Review: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

In a sentence or so: Percy Jackson suspects he might be different from most kids his age. These suspicions are confirmed when he’s attacked by a Fury (yeah, from Hades) and whisked away to a camp for half-mortal/half-immortal kids. Is he the hero they’ve all been waiting for? Or is he just an awkwardly lanky kid with bad luck?

Percy has a most amazing mother, and a particularly awful stepfather. His only memory of his true father is a warm smile and pure happiness. Now, Percy’s life is bumping from school to school and trying not to get into fights. Which isn’t as easy as it sounds when your horrible sub tries to murder you during a school field trip to the history museum. What’s worse is that no one seemed to notice! Either Percy is certifiably insane, or there is something very suspicious going down. Possibly both.

Soon, Percy discovers that these attempted homicides are due to his being a half-blood. You know, half mortal and half immortal Greek god. Yeah, he is skeptical too. Until he meets a centaur, a dryad or two, and the slew of other half-bloods at a camp for people just like him. Well, not just like him. Percy continues to be set apart, for better or worse, and must complete a hero’s quest in order to be part of the community. Pending he doesn’t die in his efforts, of course.

A confession: you all were right. ALL of you. I have heard so many people rave about the glories of Percy Jackson. I was thrilled to discover that it was totally worth the hype. Thank you, internet, for telling me true!

Percy is a bit rough around the edges, which I loved. He has obvious daddy issues which were explored just enough to give you substance without weighing it down. We meet SO MANY creatures and gods and demi-gods from greek mythology that I thought my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. Thankfully, it all makes sense to the flow of the story, not just to show off Riordan’s research for the book. He has two faithful friends on his hero’s quest who provide balance and depth to this read.

If you’re looking for a fantasy middle-grade read soaked in Greek mythology with solid characters and fantastic writing, give this a shot. I’m SO glad I did.

Fave quote: "Just your typical summer-camp send-off by your typical centaur." (156)

Fix er up: As this is the first in the series, I’m not sure how he’s going to follow up with additional elements of Greek myth. I feel like we met EVERYONE…but I’m sure that’s impossible. I’m just worried future installments won’t be as jam packed with Greek god goodness as this one!

Title: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians#1)
Author: Rick Riordan
Pub Info: 2005, Miramax
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

[ftc notice: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. I did not receive compensation for my review. Thanks, library!]