The following is a book review by Archie Bates (Year 8)

‘PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF’

Look, I didn’t want to be a half blood. I never asked to be a son of a Greek God.

The first book in Rick Riordan’s five book series, The Lightning Thief, is an entertaining introduction to the world of half-bloods, heroes and Greek mythology. From the hilarious chapter title; such as ‘Three Old Ladies Knit the Socks of Death’, ‘I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom’, ‘We Get Advice from a Poodle’, and ‘We Take a Zebra to Vegas’. To the exciting and thrilling occurrences that happen in those chapters. This is suitable for all ages (but best to start from 10-13 years old).

The Story

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson has been kicked out of a lot of boarding schools. He’s dyslexic, has ADHD, and wherever he goes, trouble seems to find him. He finds out, after being attacked by his maths teacher, who is a fury (a Greek monster), that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon.  He is sent on a quest to return Zeus’ stolen prise possession, a lightning bolt. The problem is that everyone believes Percy stole it except for Annabeth Chase (daughter of Athena) and Grover (who is a satyr). Also he needs to find and retrieve his mother back from Hades (Greek god of the underworld and wealth).

My Basic opinion

I really like how Rick Riordan leaves you wondering what’s going to happen in the next chapter and in the next book. Also I like how later in the book he develops the characters telling you more about them, like in what they say. The battles and all the action in the book are described really well so it’s always interesting. I couldn’t put it down.

If you start reading the series then you will definitely finish it.