Summary
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is an intense, action-packed novel that follows the life of Percy Jackson. Percy started out as a normal, ADHD, dyslexic boy who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble at school. However, a sudden and chilling event soon twists his life upside down as he discovers that everything is not as it seems. Percy learns that the Greek gods are more than myth, and that his father is the mighty ocean god, Poseidon. Soon after Percy is rushed to a camp for “half-bloods” like himself, he meets an obscure person called the “Oracle”. The Oracle reveals to Percy that he needs to return Zeus’s Lightning Bolt which he believes Poseidon has taken. When Percy is set off to complete his quest given to him by the mysterious Oracle, he is accompanied by his two friends Grover and Annabeth. Can the team band together to finish their quest? Or will they be stopped by unseen forces? The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan, is a curious novel that takes ancient Greek characters and re-introduces them in a refreshing style.
Praise
The Lightning Thief is a modern book that features characters from the ancient Greek civilization. This book, though meant for entertaining purposes, also unintentionally educates the reader. It encourages teens to read, and makes for an interesting read. There are five books in the Percy Jackson series, and they all feature Percy as the main character.
Criticism
Though I found the series entertaining, there was the matter of maturity. The series starts when Percy is 12, and ends when he is 16. I hoped that the character would increase in maturity along with the books. However, I was sadly disappointed, as Percy seems to maintain the same, casual, blow-it-off, attitude as
displayed in The Lightning Thief. I believe that the intended audience is for middle schoolers; 5th-8th grade.
Christian Perspective
When first reading this book, I had my doubts. Whether or not you should read these books is up to you. My personal opinion is that these books are quite moral and fairly non-offensive. There is no vulgar language, obscene content, or questionable issues. The only item to consider is that the Percy Jackson series is focused on the Olympian gods. It is up to you whether or not to try it out.
Rating
3.5/5
February 17, 2010 at 2:57 am
My son saw this movie over the weekend and really enjoyed it. I know a lot of students who like the Harry Potter series also like this series.
February 22, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Yes, the movie looks a lot better than the book. They make Percy seem more mature I think. Have you read the books? I like them and all, but I’m constantly annoyed at Percy’s attitude. Haha.