The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, #1)

by Rick Riordan

[rakesandrogues]

It's not that often that I like a book by the first ten pages, so immediately, The Lightning Thief scores major points by hooking me into the story by the eighth page. They tell you not to judge a book by its cover. I usually tell myself not to judge a book by the first fifty pages. I try, but sometimes it is extremely difficult to let go of first impressions. To me, first impressions of a book can usually tell me how much I will end up enjoying a book. From the first eight pages alone, I knew that I was going to enjoy The Lightning Thief tremendously. I was not wrong with that judgement.

One of the reasons why I probably liked The Lightning Thief so much is my fascination of Greek mythology. It was something I have always had an interest in. I thought I knew a lot (especially since we covered a few tales in Latin class...) but apparently not. I learned a handful of things about Greek mythology while reading the book.

I'm always hesitant about reading a book geared towards younger readers. I read a lot of middle grade fiction at internship, and I find that sometimes, they just aren't as enjoyable to an older audience. I was proved wrong with this book, however. Though the protagonist, Percy Jackson, is only twelve years old, I think his story is great for all ages. While reading, it was so easy to forget just how old he is. Rick Riordan's writing doesn't make you feel like you're reading your kid sister's book.

Throughout the whole book, I found myself at the edge of the seat. I couldn't stop reading, and I was constantly trying to guess the ending (I couldn't do it). I loved reading about how Percy uncovered the secrets about his birth and Camp Half-Blood. I loved meeting Gods and other creatures throughout their travels. I loved the modern day descriptions because I thought that it reflected the Gods and creatures so well. Riordan flawlessly incorporates these myths from the past, and in this story, it feels like the Gods and Goddesses have always lived amongst us. Also, living so close to New York City, I found myself constantly wondering the existence of the 600th floor on the Empire State Building. I know the book is fiction, (though the first page of the book suggests otherwise) but I so want to believe in Mount Olympus.

After reading the book and enjoying it immensely, my fingers are itching to get a signed copy of the book from Books of Wonder. Oh, the temptation!!! I'm definitely going to read more of this series.