The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
Bought and paid for, courtesy of Border's
Author's Website
PJV's Quickie POV: Compelled to read because of the impending movie release I was captivated by the rich and entertaining story. The Lightening Thief is fast-paced and high-energy, keeping you on your toes the entire time. Yet, I found myself throughout the entire book thinking Dumbeldore might pop up at any moment and instead of a capture the flag tournament they might all run out and play Quidditch.
Review: Perseus Jackson, known to his friends if he had any as Percy, is a troubled kid. Kicked out of every school he has attended he has been moved around, man-handled and ignored for the better part of his life. Yet, strange things have always plagued 12 year old Percy Jackson. Odd occurrences happen around him, so he isn't that surprised when his math teacher sprouts wings and tries to kill him. It does anger him when everyone acts like nothing happened, especially his new found friend Grover, because Grover can't lie very well.
Percy is intent on finding out the truth, but the truth is a little more than he expected and he is whisked away to summer camp, a special summer camp for the children of gods and goddesses. A special place where the half-mortal offspring of the gods can harness their powers and learn how to control them and become the heroes that they were meant to be. In an epic fight on the doorsteps of camp, Percy battles his way in...just to find the battle might not be over and there are whisperings. Whisperings that he might be a little more than just the son of a god...he might be the one.
While the story was entertaining the striking resemblance to the Harry Potter series threw me through a loop during the entirety of the book. It was obvious the author took the premise of Harry Potter and rewrote it from a Greek perspective. It was just too similar. Twelve year old boy, orphaned, goes to a magical place to discover his true potential. All the while the big baddie lurks...ever present and threatening.
Don't get me wrong, inspired by HP it is, entertaining and worth a read it is also. The book definitely kept me engrossed and wanting more. I will read on and I will see the movie.
Recommendation: Tweens, to Teens to Adults, everyone should partake. Harry Potter fans will very much enjoy unless you are territorial. The tone is young so go in and embrace your inner child.
22 comments:
My daughter (11) loved this book and promptly had me get two more in the series. The film looks to be good too. :-)
Ah yes, the phenom that is the Olympians series....can't say I haven't seen this one flying off the shelves at out local bookstore. The movie previews definitely leant potential readers a helping hand into the series....but I must say I do have the first book somewhere in my TBR, still unread! (GASP!) I was already planning on pulling it out prior to the movie release. Thanks for sharing and the reminder! Happy reading!
I LOVED this book. It kept me wanting to know more about the Greek mythology and stuff like that. Awesome book. I'm SO looking forward to buy and read The Sea of Monsters!
It is a little like HP true, but so entertaining.
BTW Percy is not an orphan, not really, he has a mother and a father.
Great review...I love HP, but Lord knows I need new literary fixes anyway :)
I love HP, so maybe I will read this one ;)
It does sound remarkably like HP, doesn't it? I might just see the movie.
Gregory had me read this because he loved it so much. It was great. He flew through the whole series. Great book and review!
+JMJ+
I've been curious about this new series for a while, so this was one review I was anticipating from you, Rachy. =)
I don't think the resemblance to the Harry Potter series will bother me too much, as I stopped reading Rowling after The Order of the Phoenix (which I barely remember) and didn't see any of the movies beyond The Goblet of Fire.
Yet I must wonder whether the idea of a boy (or a girl!) who feels like an outsider and then discovers a fantastic history and magical destiny must forever be associated with Harry Potter. Surely there were many Fantasy books which played on this theme long before Rowling came up with her own take on it. (Yeah, I know, my case would be stronger if I could actually come up with titles, but I'm not as well versed in Paranormal YA as I'd like to be!)
Thanks for the review!
+JMJ+
PS--Well, okay, the summer camp would be Hogwarts-ish, wouldn't it? =P
Hey only 3.5?! LOL. I like this series. I'm a sucker for greek mythology. I'm glad you're giving it another chance. My favorite is the Battle of the Labyrinth. I hope they do good on the film adaptation.
BTW Pecy is not an orphan his dad left for "godly reasons" and he still got his mom.
I loved this book, it didn't remind me of Harry Potter as much as I was expecting... but the similarities are definitely there.
Great review =)
I really, really enjoyed this series! I thought Rick did a wonderful job putting a new twist on Greek mythology. Such a fun, fast read - if you choose to continue, you'll finish them in no time. :)
I'm so glad you reviewed this! My cousin recommended I read it before the movie comes out and I completely forgot!
Tara SG
25hourbooks
I bought this one too because of the upcoming movie plus another review I read on it. I didn't read the HP books so maybe this book will be more original to me. But I did see the movies. Thanks for the review.
This might be great for me since I never read HP..... I hear the gasps as I am typing.
I actually enjoying reading some of the first book in this series compared to the first Harry Potter Book for some reason :)
I've been on the fence about reading this series but your review makes me want to give it a try. Thanks for posting about it!
You got an award!
http://delightfulreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/wtf-more-awards-for-me.html
I thought TLT and HP had things in common, but they had many differences too. Keep reading the series. It just gets better and better, I promise. :)
My son is currently reading this book. It takes him a little time to read. But I told him I would like to read it before the movie comes out as well. I like to compare the books to the movies when the make them.
Thanks for the review!
Great review. I've been trying to decide if I should get this book because while I've heard good things about it I'm concerned that it might be too young for me.
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