Book Review: The Lightning Thief

Title: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Publication Date: July 1, 2005 (hardcover) /

                                      April 1, 2006 (paperback)

Language: English

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book 1)

Genre(s): Fantasy Fiction/Adventure

"If you're a normal kid, reading this because you think it's fiction, great. Read on. I envy you for being able to believe that none of this ever happened. 

But if you recognize yourself in these pages—if you feel something stirring inside—stop reading immediately. You might be one of us. And once you know that, it's only a matter of time before they sense it too, and they'll come for you. 

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Meet Percy, a normal 12-year old kid. Was he really normal? Well, never completely normal. He suffered from ADHD and dyslexia  and somehow had a bad reputation - making one think that he’s screwed up. But, Percy isn't really a troublemaker himself. He had this weird attraction for funny events that happen to him. Unexplained events, if I may say. Though what he really wanted was a completely normal life.

Until one day, he accidentally vaporizes his math teacher, who turned into a Fury and has tried to attack him. At that very moment he’s about to welcome a drastic turn of events that will completely change his entire life. He found out that his bestfriend, Grover, was a satyr who had been keeping an eye on him since sometime. He was brought to Camp Half Blood which is considered as the safest place for kids like him to train and practice fighting with monsters after a dreadful journey with his mother and Grover and got chased by a Minotaur who had snatched his mother away as they reach the camp.

At the camp he found out that he is the son of one of the Big Three – the son of Poseidon, God of Sea. However, peace can only last long, once he found out that Zeus’ lighting bolt was missing. Where Zeus suspects his father to be the main man and him, his accomplice.

Now, the real adventure starts  when Percy and his friends, Annabeth (daughter of Athena) and Grover have just 10 days to find out the real culprit and return Zeus’ stolen property to bring about peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But first, Percy must come in terms wih his father who had abandoned him and solve the riddle of the Oracle which warns a betrayal of a friend; and unearth the new height of treachery.

REVIEW

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is the first installment of Rick Riordan’s five-part series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It has also been turned into a movie, though I havent seen it yet.

The book is a great tool for introducing Greek Mythology. A thrilling tale superbly woven by the author Rick Riordan which modernizes the ancient tales to make it more interesting  and enjoyable to read. Bringing mythology to life is a great way to make these stories accessible to the new generation. Though I had a little difficulty coping with the story since I'm not familiar with Greek Mythology. It somewhat appealed to me like Harry Potter-ish type of story since both were a mid-school novel about adventure, friendship, the trials of school and peers.

The book was simple, yet written with great style.  It was quick paced, characters were lovable and relatable. These are all mixed into a piece of history, full of action in itself dashed with a little pinch of humor.  Though it may seem a little predictable to the more mature audiences. Still, the action will sweep you along from one exciting scene to the next, and you'll find it hard to put down.

The story values friendship, responsibility, trust and honor. It gives us the idea that no matter how hard and unpredictable life may seem, perseverance is still the best option plus trusting your friends and everything will fall in right place.

Overall, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is one enchanting story. It is a total page turner. Great starter for those who are not really into reading yet. And who knows, you might be one of those unclaimed Demigods haha chause! See you at Camp Half Blood.

"Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing."

— Chiron (The Lightning Thief)