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
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!]
I have read this whole series and I loved it. I think there was a book or two in between that didn't seem quite as action packed but the last book more than makes up for it. :)
ReplyDeleteI was not a fan of the movie they made for this book. There were so many differences.. I was dissapointed. but the books are always better then the movies. :)
I LOVED this series, and I'm really enjoying the Camp Half-Blood books he's writing know, and the Kane Chronicles. Rick Riordan pretty much rocks my little world. So glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, add this to the list of books I REALLY should read! Students take it out all the time...I'll blame my lack of reading on the fact that it's out a lot...lol. Your review is just reminding me I really should do it!
ReplyDeleteknowing you loved percy makes me so happy! he is comfortably resting in a permanent position among my middle-grade favorites.
ReplyDeletefrom one mythology nerd to another, keep reading his story!
April - that's good to know. thank you!
ReplyDeleteMolly - i love that there are spin-offs!
Librarian - YOU SHOULD.
Ash - i will!
Matt has read and liked these. you gots to chat him up
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's just me, but I was never bored throughout the series. It's completely full of funny little remarks here and there and Greek mythology. I love that you get to watch Percy and all his friends grow up throughout all five books. Yeah, I have a bad case of the Percy Love :P
ReplyDelete