Oh dear: someone's been reading Harry Potter and quite falsely assuming that he can produce another publishing phenomenon by stealing the best ideas. Bad mistake, Mr. Riordan (although it seems to be working out for you financially). This series is everywhere derivative - not an origiinal thought in it. And my biggest gripe: it does not even adhere to its own internal logic. Phooey. This one goes in the Salvation Army bin. ( )

I thought the book was very good. I had to force myself to put it down. There was nonstop action. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. ( )

The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson series and I must say, it’s a killer start. Percy is a ordinary boy with extraordinary powers. He has never been able to figure out why he is so different from all the other kids until one day, he discovers he is the son of a Greek god and his father needs him to do something important. Zeus’ master bolt has gone missing and it is up to Percy, along with his friends Grover the satyr and Annabella, the daughter of Athena to find it.
I’ve been a fan of Greek mythology since I was a kid and I took a university course in it last year so to read through and piece together which myths they were using and see them used in a modern setting was very educational and entertaining. It’s got all the elements of a great book; action, adventure, good plot line, great characters… the only bad thing I can think to say is that it leans a little too much into Harry Potter territory sometimes. Boy with a mysterious past and powers, a bad guy only the hero can defeat, best friends are a boy (well, satyr in this case) who can’t seem to live up to his family’s goals and a girl who is a know-it-all bookworm? The Lightning Thief does read a lot like Harry Potter, for sure but it is interesting in its own right and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series to find out what happens. ( )

action liked it

Riordan is a fantastic author! He has been able to reach older elementary students straight up through high school levels! The humor in this book is something I absolutely loved, and when you couple it with all the action and mystery, it is a book/series that reaches a variety of readers! ( )