The Arctic Incident, the second book in the Artemis Fowl series, picks up a couple of years after the first book ends. Artemis' father has been found, and is being held for ransom by the Russian "mafiya". Artemis and Butler are beginning to plot a rescue, but at the same time, The People below have a goblin revolution on their hands that is being aided by Mudman (human) technology. Artemis is the LEP's primary suspect, and Commander Root and Captain Holly Short are only too glad to go escort him in for questioning. 
 This book continues to develop the characters I came to love from the first book, and sets a new relationship between Artemis and Holly. We see more empathy and respect ( a little more!) from Artemis, particularly in his concern for his father and his realization that he may not be able to rescue his father without help. A new character is introduced in this book, Opal Koboi. Opal is a very bright, very cunning pixie who has recently contracted with the Council and LEP to create wing sets and reoutfit all the LEP's vehicles and weapons with lighter and more efficient fuel sources. She also is not exactly as she appears.... 
 I thoroughly enjoyed the action, humor, and characterization in this second book of the Artemis Fowl series. I feel certain I'll read more of these books in time!