pokeikon's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
anaislepri's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
l_y_n_s_e_y's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best childrens series ever written, an all time favourite.
fictionalkate's review against another edition
4.0
I read the first Percy Jackson novel (The Lightning Thief) and I wasn't the biggest fan. But after re-watching the films a few weeks ago, I was suddenly quite sad that they weren't planning on adapting the rest of the series for the screen. There was so much which was left unsaid and mysteries that I was desperate to see how they played out.
So I grabbed a copy of the second book (Sea of Monsters) and started reading. And I devoured books 2-5 in a matter of days. I'm not sure if it was because I knew what to expect with regards to the writing style or as the characters grew up the books felt a little less young but I enjoyed getting to see how the series played out.
This is a really fun series to read. The characters are both consistent with what we get to know about them but at the same time they grow a lot over the five books. Percy has the weight of a prophecy upon him as well as trying to stay in a school longer than a year and surviving the wrath of the Ares cabin. It's not easy being the only son of Poseidon - until he finds out that he has a Cyclops for a half-brother. Percy's friends - Grover and Annabeth - stand by his side but not blindly so. They each have their own problems and sometimes their quests don't align with Percy's. But their friendship is one I loved reading as it evolved and changed over the novels and the years in which they span.
The gods are every bit as contrary and ambiguous as I'd always imagined them to be and I liked how Riordan brought them into the modern world. They don't have the same motives as humans and it shows with their disregard for the young demigods safety and the lives of the humans in the world below them.
I'm not going to go into too much detail about the plot and goings on in each individual book. I don't want to spoil the series for anyone who is planning on reading it - just to say that I think this is a series you have to be in the right frame of mind for. I was willing to give up after the first book but I'm delighted I persevered and finished it. It's fun with a lot of adventure and action. The mythology is a great modern take on that of old and there's a sprinkling of romance involved too.
So I grabbed a copy of the second book (Sea of Monsters) and started reading. And I devoured books 2-5 in a matter of days. I'm not sure if it was because I knew what to expect with regards to the writing style or as the characters grew up the books felt a little less young but I enjoyed getting to see how the series played out.
This is a really fun series to read. The characters are both consistent with what we get to know about them but at the same time they grow a lot over the five books. Percy has the weight of a prophecy upon him as well as trying to stay in a school longer than a year and surviving the wrath of the Ares cabin. It's not easy being the only son of Poseidon - until he finds out that he has a Cyclops for a half-brother. Percy's friends - Grover and Annabeth - stand by his side but not blindly so. They each have their own problems and sometimes their quests don't align with Percy's. But their friendship is one I loved reading as it evolved and changed over the novels and the years in which they span.
The gods are every bit as contrary and ambiguous as I'd always imagined them to be and I liked how Riordan brought them into the modern world. They don't have the same motives as humans and it shows with their disregard for the young demigods safety and the lives of the humans in the world below them.
I'm not going to go into too much detail about the plot and goings on in each individual book. I don't want to spoil the series for anyone who is planning on reading it - just to say that I think this is a series you have to be in the right frame of mind for. I was willing to give up after the first book but I'm delighted I persevered and finished it. It's fun with a lot of adventure and action. The mythology is a great modern take on that of old and there's a sprinkling of romance involved too.
grayreader's review against another edition
3.0
This series is just fun. Good characters, good story, good writing, good fun.
emmareadslit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
aribook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ianc's review against another edition
5.0
Love it. I first read Percy Jackson some 5 years ago, as of writing this, and have read it 4 times over since then (pretty sure I'm due for another). Rick Riordan quickly became one of my favourite authors after reading this. To say the least, the book was entertaining, and while being upbeat, and humorous, it still kept up very good writing. Characters, story, the world Rick Riordan created. It made a very believable modernized Greek mythology story. If you enjoy fantasy, or even just want to read a enjoyable fiction book, I cannot recommend this series enough.
carolime630's review against another edition
4.0
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a great series for young adults and adults alike. Likable characters, exciting adventures, and non-stop action make these quick reads entertaining ones as well. Riordan's smart combination of Greek mythology with the modern age culminates in a world that fantasy fans should not miss. Highly recommended!