A review by nocturna_of_space
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I'm lost with how to even start this. The last time I 'read' this book I was 13 years old. Ok to be fair I also listened to it then too. I started what I'm calling 'The Great Percy Jackson Reread' mainly because I stopped reading the books when I was in high school and I always meant to pick them back up but here we are... with me 10 years out of high school and having not touched a Percy Jackson book in even longer. I was a bit worried that the book wasn't going to hold up to the memory of it in my head. I was happily surprised that it was even better than I remembered. I encourage everyone to read this book. I will say the first few chapters were a bit rough, but past that, it was absolutely smooth sailing. 
Now I'll get into spoilers: 
So first thing I wanted to note here is that having Sally Jackson save herself is one of the most badass things I've ever seen in a YA book ever. I honestly forgot that even happened. Like I remembered that Gabe got turned into a statue but I thought that was Percy's doing? I got mixed up with that awful movie adaptation I think, so when it happened I was surprised and awed by the agency a mother (let alone female character) was afforded. Percy didn't need to save her. She saved herself, and made a killing on a really gross looking statue.

Another thing I'd like to mention is that in so many YA books the kids don't act like kids. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover (along with all the other campers) all act like children and teens. It's refreshing to see a kid make stupid jokes and also be competent. These are well rounded characters.
Fantastic book. Fantastic start to 'The Great Percy Jackson Reread' !!!
Next up: The Sea of Monsters!!!
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