Rick Riordan – The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) | Review

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.

★★★★★

I have no idea why it took me so long to start these series. Yes, this was the first time I read this book. I absolutely loved Greek mythology and I way kind of obsessed with it since forever, but this book just made me love it even more. Absolutely fantastic. Epic! I don’t mind that main characters were twelve-year-olds, at all. Actually, if I didn’t know, I’d never guess they’re that young. If felt like they were just my age. The writing style was so fun and easy to read, I often found myself laughing out loud, I just couldn’t help it, it was such a fun read. Also, the plot, all these scenes and all the references to Greek mythology blew me away. So good! I expected this book to be good, but I have to admit, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. I know I have no right to say this but: If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you doing with your life? Go read it immediately, it’s absolutely amazing and I actually start considering it a middle-grade classic, alongside Harry Potter. I’m so happy I finally picked it up and I can’t wait to continue on with the series, I believe it’s going to get only better.

SPOILER PART – if you haven’t read the book yet, I recommend not to read any further, go and read the book and then come back.

First, I have to say my opinion on differences between the book and the movie. I watched the movie twice before I read the book and I totally loved it. It was fantastic and it made me want to read the book. Even though I was told that the movie was nothing like the book and I started reading with that knowlege, I was still surprised by all the differences. However, I love both the book and the movie and I can’t decide which one I consider better. They are both great on their own ways and I enjoyed both so I’ll just stop comparing those two and look on them as two completely different works because they are completely different.

I already said how funny this book is. It made me laugh so hard sometimes, I just couldn’t stop. Percy, Grover, all the scenes… it was hilarious! It’s a fantastic pick if you want to relax and forget about the real world for a while and I just needed a break from school these days. Also, I already mentioned how I liked that everything was connected to Greek mythology and I was blown away by how much sense it all made. Absolutely perfect. All the explanations, how it all worked, was so simple and easy to follow, I did not get confused at all. Also, there was always a dose of humor, in every scene, which was fantastic.

I absolutely loved Percy Jackson.  He is my bae. I don’t care he’s only twelve, he’s awesome. unny sassy, not afraid of anyone… what else can you ask for a main character? Nothing, I agree. He made me laugh so often, my love for him only grew throughout the book. Also, he completely bought me when he sent Medusa’s head to Olymp to Gods. That was so freaking awesome! Percy didn’t let anyone mess with him, and Gods were no exception. I’m not saying that was always a clever thing to do, but it was amazing, for sure.
Annabeth was okay, I liked her, but I can’t say I loved her. She was smatr, a warrior and brave and I really liked her because of that. She was real Athena’s daughter. Grover was probably my second favourite character (after Percy, of course) and I love him so much. He was funny as well and also a very good friend. I love his relationship with Percy a lot. I really hope he will succeed and find Pan and that we are going to see more of him in next books. I really liked Poseidon as well, even though I don’t have a particular reason why. I just believe he’s a good father and that he loved Percy and that he’s proud of him. Ares was cool, I actually kind of liked him, and Hades as well, but since they’re both ”bad guys”, I guess I’m supposed to dislike them. But they are so cool! Another bad guy, but this one I completely hated, is Luke. Okay, I knew that it was all his fault from the beginning and I tried to understand him and like him at the beginning, but I just couldn’t. I just hate that bastard! I found Dionysus so hilarious,just the fact that he hated his job and he still had to do it because it was his punishment was so ironic, I mean, he’s a God, and he still couldn’t do what he wanted to do. So funny!

I loved Underworld. The atmosphere, all the descriptions, all these funny comments Percy and his friends had… Amazing! Scenes ”down there” were probably my favourites. I especially loved Haron and his attitude. I was laughing so hard when Annabeth gave Cerberus a ball and they passed him almost without any problem.

The ending was not a surprise for me because I had already watched the movie so I knew how the plot ends. However, I still consider it very well done and it all wrapped up nicely at the end. I love the twist when Percy laft Medusa’s head to his mother and she actually got rid of Gabe with it. That was so unexpected, but I loved it. I hated the guy.

All in all, this book was pure fun and I’m so glad I finally read it. I have no idea when I’ll be continuing with the series because I have so many books I want to read soon, but I know I won’t be able to wait for long. The Sea of Monsters is already watching me from s shelf.