Chapter 1, The Book Summary

Psychiatrists have tried to describe Artemis Fowl and failed, largely because of his great intelligence. He is a child prodigy, dedicated to criminal activities. The story that follows is Artemis's first criminal attempt, beginning at the start of the twenty-first century. Artemis is twelve at the time this takes place.

Artemis is in Ho Chi Minh City. It is summer and hot, which Artemis doesn't like. A large Eurasian man named Butler is with him. They are waiting for Nguyen, who is to give them information about the Book. A waiter approaches their table. Artemis realizes that the waiter is Nguyen in disguise and orders him to sit down.

Nguyen gives Artemis a Polaroid showing a green mottled hand reaching for something. Nguyen says that the woman is a healer who works in exchange for rice wine. This fits...