The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2005)
eBook (377 pages)
Via: Library
Rating:
Also by this author: The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Sword of Summer
Also in this series: The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth
Reading Challenges: 2015 Alphabet Soup, 2015 Mythology, 2015 What's In A Name?, Read 2015
Synopsis
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends -- one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena -- Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
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I can’t believe I waited this long to actually read this. I haven’t even seen the movie. My younger sister has read almost all of Rick Riordan’s books. She told me to just borrow it from the library and finally read it. Since it was during Christmas break and I didn’t have a whole lot to do, I followed her recommendation.
Percy Jackson is a pretty great narrator. The way he sees things is absolutely hilarious at times. For example, from page 326:
I found the story entertaining and the action kept the story moving. Percy discovers that he is the son of Poseidon. He ends up heading on a quest with a satyr, Grover, and a daughter of Athena, Annabeth. They embark on a quest to the Underworld but first they have to cross the continent from New York City to Los Angeles. Along the way the three face quite a few challenges. The challenges keep the story moving and kept me wondering what was going to happen next.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. It wasn’t overly exciting or surprising. I kind of saw the twist at the end coming. Percy also seemed to act a bit older than 12 most of the time. The things he is doing as a 12 year old are kind of crazy. But, then again, Percy is a demigod after all.
Which Reading Challenges?
- Mythology Reading Challenge (Greek Mythology)
- Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge (L)
- What’s In A Name? Reading Challenge (a word including ‘ing’)
- You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
I was surprised that you said you had never read this book. Funny, I love this book, the series and Percy. I am glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes, it is great to read a book that is just plain entertaining–this one fits the bill. Give the next book in the series, The Sea of Monsters, a try.
I surprised a lot of people with that. The library also has The Sea of Monsters so I will probably give it a go as well.
Great review, Amanda! I am also surprised you had not read this sooner, but better late than never, I guess 😉 Lol. I really like this series and, trust me, it gets better! Percy’s sass is never ending, Lol!
I have the second book on hold at the library. I can’t wait since Percy is pretty great. 🙂
Hopping over from the What’s in a Name Challenge…
I’ve waited way too long to read this one, too.
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Now I’m waiting on reading Sea of Monsters. My sister has a copy with her at college. I might just have to check out the library copy soon…
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