Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief


by Rick Riordan

Synopsis:

We have all heard stories of the Greek heroes and Gods, but never would we have imagined that classic mythology would be entwined with our lives; author Rick Riordan successfully attempts to portray what everyday life would be like in the book The Lightning Thief. Published July 1, 2005, Riordan brings to life Percy Jackson, an extremely unique kid who has many problems, and none are his fault. Along with his many gifts (like being able to breathe underwater), Percy’s life is in constant danger. The only people protecting him are his crippled friend Grover, his handicapped Professor Chiron, and his mother. Although these people seem hopeless, in a very confusing turn of events we find out Grover is a satyr, Professor Chiron turned out to be none other the the immortal teacher of demigods Chiron, and his mother the Greek God Poseidon's ex-girlfriend. All this happens very fast and Percy Jackson finds out he is a demigod, son of the God of the seas, Poseidon. Percy being very different from other kids now makes sense, and just when Percy is about to accept this fact and keep his sanity, everything goes wrong. The minotaur, a Greek entity half man half bull, kidnapped his mother. Percy has to get himself to safety in a camp; Camp Half Blood, is a camp where all others in the world who are like Percy go for safety, training, and education. As Percy is considered powerful by other gods, he gets involved with a conspiracy. He was accused of stealing the weapon of the King of the Gods; Zeus’s Master Bolt. As Percy is clueless as to what was happening he soon embarks on an exhilarating adventure to prove himself innocent and save his mother. He travels through the depths of the underworld, battles with gods, demons, and monsters, but all for what? Does he end up saving all he was fighting for, his honour, his mother, himself?

Thoughts:

I would highly recommend this novel to any beginner readers, as it is not advanced literature but it is a quick, easy, and entertaining read. Anybody interested in classic mythology would also like this book as Rick Riordan gives his own twist to Greek stories. I personally love the way the story turns out and now I have the whole series including the next one which is based on Roman mythology. This book also helps to advance new readers as his books become more advanced over the years. The Lightning Thief is full of suspense, action, romance, and comedy. Overall it is the perfect read. However Riordan writes in a style which he assumes that the reader has basic knowledge on the subject, and if you do not know your classic mythology this is not the best choice for you.


Reviewed by H.C. & N.P., Grade 11 Scona Students

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