Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl II is a genius. And 12 years old. He bargains with a drunk fairy for a copy of The Book, a book of all the fairies'--The People--rules and secrets.

Armed with The Book, he plans on kidnapping a fairy to get gold--enough gold to get their family back to the lavish conditions they had before his father disappeared.

Holly is a fairy in the Recon division. She has one more chance to prove herself before being demoted. She goes to recharge her magic and that's when Artemis captures her.

Now the fairies are trying to get Holly back with any means necessary. But just maybe, she can save herself and spare them the trouble.

Interesting beginning to a series. Action and a back story. There are some down times, but the story is enjoyable and starts a great theme for the rest of the books.