The book, originally expected to be published in the UK and Ireland on 7 September 2006, was shipped to stores early.

Leon Abbot, the last survivor and warhero of the battle of Tailte, now leader of the demon pride, uses something suspiciously like the mesmer to urge No.1 to jump into the island's volcano (used to cast the time-spell) and reach the human world.

No.1 materialises in a dark corner of the stage and is immediately shot with a tranquillizer dart using a rifle disguised as a crutch by Minerva's hired mercenary, the unstable Billy Kong.

Minerva leaves for her residence in France, although Holly maintains pursuit while Artemis and Butler follow by a different route.

He also learns that Leon Abbot visited this very place under care, exhibiting what appeared to be a serious case of split personality, and then took a book and a crossbow back to Hybras when he dug out his silver bullet, knowing full well that the demons stood no chance against humans of the modern day.

Holly is captured trying to rescue the imp, but Artemis has Foaly recruit Mulch Diggums and the pixie criminal Doodah Day to sabotage the security of the Paradizo chateau.

Artemis intervenes after learning No.1 may be a warlock, and strikes a deal in which he will trade No.1 for Minerva at Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

When No.1 drops the bullet, he almost immediately de-materialises to escape Kong, and reappears at a nearby silver pendulum, allowing Holly to secure the demon with a bracelet.

The gallery shows a 10,000-year-old sculpture of "dancing figures" that are actually 4 of the 7 demon warlocks involved in the time-spell, frozen in stone.

Only the leader, Qwan, who cast the spell in a last-ditch attempt to survive, has not died from shock or severe injury.

When the demon leader is prompted, Qweffor, Qwan's former apprentice, makes his appearance, revealing he has been trapped in Abbot's mind after the first time spell was interrupted.

Artemis and Holly are shocked to learn Ark Sool has been fired after suggesting the demon race be left to die off, and Mulch has continued the PI firm, also recruiting Doodah Day.

VOYA stated that Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony was "fast-paced, funny, and wholly enjoyable" as well as an "action-packed thrill ride through fantastic worlds".