The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson & The Olympians (Book 1)
Written by Rick Riordan
Originally published in 2005
~380 pages
Rate: 5/5
The Lightning Thief is about a 12 year old boy named Percy Jackson. Before Percy can fully comprehend the fact that he is a demigod, he's accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. He's quickly sent on a quest to find the bolt and return it to Zeus. Along the way he makes friends with other demigods, such as Annabeth Chase and a satyr named Grover. Together the three of them set out on a quest and learn how sometimes family doesn't mean friendly.
The story is intriguing, fast-paced, adventurous, & enjoyable. The characters are inspiring, heroic, comedic, and smart.
The Percy Jackson & the Olympians book series recently got adapted into a TV show by Disney+; people have been comparing the two every week as new episodes emerge. I read the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series when I was younger, but as I watched the show I realized how much I forgot about the story. After watching the first couple of episodes, I decided to re-read the series. People have been arguing about the accuracy of the adaptation where as others have enjoyed the differences. I am one of those people who have enjoyed the way Disney+ adapted the book. However, that doesn't mean I love the book any less.
I am no longer a part of the age group for this book series anymore, however, I still think this is one of the best young adult Greek mythology texts I have read so far. I think it is one of those book series that sticks with you no matter how old you get. But maybe that's just because I was introduced to it at such a young age when I struggled with reading. Something that was once so difficult to accomplish is now something that comes so naturally for me because I chose to make reading a hobby of mine.
The book series holds a lot more meaning when you know the reason Rick Riordan wrote the series. It has been said that Rick wrote the book for his son. His son had difficulty reading, but enjoyed reading about mythology so he wrote countless books for his son to enjoy.
"Even strength must bow down to wisdom sometimes."