Fantasy Adventure with a Touch of Humor:
* Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan: This series features a young protagonist facing mythological creatures and gods with a blend of humor and action.
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: A group of siblings discover a magical world through a field guide to fairies, leading to adventures and challenges.
* The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud: A young magician and a powerful djinn embark on adventures with a mix of humor and political intrigue.
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A classic series about children entering a magical world filled with talking animals and mythical creatures.
Science Fiction with Fantasy Elements:
* The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian world with a deadly competition, showcasing survival and rebellion.
* The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth: A futuristic society with factions and a fight for freedom.
* The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini: A young dragon rider fights for his people in a fantasy world with a touch of science fiction.
* The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin: A classic fantasy series featuring a young wizard learning about magic and responsibility.
Books with a Young Protagonist and Criminal Elements:
* The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner: A young thief uses his skills to survive in a dangerous world.
* Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: A group of young criminals with unique abilities plan a daring heist.
* The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch: A group of con artists pull off elaborate scams in a fantasy setting.
Ultimately, the "competition" for Artemis Fowl lies in the vast landscape of children's and young adult literature. Its unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, humor, and crime elements makes it stand out, but it also shares common elements with many other popular series.