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2 Beaverton Children's- Science Fiction and Fantasy

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One

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The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One Cover

ISBN13: 9780786838653
ISBN10: 0786838655
Condition: Standard
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Staff Pick

Percy Jackson is not normal. He's got ADHD and attention deficit, and he's been kicked out of every school he's ever attended. Now he discovers he's a half blood: half human, half Olympian god. But his problems are only beginning. Someone has stolen Zeus's thunderbolt — and Percy's being blamed.
Recommended by Kathy H, Powell's Books at PDX

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

What if the gods of Olympus were alive in the 21st Century? What if they still fell in love with mortals and had children who might become great heroes — like Theseus, Jason and Hercules?

What if you were one of those children?

Such is the discovery that launches twelve-year-old Percy Jackson on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction — Zeus' master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.

Review:

"A clever concept drives Riordan's highly charged children's book debut (the first in a series): the Greek Gods still rule, though now from a Mt. Olympus on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building, and their offspring, demigods, live among human beings. Narrator Percy Jackson thinks he's just another troubled 12-year-old, until he vaporizes his math teacher, learns his best friend, Grover, is a satyr and narrowly escapes a minotaur to arrive at Camp Half-Blood. After a humorous stint at camp, Percy learns he's the son of Poseidon and embarks on a quest to the Underworld with Grover and Annabeth (a daughter of Athena) to resolve a battle between Zeus and Poseidon over Zeus's stolen 'master' lightning bolt. Without sacrificing plot or pacing, Riordan integrates a great deal of mythology into the tale and believably places mythical characters into modern times, often with hilarious results (such as Hades ranting about the problem of 'sprawl,' or population explosion). However, on emotional notes the novel proves less strong (for example, Percy's grief for his mother rings hollow; readers will likely spot the 'friend' who betrays the hero, as foretold by the Oracle of Delphi, before Percy does) and their ultimate confrontation proves a bit anticlimactic. Still, this swift and humorous adventure will leave many readers eager for the next installment. Ages 10-up. (July)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

"An adventure-quest with a hip edge." School Library Journal (Starred Review)

Review:

"Riordan's fast-paced adventure is fresh, dangerous, and funny." Booklist

Review:

"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." Kirkus Reviews

Review:

"One could easily compile a grocery list of Harry Potter likenesses....Imitation aside, Riordan is a talented, funny writer." VOYA

Review:

"He has a knack for showing readers a crazy good time." New York Times Book Review

Review:

"Packed with humorous allusions to Greek mythology...along with rip-snorting action sequences, this book really shines." Horn Book Magazine

Review:

"A fantastical blend of myth and modern." Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl

Synopsis:

Classic Greek mythology is mixed with modern adventure in this brand-new, action-packed series. After learning he is a demigod, Percy Jackson is sent to a summer camp on Long Island, where he meets the father he never knew — Poseidon, God of the Sea.
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About the Author

Rick Riordan is the author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, as well as the hugely popular Tres Navarre mysteries, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. For the past fifteen years, Rick has taught in middle schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Texas. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and two sons.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 28 comments:
BethanyP, May 30, 2013 (view all comments by BethanyP)
This is the only book I read in this series, but I really enjoyed it. It is meant more for children, but I read this as a senior in high school and enjoyed it. I would recommend reading it before seeing the movie. I thought the characters were fun, as was the plot line.
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nessa.hough, August 19, 2012 (view all comments by nessa.hough)
I always loved things that were science fiction and fantasy. I also find Greek myths fascinating. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is and amazing book for just about anyone as long as there 5+. This book would also work as a bedtime story for young children, especially since PJO was first a bedtime story for Rick Riordan's son. Love this book.
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imaswimer21, August 19, 2012 (view all comments by imaswimer21)
Gotta love Rick Riordan. I've read all his books except for the 39 clues series. I keep coming back to the Lightening Thief. I've probably read this book 3-4 times and I love it everytime. I highly recommend reading it if you haven't already.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780786838653
Author:
Riordan, Rick
Publisher:
Miramax Books
Author:
Paver, Michelle
Subject:
General
Subject:
Friendship
Subject:
Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy
Subject:
Fathers and sons
Subject:
General Juvenile Fiction
Subject:
Children s-General
Subject:
Action & Adventure
Copyright:
2006
Edition Number:
Reprint ed.
Edition Description:
Paperback / softback
Series:
Gods and Warriors
Series Volume:
01
Publication Date:
April 2006
Binding:
TRADE PAPER
Grade Level:
from 5
Language:
English
Pages:
336
Dimensions:
7.75 x 5.06 in 1 lb
Age Level:
10-22
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Related Subjects


Children's » Action and Adventure » Adventure Stories
Children's » Fables
Children's » Featured Titles
Children's » General
Children's » Middle Readers » General
Children's » Sale Books
Children's » Science Fiction and Fantasy » General
Featured Titles » World Book Night 2013

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One Used Trade Paper
0 stars - 0 reviews
$5.50 In Stock
Product details 336 pages Miramax Books - English 9780786838653 Reviews:
"Staff Pick" by ,

Percy Jackson is not normal. He's got ADHD and attention deficit, and he's been kicked out of every school he's ever attended. Now he discovers he's a half blood: half human, half Olympian god. But his problems are only beginning. Someone has stolen Zeus's thunderbolt — and Percy's being blamed.

by Kathy H
"Publishers Weekly Review" by , "A clever concept drives Riordan's highly charged children's book debut (the first in a series): the Greek Gods still rule, though now from a Mt. Olympus on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building, and their offspring, demigods, live among human beings. Narrator Percy Jackson thinks he's just another troubled 12-year-old, until he vaporizes his math teacher, learns his best friend, Grover, is a satyr and narrowly escapes a minotaur to arrive at Camp Half-Blood. After a humorous stint at camp, Percy learns he's the son of Poseidon and embarks on a quest to the Underworld with Grover and Annabeth (a daughter of Athena) to resolve a battle between Zeus and Poseidon over Zeus's stolen 'master' lightning bolt. Without sacrificing plot or pacing, Riordan integrates a great deal of mythology into the tale and believably places mythical characters into modern times, often with hilarious results (such as Hades ranting about the problem of 'sprawl,' or population explosion). However, on emotional notes the novel proves less strong (for example, Percy's grief for his mother rings hollow; readers will likely spot the 'friend' who betrays the hero, as foretold by the Oracle of Delphi, before Percy does) and their ultimate confrontation proves a bit anticlimactic. Still, this swift and humorous adventure will leave many readers eager for the next installment. Ages 10-up. (July)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)
"Review" by , "An adventure-quest with a hip edge."
"Review" by , "Riordan's fast-paced adventure is fresh, dangerous, and funny."
"Review" by , "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."
"Review" by , "One could easily compile a grocery list of Harry Potter likenesses....Imitation aside, Riordan is a talented, funny writer."
"Review" by , "He has a knack for showing readers a crazy good time."
"Review" by , "Packed with humorous allusions to Greek mythology...along with rip-snorting action sequences, this book really shines."
"Review" by , "A fantastical blend of myth and modern."
"Synopsis" by , Classic Greek mythology is mixed with modern adventure in this brand-new, action-packed series. After learning he is a demigod, Percy Jackson is sent to a summer camp on Long Island, where he meets the father he never knew — Poseidon, God of the Sea.
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