Get Hooked on Books: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Publisher – Disney – Hyperion Books

Release Date – June 28, 2005

Pages – 375

Series – Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Genre – Fantasy/Mythology

Summary –

12 year old Percy is not normal, but he sure wishes he was He wants to lead a life as a normal kid in a normal family. However, Percy is far from average. He is unlike many kids for one almost normal reason. Kind of an oxy-moron, huh? He doesn’t have a dad. As the story goes on you, the reader, learns that the reason he doesn’t have a dad is not because he left, as Percy has always believed, but he happens to be a god. Percy’s dad is the god, Poseidon. Poseidon has a life of his own with a god wife and two god children. Percy is what you could call an unloved child. His mom loves him, sure, but his dad rarely even visits. Percy, after learning that his dad is a god is sent to a camp where he and other half-bloods can be safe. This is where Percy learns that his dad is Poseidon. Soon after arriving at the camp Percy learns that Zeus’ master bolt, the one that allows him to create lightning, has been stolen and the theft was blamed on Poseidon. Percy sets out on a journey with his two friends, Grover and Annabeth, to find the lighting bolt and in doing so clear his dad’s name and stop a godly war. On his journey Percy encounters evil monsters, tricky gods, and a false friendship.

Character Development –

While in the course of reading this book I felt myself hoping, praying for, and thinking about these characters. Okay, not literally, but I did care immensely about every person. I wanted Percy to make it through the whole adventure. I related to Annabeth and Grover never failed to make me laugh. When I heard that there was going to be a failed friendship in the book I kept wondering who it was going to be and at the same time hoped it was false information because I cared about everybody so much. I loved these characters and that is not something I can normally say.

Language usage –

The language in this book was simple to say the least. I didn’t find myself learning new words, ever. Riordan was trying to make his book understandable to younger kids, but I think that the story would have benefited from some variety in word choice. The simplicity of the words does make the book easier to follow, but unlike in Divergent (see Divergent review) I found myself longing for more. I wanted more of a description, more characters developed. The words he used were fine, but they could have been better.

Idea –

The concept was fantastic! I have always enjoyed Greek mythology, but I loved it even more when Riordan related it to modern life. I admired the idea of having god-like powers, but not in full strength. I have one lasting impression from this book - I want to be a demigod!

Overall –

It couldn’t have gotten much better. Between the awesome characters and crazy twists I can’t imagine a better story. However, the vocabulary left much to be desired and I would have liked more closure. I know, it’s part of a series and I gripe when one individual book doesn’t have a satisfying ending. Is that just me? Overall it is one I would recommend.

What I thought –

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were friends and the plot was in depth. I think that the author could have made the book better by using more of a diverse vocabulary. One thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the idea behind it, I am generally into Greek mythology, though.

Difficulty –

This book, partly due to its sub-par vocabulary, was a fairly easy read. I would say that anybody in or above 3^rd grade would be able to read it. It may even be a bit easy if you are in high school, but, hey, it can be one of those books that you hide behind another and save it for your own guilty pleasure. Or, you know, go for it and prop the book up for all to see and give a little smirk to anyone who questions you!

Length –

My copy has 384 pages. I would say that it is a pretty average length. Not necessarily the book to go to when you need your book count to go up fast, but also not one to take on a week vacation and expect it to take up all your time. It is more a book for when you don’t care about the time it will take you.

Who should read it –

I kind of already mentioned this in difficulty, but really anyone over 3^rd grade should understand it while, I believe everyone, no matter gender, will enjoy it.

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