Percy Jackson and the lightening thief by Rick Riordon

Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief


ISBN: 

0141329998

Pages: 400
Genre: Young adult, fantasy fiction
1st Published: 2010
Bestsellers: Percy Jackson series


Synopsis: 
From goodreads - After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.


Nightflier speaks:
I picked this book, because GRR Martin's series was getting really complex and I needed something to cool my nerves. The Percy Jackson series, came across as a perfect read to indulge in some juvenile fantasy fiction.


Don't get me wrong, but when it comes to a young boy being made center of a lot of action, JRR Tolkein and recently JKR have paved a pretty steep way for what anyone can call real success. 
Percy's story is based in New York, where he is already battling ADHD, dyslexia, and other normal teenage stuff, when he comes to know that he is half god. Yes he is a direct descendant of a greek god and is prophesied to be a deciding factor in the war against the titans, which will be based in the modern day America.


This is just a first installment of the epic war which takes place in the last book of the series. To be fair and unbiased and leaving all previous comparisons aside, he does a pretty good job at establishing a parallel fantasy world filled with monsters, gods, nymphs, satyrs, magical beings and making them sound relevant. He also manages to keep the book preach-free. There are hidden messages, meanings in stuff, but its presented in a manner suitable for young adults. There are no tirades on good conduct or friendships or moral values. And to me that is a win while writing a young adult series. 


But as a book, it fails to impress beyond a point. It is filled with sarcasm and wit, but its not really fresh.
And if you are a serious literature lover, then you will find problems with various anecdotes.


My personal takeaway from the book was its rich information about greek mythology. Always helps to get your facts right.


Rating: 3/5
Price: Rs. 209 (flipkart)