Reviews with content warning for Grief - The Lightning Thief

I haven't read this book since I was in fifth grade myself, but I picked it up again seven (?) years later to freshen my judgement for the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+.
I honestly thought that I might not like it that much now I did then, and that I'd find it childish, but... I really don't. Well, it's childish, of course, (it's for children), but not so much that I don't enjoy it? It's silly and funny, but not too silly. I think Riordan writes an excellent balance between humour and serious themes here.

There are times where the humour overshadows and ruins seriousness in books (and films especially, [cough-cough] MCU's Thor), but that is really not the case here! Riordan's humour does not make me think it appropriate to include themes such as grief and domestic abuse, and finding that balance can actually be quite difficult, but so important.

There's also me having forgotten how likeable Percy is as a character. What a charming little man.

I was very positively surprised by this book! My expectations weren't that high, given that I last read it in fifth grade and my standards then were «funny haha» and «mythos», but it still holds!

Content Warnings

fe_aye's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

What to say about Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief? It’s the start of Percy’s adventures through Greek Mythology and the world of Gods. As a Demigod Percy must bow to the whims of mysterious beings he has never met or risk extreme punishment.

This is his first adventure and the introduction to this world and its ways. Learning how the Gods play and the deadly consequences of making the wrong move.

A prophecy has been told, moves are being made and Percy Jackson is caught right in the centre, now the fate of the world rests in his hands with only a week of training, a sword, and his incomplete knowledge of mythology to guide him. Luckily he’s not alone, a quest is always undertaken by three, he has at his side his two friends Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase, who aid him along the way for their own reasons tied to this quest by a mutual interest in not seeing the world fall apart.

This is such a good way to start the series and an amazing read even all these years later. The one that started everything. A good read if you’re looking for something easy to follow, educational and surprisingly funny. Any fan of Greek mythology will find their home at Camp Half-Blood.

Content Warnings

sammymilfort's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

kimschouwenaar's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring 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? No

4.5

The sea does not like to be restrained.

Why in the gods' name did it take so long for me to start the Percy Jackson series? I want to hate y'all for gatekeeping it, but honestly, I only have myself to blame. I try to live without regret, but I truly regret not reading this as my 12-year-old self.

I've often heard people compare this to the Harry Potter series, and I can kinda see it: young boy realises he's a magical being, is swept off to a camp/school for magical beings, and ends up being involved in an event that involves the whole magical world. But you know what, Percy Jackson is a much better person than Harry Potter ever was, and I actually enjoyed this a lot more than the first HP book.

That being said, I don't just want to compare this to another, similar series. Overall, it's very well written, has great representation, and has relatable characters – yes, even to a 26-year-old adult. It's a great introduction into Greek mythology, and had I read this as a kid, I totally would've been one of those Greek mythology nerds. Hence, I will be diving into The Iliad and The Odyssey early 2024.

Even strength has to bow to wisdom sometimes.

Moreover, Annabeth and Grover are literally the BEST side characters you can wish for in a novel. They portray my favourite kind of duo as the insanely smart girl and the much needed comic relief. Grover reminds me so much of Styles I might have to rewatch Teen Wolf... again.

Finally, I would like to close with my absolute favourite quote from The Lightning Thief:

I'd love to tell you I had some deep revelation on my way down, that I came to terms with my oen mortality, laughed in the fave of death, et cetera.
The truth? My only thought was: Aaaaggghhhhh!

Didn't I tell you Percy is super relatable? DIDN'T I???

Now please go enjoy this book before the long-awaited TV series airs.

If you have come this far, I am very much looking for more book friends! You can find me on:
IG: kimschouwenaar
TT: _kimschouwenaar
Goodreads: Kim Schouwenaar

I am also in the midst of creating an IG account specifically for my reading, writing and art journey, which you will be able to find under the username @shelvesofsanity! And I'm obviously on here, so feel free to send me a friend request! (:

- kim <3

Content Warnings

rxanne5's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I definitely loved this book. Turned me into a huge nerd.

I found this book very funny, as Percy jackson is the main character.
(It does really give away itself as being a what, 2006? book, but in my opinion that is fine with how the author goes on with criticism and betters himself. I'm not here to talk about the author tho.)
I think this book also gives *some* sort of education on Greek mythology. Yes, things were made a little more 'child friendly' and you are not an immediate expert on Greek mythology when having read this but I do think it gives a fair amount of information. I liked the plot twist at the and, as it sets the other books up pretty well. This book also got me back into reading. Loved this one<3.

Content Warnings

refrejarator's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

I'm so glad I went back to read this. As an AuDHD adult, this is exactly the kind of story I wish I had access to as a kid. A super fun read and action packed, and also gave me the representation I always wanted!

Content Warnings

raisinbrann's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The way Mr. Riordan describes both his characters and the scenes is somehow both evocative and elusive. While I can see exactly what he describes when a character does or feels something, I appreciate that he leaves the actual physical description of his characters (and the gods) to his readers. I spent my childhood reading books where every single person is presumed white unless explicitly stated, it’s been fun to put my own ideas of what Grover and Annabeth look like (they’re both Black, argue with your mother)! This is a fun start to a very formative experience for mythology kids everywhere!

Content Warnings

eyescanbecruel's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-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? No

4.5

Content Warnings

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