The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
By Rick Riordan
Pages: 375

This is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. There has been a lot of hype for the book and the previews for the movie look awesome, but I have to say I was disappointed. It’s not Riordan’s fault, I just went in with unrealistic expectations. There were too many things that reminded me of Harry Potter (2 boys 1 girl, the set-up of the schools, even security named Filch) I found myself constantly comparing the two and The Lightning Thief didn’t create the same connection for me.

The connection was my biggest problem. I didn’t feel connected to the characters. I didn’t care if they lived or died. The book, however, remained a page-turner because the story was so interesting I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. I just didn’t care if the bad guys beat the good guys.

Aside from that and each chapter being written like a mini quest where Percy would have to overcome an attack of some kind, it was a good book. I wish it was around when I was little and needed to learn about Greek Mythology. It is exciting to think that so many kids are interested in these books and can learn about something that I never really took interest in when I was a kid.

My hope is that I will feel more connected with the next book now that I have gone through an entire book with these characters. Although, even if I don’t, I am sure I will finish the series because I can’t wait to see how it all ends.


*Something more: My husband finished The Lightning Thief last night and he loved it. He didn’t seem to have the same issues I did. Also, I started book 2 in the series last night and I am already more impressed.


**Source: Bought with my gift cards from Christmas, thanks family.