The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Rating 8.7/10

A fantastic book for sure that has me thanking the gods I bought the series.

Percy Jackson is just a normal twelve year old boy. Sure he's got problems with school, bullies, and authority but at that age who doesn't? Getting kicked out of school after school does have a way of making one think he's a screw up though. One day though on a seemingly innocent visit to the beach with his mother Percy's life changes forever. Finding out his best friends is a satyr and being chased by the Minotaur into a camp for demigods is only the beginning of Percy Jackson's new life. Here he makes friends with children of similar parentage and finally finds himself a place where he belongs.

Peace can only last for so long though once it is discovered which god has fathered Percy. Monstrous attacks begin and Percy is sent on a quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen master bolt (the lightening bolt from which all other bolts are made) and return it before the summer solstice to stop an all out war between the gods. Along the way is more adventure than one boy can handle danger at every turn, and new heights of treachery.

An absolutely fantastic tale marvelously woven by the author Rick Riordan. As a book written for young adults I didn't expect it to be as fun and engaging for an actual adult as it was. Move over Harry Potter because Percy Jackson could kick your butt. Smart mouthed, practical and fun Percy doesn't go looking for trouble but he was born a hero, a combination of mortal and god parentage that he can not control. In a world where hero’s are sent on quests all the time and spent their lives training Percy is a rare breath of fresh air.

I often fear reading young adult books because the main characters can be whiny and immature (as their audience) which can get on the nerves of any adult. Amazingly Percy seems to be mostly free of self pity and angst while still staying young and believable.

A fantastic book for sure that has me thanking the gods I bought the series. Definitely worth the read!

Purchase options

Paperback/hardback (Amazon)

Kindle ebook (Amazon)

Audiobook (Amazon/Audible)

Justin from Texas

1-stars

It was terrible. I read only the first chapter and it was a waste of time.

2012-10-25 | Have Your Say

Chris from USA

10-stars

The characters are realistic (as realistic as half-bloods can be!) and the action is non-stop. I have seen student after student get excited to read these books, and I always start my year with Lightning Thief. The humor and fast pace make it worth the read each year, and the kids can't get enough of Percy Jackson. I have had to restock the rest of the series several times because they just keep walking off!

2012-09-18 | Have Your Say

Paul from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

10-stars

Definitely the best book you will ever read. I recommend it for all young adults everywhere.

2012-08-18 | Have Your Say

Alokabho from India

10-stars

Awesome!!! A must-read book. When you read it you feel like you are one of the characters.

2012-03-15 | Have Your Say

Kellie from Iowa

9-stars

This was a great book but the mythology would confuse me at times...

2012-03-07 | Have Your Say

Lugee from California

10-stars

Very good book kept you reading all the way through:)

2012-03-01 | Have Your Say

Dmitri from Lubliana

10-stars

It's a great book but 1st of a series of 5 and then comes a linked series of probably 2. There are lots more Rick Riordan books out there!

2012-03-01 | Have Your Say

Soria from London

10-stars

This book is so cool. It was recommened to me by my friend Serkan. At first when I read it, I thought this book is boring, but when I got the book myself and read the first chapter, that's when I realised this is my type of book. It was full of action and adventure. It also taught me a lot about Greek gods. After reading the whole book in 3 weeks I really wanted to get the second book Sea of Monsters. I absolutely fell in love with it. I really thank my friend Serkan for recommending it to me, and really recommed all the children my age to try it.

2012-03-01 | Have Your Say

Grace from Oklahoma

10-stars

Full of action a great read aloud and fun for Everyone! Thank you so much, my class loved it!

2012-03-01 | Have Your Say

Kayla from Florida, USA

10-stars

These books are amazing! Delve into a world where regular kids find out that they have a human (mortal) parents and... a god parent. Yep. Greek gods. They're real. And they're in New York. Percy Jackson goes to the summer camp, Camp Half-Blood. It's where all half-mortal, half-god kids go. It's a safe haven. Percy goes on a quest because all the Greek gods are looking at him for a crime he didn't commit. The theft of Zeus' all-powerful lightning bolt. This series is amazing! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Perfect for anyone who is interested in Greek mythology!

2012-03-01 | Have Your Say

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