The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book One
Written by Rick Riordan
Mythology, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Edition Published December 1st 2009
375 Pages
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Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... Again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he’s angered a few of them. Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus’s stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend, and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.
Twelve year old Percy Jackson has just been expelled from Yancy Academy, a private school in New York for troubled teens. But after his last predicament, Percy has released that perhaps he's no ordinary teen when a teacher attempts to take his life. He has no where to go, his step father refuses to allow him to live with he and his mother and Percy can't remember his real father. But it seems that his father had always wished for Percy to attend a summer camp. Camp Half Blood. And his mother cannot assure his safety any longer. But what does he need to be protected from?

Along with best friend Grover, Percy's introduction to the camp couldn't come at a more crucial time. But this isn't any ordinary camp, but a camp for the children of the Gods. Percy soon learns that the mythical creatures from his school curriculum are no longer fiction, and finds himself at the center of a brewing war. Until he is claimed as a son of a God, Percy is to train and learn the art of defense with teachers such as a Centaur, his best friend is turns out is a Satyr and he's on the verge of being sent on a quest to Zeus's lightning bolt, a token that Percy is accused of stealing.

Along with best friend Grover and long term camp resident Annabeth, Percy must find and retrieve the bolt before the Summer Solace in ten days time. Along his journey, the three will be tested, hunted and tricked, but when Percy's father finally claims him as his son, it seems that Percy may be persecuted for merely existing. The quest will take him to hell and back, but will Percy be able to stop the war in time?

My Thoughts


Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief was fantastic. It completely surprised me, delighted me and I simply loved it. It follows the story of Percy Jackson, troubled student who's not only dyslexic, but suffers from attention deficit disorder. In the past six years, he's moved from several different schools and each ending in Percy being asked to leave. He's not intentionally difficult by any means, but strange and unexplained predicaments seem to find him. Percy is a Demigod and the only place the offspring of the Gods can find sanctuary is at Camp Half Blood, and finds himself thrown into a world of mythology. Considering he's only twelve years old, Percy's voice seemed mature beyond his years. He's overwhelmed, needs answers and rightly so. He's not a strong character, but a reliable narrator who's nativity only endeared me further.

Annabeth was troubled. She covered her insecurities with awkward humour which almost always fell flat. Thank goodness for Grover. The Satyr and tin can eating boy who is using the quest to prove his own worth as a protector. He was simply delightful. Although the series falls under the middle grade genre, the Greek mythology was brilliant and it was delivered with humour and sarcasm. It was nothing short of incredible. I'm an instant fan and luckily already have the next two books waiting for me on my bookshelf.

36 comments

  1. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Kelly! I have fond memories of Percy Jackson (ones that include a very young me and the library haha :b) but I'm a little ashamed to admit that I've yet to begin reading the spin off D; Riordan just does absolutely fantastic sarcasm, doesn't he? The humour was just one of my favourite components. I hope the next two books live up to your expectations! Fantastic review! :)

    Jess @ My Reading Dress

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    1. He's brilliant. I was actually surprised how much sarcasm he threw in there, it actually reminded me a little of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in that sense. The sarcasm added to keep adults entertained as well. Very clever. I have all the Percy Jackson series now, but yet to purchase the Gods of Olympus. Think that's what it's called. I've heard they get better as the series goes too, so super excited!

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  2. I loved these books so much! I read them a few years ago, and recently, I've actually been contemplating re-reading them, because they are just so fantastic. (Don't watch the movies, though. Just don't.) Enjoy the rest! :)

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    1. I've heard they're pretty horrid. I really don't plan to watch them any time soon. After seeing the Vampire Academy movie, at that point I'd only read the original book and now I just bring myself to continue with the series. The movie was a complete let down. This series is brilliant though and definitely going to continue on.

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  3. Yaaaaay! *hugs Kelly* So happy that you enjoyed this! It has to be my favorite middle grade series ever (even I've only read less than 10 MG books/series). It's hard to get into Annabeth's character at first, but my love for her solidified a lot after book four. And book five will make you want to hug Annabeth until she explodes. Grover's really adorable as well. And Percy! Hilarious and adorable. <3 Awesome review, girl! I'm sure you'll enjoy the rest. :D

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    1. I think I may have been lynched if I didn't Aimee, I know how many of you all absolutely adore the series. I actually wondered if she might have been a bit sinister, as there wasn't that same emotional connection that both Percy and Grover have. Can't wait to get started on The Sea of Monsters.

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  4. YESSS I am so excited that you have finally picked up the Percy Jackson series, it is freaking fantastic especially with the twist on the greek gods. I just loved it so much! I think Percy is a fantastic hero character and role model for the youngins.

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    1. Why didn't anyone grab me, shake me and force me to read it sooner? Shame on you all. Even whack me over the head with it. Not too hard and paperback only. Or I might end up crosseyed and funny looking.

      My apologies to the crosseyed association of Australia.

      I made that up. Well, I really hope I did or I'll be looking quite the asshole right about now.

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  5. Yayfor Percy and double yay for you, Kelly! I'm always proud when I meet other people who have read and enjoyed Percy. I'm like a stage parent or something. Seriously, this is one of the best series I've ever read, and even the spin-offs and companions books are great. Book 1 isn't even the best yet, it just gets better with each book so I can only imagine how exciting this will be for you. :)

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    1. Thanks Joy, me too. I'm so excited when people tell me how incredible the series is and it only gets better. I loved book one, so it's almost hard to fathom how is actually gets even better. You're a Percy pusher, so I'll have to grab the spin off series as well now. I'm sure I'll love them all as much as you have.

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  6. I actually devoured this series. I've always been fascinated with mythology and this series made me love it more. The movie sucks, though. Percabeth is so adorable :D

    ~ Dre @ Sporadic Reads

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    1. I seriously think I'm one of the last young adult readers to start the series, everyone has read them all but me. I'm actually curious as to how many years or time passes between each book, is Percy a older teen by the time the series ends?

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  7. I just love this series, definitely my favorite middle grade series along with Harry Potter of course. It's just so well written and it's appealing not just for middle grade readers but any age range really. The humor has got to be my favorite part of the books, it's not forced or contrived in any way. It seems natural and definitely has me laughing as I read along. The Greek mythology is also SOOOO well done. It's embedded in a way that doesn't make it too overwhelming but is also very accurate.

    Lovely review Kelly! Hope you continue enjoying this series.

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    1. I'm ashamed to admit, I haven't even read the Harry Potter series, but preordered the new cover box set when they were first announced, so they'll be delivered this month. I loved the mythology, like you said, it was embedded so it didn't feel as though you were being educated. I understand why they're so popular with kids and adults, myself included.

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  8. Its weird, because as much as I like this book. I didn't have the urge to read the sequels at all. Aimee told me it was good, but I still wait it out because... I really don't know. Great review though! I knew it! haha, the movie was so off key, not only with the setting but in the age, they were kids there, not teens. haha :D

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    1. Did seeing the film turn you off reading the rest? That happened with me and Vampire Academy. I'll have to wait until I can't remember that horror then continue on. You should give book two a go, they're supposed to get better as the series goes on.

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  9. "delivered with humour and sarcasm" Well, you just gave me more reason to read this now. Now I feel even more of a schmuck for not reading this sooner. Thanks a lot! Haha, well it's my own fault for not finishing my TBR list sooner. I swear I'll read this within the year *yeah right*

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    1. They've been sitting on my shelf for almost a year and on my to read list even longer, we're both behind all the other cool kids with this series Ana. I'll be forced to stalk you now until you pick up The Lightning Thief.

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  10. I still haven't read a Percy Jackson book but I keep hearing so many good things that I feel like one day I have to try them! Glad to hear you loved this one and that it completely worked for yoU! I'll have to get over the hump and read the series one day!

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    1. Once you get stuck into the first book, you'll be hooked Lily. Can't wait to see what you think of the series, definitely move The Lightning Thief up your list.

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  11. I <3 this series so much Kelly (I ship Percabeth so much! <3), and I am so glad you adored it too! :D Like you said, this is such an original take on mythology and the cast characters and humor here are pheonominal! Hope you enjoy the rest of the series if you end up reading it! Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3

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    1. Thanks Zoe.
      At the moment, I don't see the allure of Annabeth and going by the cutesy couples name, I'm assuming they end up together as well. I honestly thought she might have been sinister. Damn, clearly I was way off base.

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  12. I've been meaning to read this series for aaaaaages after being told time and time again by my friends that it's amazing. I haven't read many books with Greek mythology in them, so I'm looking forward to reading this. I've seen the movies for this series that have been made so far, so I suppose it's time I got into the originals! Awesome review Kelly :)

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    1. The mythology is so fun and entertaining in this one, that you almost forget it's in there. It reads as a fun adventure series loaded with sarcasm and sass. I loved it Eugenia, I really hope you can get your hands on a copy and start the series soon. It's well worth the read.

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  13. My sister introduced me to Percy Jackson and I really loved it too!! I mean, I don't think I've ever seen more brilliant chapter titles. It is SO funny. Have you seen the movies? They're not as good but I still enjoyed them.

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    1. I've fallen in love and I've only read book one so far. I already have books two and three in a set and purchased four and five and waiting for them to be delivered. I haven't seen the movies, but might wait until I finish the series before seeing them. Have you read the spin off series?

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  14. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I loved this book ever since I was 10 years old :) I never realized they made a new cover. So far, I've seen only the original cover and the movie book cover! Lovely review, by the way. :D

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    1. Thanks Jillian.
      There's actually quite a few different covers that I've found, but these are the Penguin Australia ones. I love the animated fantasy covers myself, they look incredible.

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  15. I loved it too! Only....I just, eh, I never got around to the rest?! It makes me feel quite bad because they're GOOD I just have no idea why I never went for more. >.> Mime has even read more than me. *le gasp*

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    1. Why? Why would you not continue, even the other smushy has read them. You must read them at once. You have until the end of the month to rectify this situation, or I shall sit on your blog and stage a sit in.

      I trust you will choose wisely young one.

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  16. Yaaaaaas! PERCY JACKSON IS LIFE. Welcome to your even better life, Kelly. Welcome welcome welcome! Anyway, I am planning to buy a box set of the spin off series, Heroes of Olympus because my copies aren't all the same edition and IT PISSES ME OFF. Especially because it's one of my favourite series ever. And same goes for HP. God, it's like none of them are the same edition. Anyhoo, so glad you loved this, the Percabeth feels get stronger and stronger by each book :D

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    1. Me thinks you may have a crush on little Percy. Both he and Grover are super cute though, I have a feeling this will end up an epic and beautiful bromance. Damn, don't you just hate when that happens! My Mortal Instruments series is like that, and I still can't stop complaining to anyone who'll listen.

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  17. Great review Kelly. I've been wanting to read these for the longest time. Hopefully I can soon. So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for sharing.

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    1. You should definitely start the series Rochelle. I seen that you're writing a middle grade novel at the moment, this series would be perfect for inspiration. One of the most entertaining and engaging middle grade novels I've read.

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  18. KELLY I NEED TO READ THIS. I keep thinking to myself that I'm too old for Percy Jackson, but I don't think this is the case at all! Thanks for giving me the push to actually pick this series up!!!!!!!

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    1. Oh gosh, if you're old, I'm positively ancient! I don't think you could ever be too old for Percy Jackson, it's one of those timeless series that appeals to both children and adults. I really hope you pick it up soon, we could buddy read book two if you're interested.

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