The Lightning Thief

By Rick Riordan

Review by Haley

Imagine one day finding out that the Greek gods are real and you are related to them! That’s how Percy Jackson feels after he learns that his father is the great sea god Poseidon. In Rick Riordan’s book, The Lightning Thief, Percy, a struggling teen, gets caught in the middle of a big family feud right out of Greek mythology. In the story, Percy finds out that Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen and he is pronounced guilty.

Percy and his two friends Grover and Annabeth, have just ten days to find Zeus’s prized possession and prevent the largest war in human history. In order to succeed on his courageous quest, Percy will also have to come to terms with his father and unravel the mystery of a power bigger than the gods.

At one point in the story, Percy has to travel down to the underworld to see his uncle Hades. Hades is Percy’s prime suspect because he has a grudge against Zeus and Poseidon for breaking a pledge they made with him. This promise dated back to World War II when the big three (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) decided not to have any more children because they were stronger then other half bloods. Percy has to trick Charon (the man who lets you get into the underworld), get past Cerberus (the three headed Doberman), and survive the wrathful Hades.

Anyone who loves adventure and mythology will love The Lightning Thief. This action packed story has excitement around every corner. With monsters and magic everywhere you turn, thrill is a given. This book was voted the New York Times notable book of 2005.

This breathtaking fantasy is part of a series called Percy and the Olympians. Don’t miss the next book, The Sea of Monsters.