The Lightning Thief (Movie Tie-in Edition) (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)

The book that started it all (2010-07-30) : 5/5
I was recommended the Lightening Thief from a friend of mine a couple of years ago. He got really into the series and I forgot about it. A month ago, I found myself bored at work. I decided to picked up a copy of The Lightening Thief and I couldn't put it down. By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. I had such a great time reading the first book that as soon as I was done, I had to pick up the next until I finished out the series. I'm so glad that I got bored and was introduced to Percy Jackson. I feel like I've known him all of my life.
better than I thought it would be (2010-07-30) : 3/5
Curious about the buzz, I picked up _The Lightning Theif_. It was entertaining, and I can see the appeal and attraction for young adult readers. Even with the understanding that the book is geared towards a younger audience, it wasn't spectacular. There are a number of things the story has going for it: the protagonist has ADD / ADHD, and is labeled a "troublemaker" by his teachers - as it turns out, all the children of the gods (of which Percy - "Perseus" - is one of many) are so diagnosed. The classical allusion and clues to Percy's father and breadcrumbs leading to the climax are a bit plain to a sophisticated reader, but will almost certainly keep the attention of younger readers, and the action is vivid. An added bonus are the jokes and good-hearted jabs at adults in general and teachers specifically. Its not a real stretch of the imagination to understand why these stories resonate with young boys especially.

There are some flaws, however. Most significantly for me was the dialogue and writing -as an earlier reviewer pointed out, the 'colloquial narration' wears thin after a few pages. In fact, the quality of the writing overall is not nearly as tight nor as imaginitive as Rowling (my gold standard for YA literature.) More than once the characters find themselves in dead-end situations that are resolved with rather silly escapes, as if Riordan wrote himself into a corner and needed an easy out to move on with the story.

For adults, I can't recommend. Riordan simply isn't as strong a writer as Rowling, Lewis or Tolkein. However, for the young adult set, this would be near the top of my reading list. Its an easy read (both in terms of story and language) and it will certainly capture their imagination. As an added bonus, its a great introduction into the ancient world, Percy Jackson a younger, more modern stand-in for Odysseus.
The Best Book In The World! (2010-07-27) : 5/5
The movie is horrible, but the book is awesome!
They should make a 6th book in the series! Rick Riordan is my favorite author!
It's got it all (2010-07-27) : 5/5
Start with an entertaining story, with plenty of conflict, solved by both fighting and thinking. Add humor, and good references to Greek and Roman mythology. Throw in some likeable (and unlikeable) characters. End up with a thoroughly readable and enjoyable book. I plan to continue with the series.
An exciting journey worth re-reading again and again (2010-07-26) : 5/5
SO MUCH FUN!!!! As an adult I really enjoyed this book. I was so surprised and thrilled to finally see a worthy story incorporate Greek mythology into such an easy fun read. I wish this was around when I went to elementary school. This is the kind of book that really gets your imagination spinning.

Percy Jackson is a 12 yr. old that discovers his chaotic dyslectic life is influenced by his tie-ins to the Greek Gods. Yes, they are real, and so are the monsters that come with!"