If you’ve ever dreamed of a world where criminal masterminds team up with fairies, or where time-traveling detectives unravel Victorian-era conspiracies, then Eoin Colfer’s books are your next obsession. The Irish author, often hailed as the “Irish J.K. Rowling,” has enchanted millions with his whip-smart wit, high-stakes adventures, and unforgettable characters. From the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series to standalone gems like The Supernaturalist, Colfer’s bibliography is a treasure trove for young adult (YA) fans, fantasy lovers, and anyone who appreciates a plot twist sharper than a leprechaun’s blade.
But with over 50 books, graphic novels, and collaborations under his belt, where do you start? That’s where this Eoin Colfer books in order guide comes in. We’ll break down his major series chronologically by publication date, highlight must-reads, and share insider tips to maximize your reading joy. Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting Holly Short’s antics or a newbie discovering the Fowl family’s chaos, this list ensures you won’t miss a single spellbinding page. Ready to dive in? Let’s plot your literary heist.
Who Is Eoin Colfer? A Quick Origin Story
Born in 1965 in Wexford, Ireland, Eoin Colfer (pronounced “Owen”) grew up in a creative household—his dad was a teacher and artist, his mom a drama whiz. After studying at Dublin University, he taught primary school while scribbling stories inspired by his students’ wild imaginations. His global teaching gigs in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy fueled early hits like Benny and Omar.
Then, in 2001, lightning struck: Artemis Fowl exploded onto shelves, selling millions and earning Colfer a full-time writing gig. He’s since penned eight Artemis books, dabbled in Douglas Adams’ universe with And Another Thing…, and even scripted films. Fun fact: Colfer’s humor shines through in every line—think Die Hard meets fairy folklore. His books have snagged awards like the British Book Awards’ Children’s Book of the Year and inspired a Disney+ movie. Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the books.
Eoin Colfer Books in Order: Series by Series
Colfer’s works span kids’ chapter books, YA epics, and adult thrillers. We’ll focus on his core series, listing them in publication order (the best way to follow character arcs and Easter eggs). Standalone novels and extras follow. Pro tip: Start with Artemis Fowl if you’re new—it’s his gateway drug to genius anti-heroes.
The Benny Chronicles (Early Humor for Young Readers)
Colfer’s debut series follows Benny Shaw, a soccer-mad Irish kid navigating culture clashes and comedy. Perfect for ages 8-12, these are light-hearted warm-ups to his bigger worlds.
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benny and Omar | 1998 | Benny moves to Tunisia and befriends a street-smart orphan—think The Sandlot with falafel. |
| 2 | Benny and Babe | 1999 | Back in Ireland, Benny crushes on Babe while dodging bullies. Nominated for Ireland’s Bisto Award. |
Artemis Fowl Series (The Crown Jewel of Colfer’s Empire)
This is the series that launched Colfer to stardom: A 12-year-old criminal prodigy kidnaps a fairy for gold, sparking an epic clash between human greed and magical might. Blending sci-fi gadgets, ancient lore, and laugh-out-loud banter, it’s sold 25+ million copies. Read in order for the full redemption arc of Artemis and his elf ally, Holly Short. (Bonus: Graphic novel adaptations exist for the first few!)
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artemis Fowl | 2001 | The heist that starts it all—fairies vs. a boy genius. Die Hard with sprites. |
| 2 | The Arctic Incident | 2002 | Artemis teams with fairies to rescue his dad from Russian mobsters. |
| 3 | The Eternity Code | 2003 | A supercomputer leak forces an uneasy alliance—demons optional. |
| 4 | The Opal Deception | 2005 | Evil fairy Opal Koboi plots revenge; Holly takes center stage. |
| 5 | The Lost Colony | 2006 | Demons from another dimension? Artemis portals in to save the day. |
| 6 | The Time Paradox | 2007 | Time travel twist: Young Artemis cures his mom’s illness—with paradoxes. |
| 7 | The Atlantis Complex | 2010 | Eco-thriller vibes as Artemis battles aliens and his own psyche. |
| 8 | The Last Guardian | 2012 | Epic finale: Sacrifice, betrayal, and a fairy folk reckoning. |
Companion Fun: Grab The Artemis Fowl Files (2004) for short stories like “LEPrecon” and character dossiers. Graphic novels (2007-2013) adapt Books 1-4 with stunning art.
W.A.R.P. (Weirdness Abounds in Revolutionary Paris)
A steampunk time-travel series for tweens, featuring FBI agent Chevron Savano chasing a villain through history. Colfer’s nod to Victorian intrigue—think Sherlock Holmes on steroids.
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Reluctant Assassin | 2013 | A teen assassin from 1898 swaps places with a modern FBI agent. |
| 2 | The Hangman’s Revolution | 2014 | Time-jump to a dystopian future where the American Revolution flops. |
| 3 | The Forever Man | 2015 | Final showdown: Heroes vs. a mad scientist in eternal limbo. |
The Fowl Twins Series (Artemis’ Legacy Lives On)
Post-Artemis sequel series starring the mischievous Fowl brothers (Myles and Beckett) and a tiny unicorn. High-tech hijinks meet mythological mayhem—ideal for fans craving more Fowl family chaos. (Three books so far, with room for more.)
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Fowl Twins | 2020 | Twins befriend a fairy and a troll—cue global escapades. |
| 2 | The Fowl Twins Deny All Charges | 2021 | Accused of crimes they kinda committed, the boys go undercover. |
| 3 | The Fowl Twins Get What They Deserve | 2023 | A stolen superweapon and a villainous sibling? Family reunion gone wrong. |
Daniel McEvoy Series (Adult Noir Thrillers)
Colfer dips into gritty crime fiction with ex-con turned hotel detective Daniel McEvoy. Darker and funnier than his YA stuff—perfect for Breaking Bad fans.
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plugged | 2011 | A hair-plug scam spirals into mob hits and Vegas shootouts. |
| 2 | Screwed | 2013 | Daniel dodges hitmen while unraveling a casino conspiracy. |
The Legend of… Series (Mythical Retellings for Kids)
Short, illustrated retellings of global legends with Colfer’s cheeky spin. Great for reluctant readers aged 7-10.
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Legend of Spud Murphy | 2004 | A library tyrant meets her match in a spud-gun-wielding kid. |
| 2 | The Legend of the Worst Boy in the World | 2007 | A “bad” boy turns accidental hero in ancient Ireland. |
| 3 | The Legend of the Golden Seed | Short story in anthology | Folktale twist on greed and growth. |
Eoin Colfer Standalone Books and Special Mentions
Colfer’s one-offs are plot-packed powerhouses—no filler here. Read them anytime after Artemis for that signature style.
- Going Potty (2001): Hilarious potty-training tale for tots (O’Brien Flyers series).
- Ed’s Funny Feet (2002): Another O’Brien Flyers giggle-fest about smelly shoes.
- Ed’s Bed (2003): Bedtime chaos in the O’Brien series.
- The Wish List (2000): A teen ghost juggles heaven and hell—heartwarming and hilarious.
- The Supernaturalist (2004): Dystopian sci-fi with blue parasites and rooftop chases.
- Half Moon Investigations (2006): Tween detective spoof—Nancy Drew meets The Hardy Boys.
- Airman (2008): Steampunk adventure of a boy inventor in 1895—sky pirates included!
- And Another Thing… (2009): Hitchhiker’s Guide #6—Colfer channels Adams’ absurdity.
- Imaginary Fred (2018): Picture book collab with Oliver Jeffers about friendship fears.
- Highfire (2020): Adult swamp dragon thriller—True Blood with bayou blues.
- Illegal (2022): Graphic novel on migration—poignant and punchy.
- Dog Man (2024 collab): Picture book with P.J. Lynch about a boy, his pup, and music’s magic.
For anthologies, check Even Aliens Need Snacks (2015 short stories) or A Treasury of Irish Folklore (2020 retellings).
Why Read Eoin Colfer? The Magic Behind the Mayhem
Colfer isn’t just prolific—he’s a wizard at blending genres. His books tackle big themes (greed, friendship, environmental doom) with snappy dialogue and zero preachiness. Artemis Fowl alone redefined YA fantasy, proving anti-heroes can steal hearts (and gold). Readers rave: “Confidence is ignorance,” quips Artemis, a line that sticks like fairy dust. With 1.6 million Goodreads ratings averaging 3.95 stars, his worlds are binge-worthy escapism.
Where to Buy Eoin Colfer Books (and Level Up Your Collection)
Snag these on Amazon, ThriftBooks for deals under $3, or your local indie. Box sets like the Artemis Fowl Omnibus (Books 1-4) are reader faves for marathons. Audiobooks narrated by Nathaniel Parker? Chef’s kiss for road trips.
Final Twist: What’s Next for Colfer Fans?
As of 2025, Colfer’s touring for signings—catch him if you can! Rumors swirl of more Fowl Twins or a Supernaturalist sequel. Until then, start with Artemis Fowl tonight. What’s your first Colfer conquest? Drop it in the comments—we’re all ears (and wings). Happy reading, you magnificent mud boy.
This guide draws from official sources like EoinColfer.com and fan-favorite sites for accuracy. All opinions are ravenously our own.
