Who Would Like This Book:
Dive into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure that brings Greek mythology crashing into the 21st century! Perfect for kids, tweens, and young-at-heart adults, The Lightning Thief is both a rollicking introduction to ancient myths and a tale of friendship, bravery, and finding your place in the world. Percy, a hero with dyslexia and ADHD, is as relatable as he is legendary, making it especially meaningful for readers who sometimes feel like outsiders. If you love magical quests, clever plot twists, and snappy humor, this one’s for you.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the early chapters a bit juvenile or too familiar if they're looking for a complex fantasy on par with Harry Potter. The similarities to other popular series (think: magical camps, hero’s journey, quirky trio) and a somewhat predictable plot may be a turn-off if you're after something super original or deep. The modern American setting for the Greek gods and a breezy tone may also not hit the mark for die-hard mythology purists or those seeking a slower burn.
About:
In "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan, readers follow the adventures of Percy Jackson, a demigod who discovers his true identity as the son of Poseidon. Along with his friends Grover and Annabeth, Percy navigates a world filled with Greek mythology, monsters, and gods. The book combines humor, action, and a coming-of-age journey as Percy embarks on a quest to prevent a war between Zeus and Poseidon, ultimately leading to a heartwarming bond of friendship and self-discovery.
The storyline of "The Lightning Thief" is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with adventure, making it a thrilling read for both children and adults. Riordan's writing style seamlessly weaves Greek myths into a modern setting, introducing readers to a world where gods, monsters, and demigods coexist. Through Percy's dyslexia, ADHD, and heroic journey, the book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of teamwork in the face of perilous challenges.
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From The Publisher:
Percy Jackson has ADHD, dyslexia, and a taste for trouble, so he's stuck going to a private school in upstate New York for hard-to-handle kids. If he doesn't get his life into shape, this could be the sixth school he's expelled from.
Then one day, Percy's world is turned upside down. His math teacher turns into a terrifying monster who tries to kill him, he finds out his best friend is half human and half goat, and he discovers the truth behind the father he never knew: his father is the Greek god Poseidon.
Now Percy is on his way to yet another school, a training camp for half-bloods on Long Island, where he finds himself at the center of a fierce battle between Poseidon, Zeus, and Hades. If he can find Zeus's missing lightning bolt within ten days, disaster will be averted. But can he do it?
Follow Percy's mythic adventures as he travels from this world to the Underworld to Mount Olympus in a heart-pounding modern odyssey that was a #1 New York Times bestseller.
Ratings (1740)
Incredible (334) | |
Loved It (701) | |
Liked It (453) | |
It Was OK (197) | |
Did Not Like (48) | |
Hated It (7) |
Reader Stats (2735):
Read It (1873) | |
Currently Reading (9) | |
Want To Read (294) | |
Did Not Finish (25) | |
Not Interested (534) |
39 comment(s)
I had watched the movie so knew what was going to happen. Movie was pretty close to the book really.
I enjoy reading young adult/teen/children books as I can get a good read with less effort in a way, as well as keeping up-to-date with what is out there for my child who is starting to enjoy reading and reading little novels of his own.
Greek Mythology, moved to modern day New York as that is the heart of the western civilisation...apparently...lol. I guess in someways reminded me a bit of the American Gods, all these old Gods are still there, just moved.
Now starting on the next book in the series. No movie for that that one, so will be in the dark.
Some children grew up reading Harry Potter, Warrior Cats, or Magic Tree House, but my heart has and will always belong to Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson universe (Percyverse). Rereading The Lightning Thief (something I have wanted to do for the last couple of years) as an adult was like stepping into a time machine.
Starting 2025 by diving back into this world felt right! Nostalgia washed over me as I revisited Camp Half-Blood, Percy's sarcastic wit, and Riordan's brilliant blend of mythology and adventure. For me, this book is more than a story; it's the reason I fell in love with reading in the first place.
It reminds you that you're never too old for children's books. Riordan's humor, heart, and timeless characters are as magical now as they were when I first read them (I think I was 9). This reread was an incredible way to kick off the new year, and it reinforced that this series deserves to be revisited more often.
Long live Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
This book has turned into a comfort book for me.
It’s an easy read but also filled with various myths from Greek mythology. Though some aren’t exactly accurate, it is a YA novel. The retelling of Medusa is always a bit of a shock because of how inaccurate it is so I have to remind myself that it’s meant for kids.
immortal bums beefing with middle graders
exciting to return to these as an adult and see all the things I fell in love with as a kid through fresh eyes
3.75 stars rounded up to a 4
I really wish I read this in middle school because I would’ve eaten it up! still a pretty decent read but I have a feeling the rest of the series will be a lot more interesting
I loved this book! It was humorous, action-packed, and ended well while leaving room for story expansion. You can tell the writing style was intended for children, but I loved it just the same.
This book was very thrilling and adventurous. I've always been very interested in Greek mythology and gods and this book was just amazing. I loved Rick Riordan's sense of humor and how he made the book seem mysterious. It's like there are so many more secrets that have to be uncovered about the world in this book. I'm looking forward to how the relationships between the characters will develop as well as the next book in the series.
i forgot how addicting this was like 4th grade me was HIGH
Loved it
What can you read after
The Lightning Thief?
About the Author:
Rick Riordan is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and the Heroes of Olympus series for children and the multi-award-winning Tres Navarre mystery series for adults. For fifteen years, Riordan taught English and history at public and…
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