of becoming a knight but instead finds himself chosen as an apprentice to a mysterious group called the Rangers.
The Rangers are skilled warriors with exceptional tracking and archery abilities, tasked with maintaining law and order in the kingdom.
As the series progresses, Will becomes embroiled in various adventures and dangerous quests. He encounters enemies such as the villainous Morgarath, a former Lord of the kingdom who seeks to overthrow the rightful ruler, King Duncan. Will’s loyalty, resourcefulness, and courage are tested as he faces off against deadly creatures, political intrigue, and battles that could determine the fate of Araluen.
Throughout his journey, Will forms strong friendships with other characters, including Horace, a fellow apprentice and skilled knight-in-training, and Princess Cassandra, a brave and intelligent young woman who aids the Rangers. Together, they face numerous challenges, uncover secrets, and work to protect the kingdom from threats both internal and external.
Artemis Fowl and Ranger’s Apprentice share similarities as young protagonists with exceptional abilities. Both series follow their coming-of-age journeys, emphasizing themes of friendship and loyalty. Artemis forms deep bonds with characters like Holly and Butler, and Will’s relationships with his mentor Halt and his friends are essential to the story.
Total Pages– 249 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.24
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 08 hours and 18 minutes to finish #1 book of Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979)
by Douglas Adams
Arthur Dent finds himself caught up in a series of absurd and intergalactic adventures after the Earth is unexpectedly demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass.
Arthur’s unexpected journey begins when his friend Ford Prefect, who is actually an alien, rescues him moments before Earth’s destruction. Together, they hitch a ride on a stolen spaceship called the Heart of Gold.
As Arthur and Ford travel through space, they encounter numerous strange beings and improbable situations. The group embarks on a quest to uncover the meaning of life, aided by the insights of the Hitchhiker’s Guide, which offers humorous and often unreliable information about the universe. Along the way, they encounter the enigmatic and all-knowing supercomputer Deep Thought, who reveals that the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything is simply the number 42, leaving the characters perplexed.
Through their travels, Arthur and his companions confront the absurdity of existence and grapple with the mysteries of the universe. Humour is a very important element of Adam’s writing in this book, as is in ‘Artemis Fowl.’ So, for those fantasy lovers who enjoyed ‘Artemis Fowl’ for its humour and are Astro-enthusiasts, this book is for you.
Total Pages– 216 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.23
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 7 hours and 12 minutes to finish #1 book of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
The Magicians (2009)
by Lev Grossman
This trilogy follows the journey of Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant yet dissatisfied high school student who discovers a hidden world of magic. Quentin has always been obsessed with a series of children’s books called “Fillory and Further,” which chronicle the adventures of a group of children in a magical land.
After completing his high school studies, Quentin finds himself admitted to Brakebills, a secret college of magic in upstate New York. There, he meets a group of fellow students, including his childhood friend Julia, and begins his rigorous magical education.
Soon, Quentin realizes that the magical world is not as enchanting as he had imagined. The students encounter various challenges and dangers, both from within Brakebills and from external forces. They discover that Fillory, the magical land depicted in Quentin’s beloved childhood books, is not just a work of fiction but a real place. The group embarks on a journey to travel to Fillory and become the rulers of the land, just like the children in the books. Gradually, he realizes that his childhood fantasies of Fillory were far from the truth, and the magical world is not the answer to his unhappiness.
Total Pages– 402 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.53
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 13 hours and 24 minutes to finish The Magicians by Lev Grossman.
The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006)
by Scott Lynch
The story of this book is based in the city of Camorr, a haven for thieves and criminals. It follows a young and talented thief named Locke Lamora, who is the leader of a group of con artists known as the Gentleman Bastards.
Camorr is ruled by a secretive and powerful figure called the Capa Barsavi, and the city’s underworld is divided among various criminal factions.
However, trouble arises when a mysterious figure called the Gray King emerges and starts targeting the city’s criminal leaders. The Gray King is ruthless and seeks to dismantle the power structure of Camorr’s underworld. Locke finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse as he tries to outwit the Gray King while protecting his crew and their way of life.
As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just the survival of the Gentleman Bastards. Locke uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only his life but the entire city of Camorr. Locke will remind you of the protagonist in ‘Artemis Fowl,’ who must use his wit, cunning, and a fair share of lies to navigate the treacherous landscape and ensure his survival. Like Artemis, Locke is not a conventional hero either, but rather an antihero who often blurs the lines between right and wrong.
Total Pages– 752 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.30
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 25 hours and 4 minutes to finish The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.
Six of Crows (2015)
by Leigh Bardugo
The book takes place in the city of Ketterdam, a bustling hub of crime and trade, and follows a diverse group of six outcasts who are brought together for a heist that could change their lives forever.
The main protagonist is Kaz Brekker, a cunning and ruthless young criminal known as the “Dirtyhands.” Kaz is offered an irresistible opportunity to infiltrate the impenetrable Ice Court, a heavily guarded fortress, and retrieve a valuable hostage who possesses a dangerous secret. To accomplish this task, Kaz assembles a crew of misfits with unique skills.
As they prepare for the dangerous mission, the team faces various challenges and obstacles. They must navigate treacherous alliances, deadly rivalries, and personal demons. The characters’ backstories and relationships are explored, revealing their motivations and the emotional baggage they carry.
Each member utilizes their unique skills to overcome numerous traps and adversaries during the heist. Loyalties are tested, betrayals occur, and sacrifices are made as the group races against time to complete their mission.
Total Pages– 465 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.49
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 15 hours and 30 minutes to finish Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.
Conclusion to Books like Artemis Fowl
And that concludes the list for books like Artemis Fowl!
As we reach the end of our fantastical journey, we hope you’ve discovered new adventures that capture the essence of ‘Artemis Fowl.’ These 11 fantasy adventure books like Artemis Fowl promise thrilling quests and memorable characters. Whether you’re searching for cunning heroes or enchanting realms, these recommendations cater to all fantasy enthusiasts. So, grab a book, let your imagination run wild, and immerse yourself in these extraordinary tales. Here’s to your reading adventures being as magical as the stories you’ve explored with us. Happy reading!
However, if you want even more books like Artemis Fowl, you should consider-
- His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
- Airborne trilogy by Kenneth Oppel
- Dalemark Quartet by Diana Wynne Jones
- Off To Be The Wizard by Scott Meyer
- The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
- Sabriel by Garth Nix
- Magyk by Angie Sage
- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
- Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
- Machale’s Pendragon series
- Paternus Trilogy by Dyrk Ashton
- All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anderson
- Ender’s Game by Scott Card