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The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #01)

by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #01) Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends — one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena — Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

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.)

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.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 4 comments:
Bluedude, June 4, 2009 (view all comments by Bluedude)
This series was amazing. the best series ever! A master piece by Rick Riordan! If you haven't read this series yet. READ IT READ IT READ IT!!!!!!!!!!! The series goes; the lightning thief, the sea of mosters the titan's curse the battle of the labrynth the demigod files then the last olympian. if you havent read this series why waist your time? SO READ IT!
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(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Bluedude, June 4, 2009 (view all comments by Bluedude)
this series was amazing. the best series ever! a master peace by Rick Riordan! but it was worth it. if you haven't read this series yet. READ IT READ IOT READ IT!!!!!!!!!!! the series goes the lightning thief the sea of mosters the titan's curse the battle of the labrynth the demigod files then the last olympian. if you havent read this series why waist your time? SO READ IT!
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(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
bookluvr, November 13, 2007 (view all comments by bookluvr)
this is the best book ever i would love to read the rest of the series i told all my friends to read it
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(7 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780786856299
Author:
Riordan, Rick
Publisher:
Miramax Books
Subject:
General
Subject:
Action & Adventure
Subject:
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
Subject:
Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy
Subject:
Mythology, Greek
Subject:
Identity
Subject:
Action & Adventure - General
Subject:
General Juvenile Fiction
Subject:
Fantasy & Magic
Subject:
Fantasy fiction
Copyright:
Edition Description:
Hardcover
Series:
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Series Volume:
01
Publication Date:
June 28, 2005
Binding:
Hardcover
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Pages:
377
Dimensions:
8.58x6.04x1.30 in. 1.20 lbs.
Age Level:
10-14

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