The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. As the name suggests, it is filled with a lot of Greek mythology so if that something you are fascinated with, this is the right book for you. Keep reading to find out what we thought of this iconic novel and whether or not you should read it!
The Lightning Thief: Summary
Percy Jackson is a 12-year-old dyslexic boy with ADHD. His life turns upside down one day on a school field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One of the chaperones that accompanied the kids on the trip turns into a Fury and attacks Percy. Mr. Brunner, Percy’s favorite teacher, gives Percy a pen that turns into a sword to fight and defeat the Fury.
This starts Percy’s life into Greek mythology as Percy learns that he is being pursued. Percy learns of his origins and his powers as he joins a summer camp called Camp Half-Blood. Percy tries to settle into camp life and learn more about his powers. But even at camp, he is not safe.
Percy learns why he is being hunted and he must do something that is downright impossible. But he has no other choice. How will Percy hold up against the Gods who will go to any length to seize power? And how will Percy’s new powers and predicament change his everyday life?
Commentary
The series took off after the first book was published in 2005 and has become one of the best series in the world. The books came into fruition when Rick Riordan‘s son in second grade asked to be told Greek mythology as bedtime stories. Riordan was a teacher and used to teach Greek Mythology so he was able to tell him stories he remembered from his teaching days. After Riordan ran out of mythology, his son asked him to make them up with with the same Greek gods in it and Percy Jackson was born.
How this book came to be reminds me a lot of Watership Down and how Richard Adams also used to tell stories to his kids. The best books seem to be the ones that parents create for their kids. And just like that novel, The Lighting Thief has become a mainstream success and a part of most children’s reading list.
The novel recieved mostly positive reviews and has been called one of the best children’s book ever published. It was ranked ninth on The New York Times Best Seller list for children’s books in 2007. The novel also went on to win the School Library Journal Best Book of 2005.
Conclusion
These books are targeted towards children and young adults but if you are looking for a series to keep you occupied and craving greek mythology, then I would recommend this for you. We all know Harry Potter is usually the first fantasy book that comes to mind but Percy Jackson is right behind it so if you loved the wizard world, then you will love Riordan’s take on Greek mythology.
For fans of the series, you are in luck. Riordan is continuing with the series and will be releasing a new Percy Jackson book in the near future!
No way! I have to pick this one up. My inner child just got so excited.