The Lightning Thief: A Review
Title: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 5/5
It’s been so long since I’ve actually read the entire Percy Jackson series. But with the announcement of a Disney+ series and plenty of time on my hands, I figured it was the perfect time to do a reread. I’ve just finished the first book, The Lightening Thief and I’m reminded how much I love this series, the characters, the world Rick Riordan built. After reading the first book, I think I can pinpoint the exact moment I developed a love for sarcastic, chaotic characters with one Perseus Jackson.
Who can turn down a book about a kid who gets thrown into a world of Greek gods and goddesses and onto a deadly quest that the fate of the world depends on? Oh and did I mention that kid is 12 and has dyslexia and ADHD? With all the odds (and gods and goddesses) stacked against him, Percy must go on a journey to return what is stolen and stop the war that is brewing between the gods. Following along on his journey, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Percy, his quick wit, his stubbornness, his sass, his bravery.
“It’s funny how humans can wrap their mind around things and fit them into their version of reality.”
Reading this, it’s hard sometimes for me to remember that the kids in this book are 12. They seem so much more mature than I think I ever was at 12 years old. Though, to be fair I never had monsters chasing after me or gods challenging me. I think the life demigods live leads to them being forced to grow up quickly. I mean, even before Percy found out he was a demigod, he was forced to grow up quick. He lived with his mom and Smelly Gabe, changing schools almost every year. Then, he was forced to fight a war he didn’t even know about until he was thrust into it. He spent his days on his quest running from monsters and fighting for his life. I think that would force anyone to grow up pretty quickly. But then there are moments in the book where the three of them: Percy, Annabeth, and Grover are so obviously kids it’s impossible not to see it. One moment one of them will say something like “Even strength must bow to wisdom sometimes.” and the next moment one of them is yelling “Eat my pants!” in Latin or giving someone a “deluxe I’ll-Kill-You-Later stare”.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the way it’s written. I love books that are first person where the narrator talks to you. It makes me feel like I’m a part of the story unfolding before me. The other part I love about this book is Percy standing up to the gods. He’s thrown into something he doesn’t necessarily want to be a part of, but here he is being forced to be a pawn of the gods anyway. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to stand up to them and tell them they’re wrong. We could all use a little bravery like that in our lives. Young or old there is a lot for this story to teach us. And we can also have some fun on the way.