The Lightning Quest

7 June 2010 | Filed Under Book Reviews 

A Review of The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

“If you were a god, how would you like being called a myth, an old story to explain lightning? What if I told you, Perseus Jackson, that someday people would call you a myth…”
- Chiron

You know how in Greek mythology, the gods were always running around, hooking up with humans, and having demi-god children?

Well, that still happens today.

Percy Jackson is a modern day Greek hero, complete with divine gifts, difficult quests, and monstrous foes. In his first book, he is falsely accused of stealing Zeus’ master lightning bolt. So he takes up the not-so-small task of preventing World War III. (Quest conveniently summed up at the end of this post.)

This involves traveling across America where, naturally, all sorts of creatures from legend have taken up residence. He even delves into the Underworld. Orpheus has nothing on him! Luckily he’s got the help of two friends: Grover the satyr and Annabeth, daughter of Athena.

The characters are quirky and likable. The writing is humorous, but not over the top. I especially like hearing Percy’s thoughts on certain subjects, like blue food. And for you mythology buffs, it’s fun to figure out which character from Greek mythology has shown up now.

Definitely worth the read.

My Rating (out of five stars)
★★★★

““So let me get this straight,” I said. “I’m supposed to go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead.”
    “Check,” Chiron said.
    “Find the most powerful weapon in the universe.”
    “Check.”
    “And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days.”
    “That’s about right.”
    I looked at Grover, who gulped down the ace of hearts.
    “Did I mention that Maine is very lovely this time of year?” he asked weakly.”

Comments

One Response to “The Lightning Quest”

  1. The Lightning Thieves | A Single Bell on September 6th, 2010 12:11 am

    [...] just saw the movie adaptation of Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief. It had good special effects, and I’m sure if you hadn’t read the books, it was a good [...]

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