The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson: Book 1)

9/10

Percy Jackson is just a normal twelve year old boy. Sure he's got problems with school, bullies, and authority but at that age who doesn't?  Getting kicked out of school after school does have a way of making one think he's a screw up though.  One day though on a seemingly innocent visit to the beach with his mother Percy's life changes forever.  Finding out his best friends is a satyr and being chased by the Minotaur into a camp for demigods is only the beginning of Percy Jackson's new life.  Here he makes friends with children of similar parentage and finally finds himself a place where he belongs.

Peace can only last for so long though once it is discovered which god has fathered Percy.  Monstrous attacks begin and Percy is sent on a quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen master bolt (the lightening bolt from which all other bolts are made) and return it before the summer solstice to stop an all out war between the gods.  Along the way is more adventure than one boy can handle danger at every turn, and new heights of treachery.

An absolutely fantastic tale marvelously woven by the author Rick Riordan.  As a book written for young adults I didn't expect it to be as fun and engaging for an actual adult as it was.  Move over Harry Potter because Percy Jackson could kick your butt.  Smart mouthed, practical and fun Percy doesn't go looking for trouble but he was born a hero, a combination of mortal and god parentage that he can not control.  In a world where hero's are sent on quests all the time and spent their lives training Percy is a rare breath of fresh air. 

I often fear reading young adult books because the main characters can be whiny and immature (as their audience) which can get on the nerves of any adult.  Amazingly Percy seems to be mostly free of self pity and angst while still staying young and believable.

A fantastic book for sure that has me thanking the gods I bought the series. Definitely worth the read!

Review by

39 positive reader review(s) for The Lightning Thief

74 positive reader review(s) in total for the Percy Jackson series

Rick Riordan biography

Percy Jackson

The Lightning Thief reader reviews

from New Zealand

OMG, such a radical book. So groovy and hilarious that I read it again immediately. Word of warning however do not, under any circumstances, watch the horrible, retch worthy, made me throw up my blue pancakes, sorry excuse for a movie duology. It's trash in case you didnt get my message.
10/10 ()

from India

It's an amazing book, there all kinds of emotion in the series, ones who can't pass their time they can start reading this series.
10/10 ()

from United States

Percy Jackson is AMAZING!!!!! It not only is SUPER fun to read, but it's also relatable... not the magic part but the school part. Percy getting kicked out of school after school just makes me feel better about my elementary times. Anyways, THE BOOKS ARE JUST AMAZING!!! It's so detailed you feel like you're traveling with Percy. Whenever I reread the books I STILL get emotional and super hyped up. I would REALLY suggest this series to ANYBODY!!! It's amazing!!!!
10/10 ()

from Pakistan

Huh, I think this series is capable enough to leave all the other books behind. There is one thing for certain, Rick Riordan sure can write books.
10/10 ()

from Vietnam

A good book, the characters are really endearing and their adventures are enjoyable, though I feel this book doesn't expand on aspects of the plot, world and characters as well as later books (except for that twist at the end, which really had me in as a little kid). Overall, I would recommend this book to those searching for a fun series with certain memorable characters and moments.
8/10 ()

from India

I love fiction books and this is the fantastic fantasy book I have read till now, and I swear it was the best starting of any book's series,thats why I love Rick Riordan books of fiction the most.
10/10 ()

from Mt. Olympus

The king of the sky thinks that this is a great book! Packed with humor, and yet teaching kids about me and Greek mythology, it's a definite WIN! Highly recommend!!
10/10 ()

from Texas, USA

It is a good book, I like the things it has and the message it gives to people.
10/10 ()

from Mexico

Just amazing.
10/10 ()

from Russia

I really liked this book because it is based on greek mythology, which i like a lot and because of its unpredictible plot. In my opinion it is the Best fantastic book ever. I'd recommend this book to people who enjoy greek mythology. This story isn't only for children and teenagers. I think adults would be crazy about this book after reading it. So people of all ages, don't ignore this book if you see it in a bookshop - just buy it. You'll definetly like it!
10/10 ()

from USA

When I was in fifth grade my teacher recommended the books to me. Being the young impatient kid that I was read the first page and decided it was boring. I thought it was like Harry Potter and didn't even give it a chance. (I'm mad at myself for thinking that now) A couple years later I picked back up the first book and decided to give it a chance. After reading it I loved it. It makes me mad that I didn't give it a chance sooner. I recommend this book to everyone I know. People who don't like it, well I think your missing out. That's all I really have to say. It's a great book and people should definitely read it.
10/10 ()

from Sydney

Loved it, best book ever. I would compare it to HP and say it is 10000x better!!!!!!!!!
10/10 ()

from UK

The book is so interesting and NOT BORING AT ALL!
10/10 ()

from USA

I loved this book because it is adventurous and also has greek mythology.
10/10 ()

from Canada

Loved the book!!! If you are a reader who loves magic,fantasy world and of course, mythology: this should be the first book to pick.The book is totally based on action and adventure.I loved the characters. If you get confused by the mythology,keep a note and surf through the internet!! THE UNPUTDOWNABLE !!
10/10 ()

from France

This is the first of Rick Riordan’s five books on Percy Jackson, the hero who lost his mother at a young age and tries to find her in the underground world. While looking for her, he dives into the Greek mythology and takes up all kinds of challenges. With his two accomplices, Percy has the best protection against his rivals. When you start reading this fabulous book, you will not be able to stop. The author makes this mysterious story interesting by having Percy Jackson chase a special stone. Over 400 pages, the author manages to make the story thrilling by adding events that keep the reader intrigued throughout the book. I strongly recommend this book to every person of ten and above who likes enigmatic and adventurous stories. Adults shouldn’t hesitate to read it, if you enjoyed Harry Potter, you will also love the story of Percy Jackson. MC, 12 years old
10/10 ()

from India

Amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing book!!!!I had to say it was worth reading
10/10 ()

from UK

The sardonic tone of the narrator’s voice lends a refreshing air of realism to this riotously paced quest tale of heroism that questions the realities of our world, family, friendship, and loyalty.
8/10 ()

from India

The best book by the best author. All the books are very nice but I don't like the movies. I have read all the books of Percy Jackson series.
10/10 ()

from India

Amazing mythology book.
10/10 ()

from US

AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZZINGGG!!!
10/10 ()

from United Arab Emirates

Great Book
10/10 ()

from Northen Ireland

Fabulous. If it wasn't limited to ten stars I would give it 1,000,000!
10/10 ()

from Indonesia

Absolutely awesome. Words cannot describe how fun and attention-grabbing this book is.I read the rest of the series right away!
9/10 ()

from Canada

This was the best book I've ever read. A need to read for 12+. It is an awesome book. Great job Mr Riordan!
10/10 ()

from London

Great book but could have been better.
8/10 ()

from india

An ultimate book with lots of action and adventure. Far better than Harry Potter.
10/10 ()

from India

This book has a way of transporting you into its setting, each word makes to starve for the next. Percy Jackson is a must read series to know each one is a hero. Hands off!!!!!
9/10 ()

from USA

Best book I've ever read and I read it under two hours.
10/10 ()

from Florida

I could not stop reading it. Finished in a day.
10/10 ()

from Tamil Nadu, India

I like how the whole book is revolving around Greek Mythology and mystery twisted together. I loved reading it...
10/10 ()

from Belgium

FAAAAAAAAB BOOK!!! WORTH OF READING IT!!##!! LOVED IT### :) :) :)
9/10 ()

from England

I thought it was amazing. It is one of my favorite books in the series.
9/10 ()

from USA

The characters are realistic (as realistic as half-bloods can be!) and the action is non-stop. I have seen student after student get excited to read these books, and I always start my year with Lightning Thief. The humor and fast pace make it worth the read each year, and the kids can't get enough of Percy Jackson. I have had to restock the rest of the series several times because they just keep walking off!
10/10 ()

from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Definitely the best book you will ever read. I recommend it for all young adults everywhere.
10/10 ()

from India

Awesome!!! A must-read book. When you read it you feel like you are one of the characters.
10/10 ()

from Iowa

This was a great book but the mythology would confuse me at times...
9/10 ()

from California

Very good book kept you reading all the way through:)
10/10 ()

from Lubliana

It's a great book but 1st of a series of 5 and then comes a linked series of probably 2. There are lots more Rick Riordan books out there!
10/10 ()

from London

This book is so cool. It was recommened to me by my friend Serkan. At first when I read it, I thought this book is boring, but when I got the book myself and read the first chapter, that's when I realised this is my type of book. It was full of action and adventure. It also taught me a lot about Greek gods. After reading the whole book in 3 weeks I really wanted to get the second book Sea of Monsters. I absolutely fell in love with it. I really thank my friend Serkan for recommending it to me, and really recommed all the children my age to try it.
10/10 ()

from Oklahoma

Full of action a great read aloud and fun for Everyone! Thank you so much, my class loved it!
10/10 ()

from Florida, USA

These books are amazing! Delve into a world where regular kids find out that they have a human (mortal) parents and... a god parent. Yep. Greek gods. They're real. And they're in New York. Percy Jackson goes to the summer camp, Camp Half-Blood. It's where all half-mortal, half-god kids go. It's a safe haven. Percy goes on a quest because all the Greek gods are looking at him for a crime he didn't commit. The theft of Zeus' all-powerful lightning bolt. This series is amazing! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Perfect for anyone who is interested in Greek mythology!
10/10 ()

9.7/10 from 43 reviews

All Rick Riordan Reviews