Destinee’s review of The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) > Likes and Comments
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It wasn't actually according to character, but rather by parentage. Only the gods are in denial. And, in Harry Potter, it was only Voldemort's name, whereas if Percy says the name of any powerful character, something happens. They are just small little things a devoted fan would know, so, it's probably smartest to disregard my comment. XD
I thought their parentage was pretty indicative of their character, though. Like, you can say that all Slytherins are cunning, just as you can say that all of Ares' kids like to fight.
You have a really good point. I'm pretty sure Harry Potter was one of Rick Riordan's inspirations, though.
Also, both Percy and Harry are described as having green eyes and black hair.
Wow, Dest, I didn't not even notice all of the similarities but they are totally obvious!! I'm glad we talked yesterday so I could read your list and get educated!
So agree with you on all points, including the fact that it almost makes the Percy Jackson books more enjoyable. I have read all of them (apart from the latest one) and found them to be great fun - not quite as dark as Harry Potter, so I always think of them as HP books for younger readers :)
Thanks. I have no interest in getting another HP collection under a different name by a different author. Now I know. Thanks for saving me hundreds of dollars in book receipts.
The similarities didn't even occur to me, but some would argue that most great books follow a certain format, whereas some would say it's a total rip off and stuff like that. I liked these books and have to say there are way more similarities than i noticed, but liked it pretty well anyways. I loved how Vanessa said it was a Harry Potter for young kids; totally on the dot.
Now that you mention it, it is like harry potter.
I can't believe I never thought of it!!!! It is SOOOOO true!!!!
No, it isn't like Harry Potter. Rick Riordan based all his characters and plots on books written more than two thousand years ago! His plots are based on Lucian, Apollodorus, Aristophanes and Homer (Bibliotheca, Dialog of the Sea Gods, Odyssey). Even the jokes are the same as in Lucian, Apollodorus or Homer. By the way, Rick Riordan does not even try to hide that he is following Lucian, Apollodorus, and Homer. In Apollodorus you will learn everything about Briares, Chiron, Zoe and her systers, etc. The quest for Pan is also very old, and the same can be said about Kronos trying a comeback. The conclusion is: Rick Riordan's books borrow heavily from ancient Greek authors. However, he does not try to hide the fact. In fact, he wants to make these great books more popular. I believe that he taught classes about these books. I will give you a passage that you can find also in Titan's Curse, but was written 3000 years ago:
This story is about the love of Ares and fair-crowned Aphrodite, how in stealth they mixed the first time in the home of Hephaestus. Ares gave much to her and defiled the bed and bedding of lord Hephaestus, to whom a messenger soon came, Helios, who'd noticed them mingling in love. Hephaestus heard the story, so painful to his heart, then made his way to the forge, brooding evil in his mind, placed a great anvil on the anvil block, and hammered bonds, unbreakable, indissoluble, so they'd stay fast in place. Then after he fashioned the snare, enraged at Ares, he made his way to the chamber where his dear bed lay, and spread the bindings about the bedposts in a circle all around. Many hung down from the ceiling, too, as fine as spider webs, that not even a blessed god could see, for with exceeding cunning they'd been made. Then after he'd spread the snare all around the bed, he left to go to Lemnos, the well-built citadel. But gold-reined Ares did not keep a blind man's watch, so he saw the famed artisan Hephaestus as he went away. He made his way to the house of far-famed Hephaestus, craving faired-crowned Cytherea's love.
The story continues in the same tone. As you can see, Rick Riordan did not imitate HP. He imitated Lucian, Apollodorus, Homer, Aristophanes (for the jokes) and a few other very old authors.
About green eyes, you will find the expression repeated again and again in Homer. In fact, every time he talks about Athens, he remember us that she had green eyes. Anabeth is based on Clariclea, who is very intelligent. Glover is based on Marsias. Chiron is based on Chiron, of course, not Dumbledore. He trained very famous demi-gods, like Achiles, Heracles, etc. You will find Chiron in a Wald Disney fild, that appeared long before Harry Potter. He was the headmaster of a training camp. Of course, the prophecies are common too in Apollodorus, even in the story of Perseus, in which Perseus Jackson is based. The three headed dog comes from Apollodorus too. In this case, both Rowling and Riordan used the same sources.
There is another argument to prove that Riordan did not catcopy Harry Potter: He finished writing The Lightning Thief on 1994, and tried to sell it since then. It was accepted by Bantam Books in 1997. Finally, it was sold to Miramax. Conclusion: Riordan wrote his book before Harry Potter becoming a success. Of course the success of HP helped him to sell the book to Miramax.
I'm with you. It's very Harry Potterish.
I think that the word 'rip-off' is kinda strong unless you're talking about MAJOR PLOT similarities. Same talent, hair color, etc. is minor- if the actual events unfold exactly the same way as in HP, then you've got a problem. Otherwise, I wouldn't say something is derivative because of a few minor points.
There were a couple of authors who wrote about wizards with red-headed best friends way before JK came along- but they have no standing when it comes to plagiarism, because the stories are completely different.
Ha ha your right ive read both series and theyre super simalir but i loved them both
I think it would be hard for all books of this type to not represent each other. I thought Potter was a ripped off of Lord of the Rings and Narnia series. Riordan also seems more attentive to his audience and didnt lead people on for YEARS writing. He also gets to the point a lot quicker than Rowling does. I like these cause they are not 800 pages long and about 300 of those could have been left out.
They based this story off perseus because percy did kill medusa and rip her head off.
I would have to disagree,
1) The trio group (a brain, a main, and a goof) is timeless, it's used EVERYWHERE. It's basic fiction story format, so why reinvent the wheel?
Brain - the real purpose of the 'brain' is to explain what’s going on to the reader in a convenient non confusing way.
Goof - Comedic relief simple as that.
Main - The leader of the group usually the most powerful
2) The superstition that names are powerful (therefore should not be thrown around pointlessly) is a very old superstation going back long before any of us where even dreamed of.
3)A powerful person(thing) trying to return to power is also basic plot format, villains have to have a motive, and power is the most common.
4) Here I must point out that JK (amazing though she is) was not the first to use the specialized school idea so Riondan isn't copping her though they both have that.
5) If anything both of these authors are borrowing from J. R. Tolkien (author of "Lord of the Rings". Can someone say Gandalf? So the accusation that Riondan (and JK) is borrowing from Tolkien is more correct.
6) Cinderella by the Brothers Grim? And I don’t even think it was a new idea back then
7) Talking to animals isn't specific to Harry Potter. Seen any Disney princess movie?
8) The three headed dog guards the underworld, can't go to the underworld without meeting it.
Both Lightning Thief AND Harry Potter have many of the same influences, (Greek Mycology) Hermione’s name is from Greek myths, many of the spells are in Latin and Greek ext. so their are bound to be some similarities. But we must remember, there is no such thing a new idea, only old ideas in a new light.
I formally hate that you dare compare the boy who lived to a novel about a half greek god!
If posiden has black hair and green eyes then rick can take that from hp plus fluffy was probally inspired from cerebes
I hate it when people compare books with other books. I just hate it. It doesn't give the book you're reading a fair chance to stand on its own.
Plus, look at Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, a huge amount of similarities. JUST GET OVER IT! None of these similarities are really that similar. I mean sure, some sound the same. But effectively that would be the same as saying JKR ripped everything off of The Adventures of Willy Wizard. As I said before: just get over it.
I was laughing so hard when I was reading this list. Sooo true! And to think, I never noticed that before!!! LOL
I am a total Harry Potter fangirl, and a total Percy Jackson fangirl. Though reading this list was fun and entertaining, when I go back and read Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and the Olympians, I don't think "Oh god, they are so alike". I guess you could compare it to knowing a set of twins (and I do!): though overall they are they same, they are still two different people (or in this case worlds, or books) and should be treated as separate beings, despite which twin (or book) was born (or written) first.
Lynette wrote: "This is what RIck says on the subject:
http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_..."
Thanks! I loved reading that blog- so spot on, so true, and all the while Rick remained polite and to the point, without seeming deffensive. I was grinning the whole time... :D
Holly wrote: "Also, both Percy and Harry are described as having green eyes and black hair. "
Sorry sorry OH GOD sorry for being the know-it-all fangirl!! But I just have to say it:
In lots of Greek mythology, Posiedon and Neptune are described has having green eyes and black hair, just like how Athena is described has having grey eyes and blonde hair. Percy looks like his dad, THAT is why he has black hair and green eyes. Also, I've always imagined Harry as just having dark brown hair and bright green eyes, and Percy as having actual black hair and sea green eyes. But that's just me :3
PS
Click the link in the comments below on Rick Riordan's say in the matter: awesome!!
Amreen wrote: "I know I saw all the simaliarities but I still love it and even more because it ripped off Harry Potter! Rick Riordans a fan!"
I nuuuu right??? But it's even more amazing because there is soo much more to it then that!! Look at the comment about Rick Riordan's blog on here!!
Teehee wrote: "I would have to disagree,
1) The trio group (a brain, a main, and a goof) is timeless, it's used EVERYWHERE. It's basic fiction story format, so why reinvent the wheel?
Brain - the real p..."
Totally agree!!
Lyndi wrote: "I think it would be hard for all books of this type to not represent each other. I thought Potter was a ripped off of Lord of the Rings and Narnia series. Riordan also seems more attentive to his..."
Read this blog that Riordan wrote on this subject: http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Destinee wrote: "I thought their parentage was pretty indicative of their character, though. Like, you can say that all Slytherins are cunning, just as you can say that all of Ares' kids like to fight. "
http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Iris wrote: "It wasn't actually according to character, but rather by parentage. Only the gods are in denial. And, in Harry Potter, it was only Voldemort's name, whereas if Percy says the name of any powerful c..."
http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Truth be told, now that I realize it, you're right. Why didn't I notice that? *smacks hand on forehead and shakes head*
Yes, it has some similarities, but truthfully, as I've said before, Lord of the Rings has sooo many similarities to Harry Potter. My brother gave me a whole list of them, and, sadly, I couldn't fight them. I am a TOTAL Harry Potter & Percy Jackson fangirl, but no matter what book you read, no matter how hard the author tries to be original, no matter how original the author IS, no matter what, there will ALWAYS be similarities between books. Huge similarities. That is because author's read a lot, they get ideas from many different genres, books, authors, writing styles, they take some of those, and their own inventive genius, to create a whole new, original book.
Please, just make sure you appreciate a book for what it IS, not what it reminds you of.
http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Book was pretty amazing.... You also forgot that both books have "magic" ;)
I concede to the similarities, but I enjoyed both series immensely regardless. They are both worth reading.(:
I'm really glad you aren't turned of by the similarities. Why would you be? I think we should all just accept that J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan are both great authors, so surely they must have something that makes them great (other than their pure genius)!
Well, some call it "ripping off" and others call it a literary tradition. The hero, sidekick and heroine thing isn't new to JKR, either. Neither is the terrifying antagonist. Both authors do a great job using those traditions for a YA audience. Your observations are solid, though, and fun to read.
Thanks, Isabel. I agree that it was a little harsh of me to call PJ a rip-off, but I did it in a spirit of appreciation. A rip-off of something awesome that is also awesome = good for all of us.
that last part is really stupid. because the three headed dog is from the greek myths and not harry potter. there are so many books, if everyone would think like you every book would be a rip off of another book.
OMG u are so right about this! Lol
I'm talking about her reveiw.
Are you kidding me? You started writing a LIST? Work should ALWAYS stand on its own and for its own purposes. Comparing one person's writing to another's is not only rude but it defeats the purpose that each author was trying to accomplish: for THEIR book to be taken as what IT is, and not what you THINK you see that is similar to someone else's. That's like saying McDonalds' hamburger sucks because it has similarities to my mother's. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, but bashing it because you think Riordan's novel was too similar to Rowling's is ignorant and the worst thing a critic can do. Similarities just mean he was inspired by her when he was working out the details. As a writer myself, I can say that this is not a bad thing to do. Percy Jackson is completely different from Harry Potter, not only in tone and subject matter, but in style, diction and syntax. Similarities? SURE! Plagarism? ABSOLUTELY NOT. And that's the most important thing.
I think your wrong. I think she was comparing them because its interesting that they are similer, I cant talk for her but I don't think she was being rude! Though I'm not really sure if she was dising HP or PJ personaly i dont think she was dising eather but whatever it was we all have our own opinions. I'm NOT looking for a fight so don't think I'm picking sides I'm not but I don't think she was trying to be rude!
And its her reveiw so she can say what she thinks just saying NOT TRYING TO BE RUDE.
Schylar
I'm not trying to pick a fight, either. I love BOTH Harry Potter and Percy Jackson IMMENSELY. Seeing someone compare the two makes me so sad because both series should be taken for their own individual creativeness and unique ideas, not compared and measured side-by-side. Riordan and Rowling have completely different styles and both series have OUTSTANDING qualities that make them uniquely great. They should be praised for those, not critiqued for what they have in common.
Cassie,
I know how you feel I get it and I agree with both. It was fun to see how similer they are, at the same time I agree that each author was trying to make there books unique. But I REALY don't think she was trying to make it seem like PJ was a knock off she did say it but in a later comment she said it was a little "harsh"! And your right it is kinda sad but I don't think she meant it that way. I think she was just comparing them.
Thanks for defending my review, Cassie. You're right on when you say my review was intended to be interesting, not rude. I'm glad that Cassie loves these books so dearly, but I think she may be taking my lighthearted review a bit too seriously. Goodreads should be a fun place to share our opinions and observations about books, right?
Yes but I agree with both, your review was fun cause they are so alike but they are also SO diffrent. Cassie your comment was right in a way to each book should stand on its own individuality. But I dont think like said so many time that she didnt mean that each book has nothing unique about it they are REALLY unlike also!!!
I did not mean to start a fight, nor am I trying to be a troll here. I just get defensive when my favorite book series (both PJ and HP) are being targeted in a negative light. Tone is very hard to convey over the internet, and your review did not come off as lighthearted to me when I first read it. I also did not read through the comments, commenting on only what I read in the review itself. I am sorry for the confusion, but I stand by what I said. I love--no, absolutely ADORE these books and I do not think my reaction was too serious. Yes, Goodreads SHOULD be a fun place to share our opinions and observations about books, on this I agree. And everyone is DEFINITELY entitled to their own opinions. But by making one's opinion public, one must be open to the counter-arguments that some people may see as a fit response. I have stated mine, and in NO WAY am I trying to make anyone else believe them with the conviction I have. I am just stating my own opinion on the review at hand. I apologize if I may have seemed severe, but again, it is INCREDIBLY hard to convey tone over the internet.
Teehee wrote: "I would have to disagree,
1) The trio group (a brain, a main, and a goof) is timeless, it's used EVERYWHERE. It's basic fiction story format, so why reinvent the wheel?
Brain - the real p..."
This comment I think sums up my opinions. Teehee did a very nice job of wording it.
Why don't we friend each other and put this behind us? If you don't want to friend we that's fine.
Seeya
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Dec 13, 2008 05:51PM
It wasn't actually according to character, but rather by parentage. Only the gods are in denial. And, in Harry Potter, it was only Voldemort's name, whereas if Percy says the name of any powerful character, something happens. They are just small little things a devoted fan would know, so, it's probably smartest to disregard my comment. XD
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I thought their parentage was pretty indicative of their character, though. Like, you can say that all Slytherins are cunning, just as you can say that all of Ares' kids like to fight.
You have a really good point. I'm pretty sure Harry Potter was one of Rick Riordan's inspirations, though.
Also, both Percy and Harry are described as having green eyes and black hair.
Wow, Dest, I didn't not even notice all of the similarities but they are totally obvious!! I'm glad we talked yesterday so I could read your list and get educated!
So agree with you on all points, including the fact that it almost makes the Percy Jackson books more enjoyable. I have read all of them (apart from the latest one) and found them to be great fun - not quite as dark as Harry Potter, so I always think of them as HP books for younger readers :)
Thanks. I have no interest in getting another HP collection under a different name by a different author. Now I know. Thanks for saving me hundreds of dollars in book receipts.
The similarities didn't even occur to me, but some would argue that most great books follow a certain format, whereas some would say it's a total rip off and stuff like that. I liked these books and have to say there are way more similarities than i noticed, but liked it pretty well anyways. I loved how Vanessa said it was a Harry Potter for young kids; totally on the dot.
Now that you mention it, it is like harry potter.
I can't believe I never thought of it!!!! It is SOOOOO true!!!!
No, it isn't like Harry Potter. Rick Riordan based all his characters and plots on books written more than two thousand years ago! His plots are based on Lucian, Apollodorus, Aristophanes and Homer (Bibliotheca, Dialog of the Sea Gods, Odyssey). Even the jokes are the same as in Lucian, Apollodorus or Homer. By the way, Rick Riordan does not even try to hide that he is following Lucian, Apollodorus, and Homer. In Apollodorus you will learn everything about Briares, Chiron, Zoe and her systers, etc. The quest for Pan is also very old, and the same can be said about Kronos trying a comeback. The conclusion is: Rick Riordan's books borrow heavily from ancient Greek authors. However, he does not try to hide the fact. In fact, he wants to make these great books more popular. I believe that he taught classes about these books. I will give you a passage that you can find also in Titan's Curse, but was written 3000 years ago:This story is about the love of Ares and fair-crowned Aphrodite, how in stealth they mixed the first time in the home of Hephaestus. Ares gave much to her and defiled the bed and bedding of lord Hephaestus, to whom a messenger soon came, Helios, who'd noticed them mingling in love. Hephaestus heard the story, so painful to his heart, then made his way to the forge, brooding evil in his mind, placed a great anvil on the anvil block, and hammered bonds, unbreakable, indissoluble, so they'd stay fast in place. Then after he fashioned the snare, enraged at Ares, he made his way to the chamber where his dear bed lay, and spread the bindings about the bedposts in a circle all around. Many hung down from the ceiling, too, as fine as spider webs, that not even a blessed god could see, for with exceeding cunning they'd been made. Then after he'd spread the snare all around the bed, he left to go to Lemnos, the well-built citadel. But gold-reined Ares did not keep a blind man's watch, so he saw the famed artisan Hephaestus as he went away. He made his way to the house of far-famed Hephaestus, craving faired-crowned Cytherea's love.
The story continues in the same tone. As you can see, Rick Riordan did not imitate HP. He imitated Lucian, Apollodorus, Homer, Aristophanes (for the jokes) and a few other very old authors.
About green eyes, you will find the expression repeated again and again in Homer. In fact, every time he talks about Athens, he remember us that she had green eyes. Anabeth is based on Clariclea, who is very intelligent. Glover is based on Marsias. Chiron is based on Chiron, of course, not Dumbledore. He trained very famous demi-gods, like Achiles, Heracles, etc. You will find Chiron in a Wald Disney fild, that appeared long before Harry Potter. He was the headmaster of a training camp. Of course, the prophecies are common too in Apollodorus, even in the story of Perseus, in which Perseus Jackson is based. The three headed dog comes from Apollodorus too. In this case, both Rowling and Riordan used the same sources.
There is another argument to prove that Riordan did not catcopy Harry Potter: He finished writing The Lightning Thief on 1994, and tried to sell it since then. It was accepted by Bantam Books in 1997. Finally, it was sold to Miramax. Conclusion: Riordan wrote his book before Harry Potter becoming a success. Of course the success of HP helped him to sell the book to Miramax.
I'm with you. It's very Harry Potterish.
I think that the word 'rip-off' is kinda strong unless you're talking about MAJOR PLOT similarities. Same talent, hair color, etc. is minor- if the actual events unfold exactly the same way as in HP, then you've got a problem. Otherwise, I wouldn't say something is derivative because of a few minor points. There were a couple of authors who wrote about wizards with red-headed best friends way before JK came along- but they have no standing when it comes to plagiarism, because the stories are completely different.
Ha ha your right ive read both series and theyre super simalir but i loved them both
I think it would be hard for all books of this type to not represent each other. I thought Potter was a ripped off of Lord of the Rings and Narnia series. Riordan also seems more attentive to his audience and didnt lead people on for YEARS writing. He also gets to the point a lot quicker than Rowling does. I like these cause they are not 800 pages long and about 300 of those could have been left out.
They based this story off perseus because percy did kill medusa and rip her head off.
I would have to disagree, 1) The trio group (a brain, a main, and a goof) is timeless, it's used EVERYWHERE. It's basic fiction story format, so why reinvent the wheel?
Brain - the real purpose of the 'brain' is to explain what’s going on to the reader in a convenient non confusing way.
Goof - Comedic relief simple as that.
Main - The leader of the group usually the most powerful
2) The superstition that names are powerful (therefore should not be thrown around pointlessly) is a very old superstation going back long before any of us where even dreamed of.
3)A powerful person(thing) trying to return to power is also basic plot format, villains have to have a motive, and power is the most common.
4) Here I must point out that JK (amazing though she is) was not the first to use the specialized school idea so Riondan isn't copping her though they both have that.
5) If anything both of these authors are borrowing from J. R. Tolkien (author of "Lord of the Rings". Can someone say Gandalf? So the accusation that Riondan (and JK) is borrowing from Tolkien is more correct.
6) Cinderella by the Brothers Grim? And I don’t even think it was a new idea back then
7) Talking to animals isn't specific to Harry Potter. Seen any Disney princess movie?
8) The three headed dog guards the underworld, can't go to the underworld without meeting it.
Both Lightning Thief AND Harry Potter have many of the same influences, (Greek Mycology) Hermione’s name is from Greek myths, many of the spells are in Latin and Greek ext. so their are bound to be some similarities. But we must remember, there is no such thing a new idea, only old ideas in a new light.
I formally hate that you dare compare the boy who lived to a novel about a half greek god!
If posiden has black hair and green eyes then rick can take that from hp plus fluffy was probally inspired from cerebes
I hate it when people compare books with other books. I just hate it. It doesn't give the book you're reading a fair chance to stand on its own.
Plus, look at Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, a huge amount of similarities. JUST GET OVER IT! None of these similarities are really that similar. I mean sure, some sound the same. But effectively that would be the same as saying JKR ripped everything off of The Adventures of Willy Wizard. As I said before: just get over it.
I was laughing so hard when I was reading this list. Sooo true! And to think, I never noticed that before!!! LOLI am a total Harry Potter fangirl, and a total Percy Jackson fangirl. Though reading this list was fun and entertaining, when I go back and read Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and the Olympians, I don't think "Oh god, they are so alike". I guess you could compare it to knowing a set of twins (and I do!): though overall they are they same, they are still two different people (or in this case worlds, or books) and should be treated as separate beings, despite which twin (or book) was born (or written) first.
Lynette wrote: "This is what RIck says on the subject:http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_..."
Thanks! I loved reading that blog- so spot on, so true, and all the while Rick remained polite and to the point, without seeming deffensive. I was grinning the whole time... :D
Holly wrote: "Also, both Percy and Harry are described as having green eyes and black hair. "Sorry sorry OH GOD sorry for being the know-it-all fangirl!! But I just have to say it:
In lots of Greek mythology, Posiedon and Neptune are described has having green eyes and black hair, just like how Athena is described has having grey eyes and blonde hair. Percy looks like his dad, THAT is why he has black hair and green eyes. Also, I've always imagined Harry as just having dark brown hair and bright green eyes, and Percy as having actual black hair and sea green eyes. But that's just me :3
PS
Click the link in the comments below on Rick Riordan's say in the matter: awesome!!
Amreen wrote: "I know I saw all the simaliarities but I still love it and even more because it ripped off Harry Potter! Rick Riordans a fan!"I nuuuu right??? But it's even more amazing because there is soo much more to it then that!! Look at the comment about Rick Riordan's blog on here!!
Teehee wrote: "I would have to disagree, 1) The trio group (a brain, a main, and a goof) is timeless, it's used EVERYWHERE. It's basic fiction story format, so why reinvent the wheel?
Brain - the real p..."
Totally agree!!
Lyndi wrote: "I think it would be hard for all books of this type to not represent each other. I thought Potter was a ripped off of Lord of the Rings and Narnia series. Riordan also seems more attentive to his..."Read this blog that Riordan wrote on this subject: http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Destinee wrote: "I thought their parentage was pretty indicative of their character, though. Like, you can say that all Slytherins are cunning, just as you can say that all of Ares' kids like to fight. "http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Iris wrote: "It wasn't actually according to character, but rather by parentage. Only the gods are in denial. And, in Harry Potter, it was only Voldemort's name, whereas if Percy says the name of any powerful c..."http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Truth be told, now that I realize it, you're right. Why didn't I notice that? *smacks hand on forehead and shakes head*
Yes, it has some similarities, but truthfully, as I've said before, Lord of the Rings has sooo many similarities to Harry Potter. My brother gave me a whole list of them, and, sadly, I couldn't fight them. I am a TOTAL Harry Potter & Percy Jackson fangirl, but no matter what book you read, no matter how hard the author tries to be original, no matter how original the author IS, no matter what, there will ALWAYS be similarities between books. Huge similarities. That is because author's read a lot, they get ideas from many different genres, books, authors, writing styles, they take some of those, and their own inventive genius, to create a whole new, original book.Please, just make sure you appreciate a book for what it IS, not what it reminds you of.
http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2005_...
Book was pretty amazing.... You also forgot that both books have "magic" ;)
I concede to the similarities, but I enjoyed both series immensely regardless. They are both worth reading.(:
I'm really glad you aren't turned of by the similarities. Why would you be? I think we should all just accept that J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan are both great authors, so surely they must have something that makes them great (other than their pure genius)!
Well, some call it "ripping off" and others call it a literary tradition. The hero, sidekick and heroine thing isn't new to JKR, either. Neither is the terrifying antagonist. Both authors do a great job using those traditions for a YA audience. Your observations are solid, though, and fun to read.
Thanks, Isabel. I agree that it was a little harsh of me to call PJ a rip-off, but I did it in a spirit of appreciation. A rip-off of something awesome that is also awesome = good for all of us.
that last part is really stupid. because the three headed dog is from the greek myths and not harry potter. there are so many books, if everyone would think like you every book would be a rip off of another book.
OMG u are so right about this! LolI'm talking about her reveiw.
Are you kidding me? You started writing a LIST? Work should ALWAYS stand on its own and for its own purposes. Comparing one person's writing to another's is not only rude but it defeats the purpose that each author was trying to accomplish: for THEIR book to be taken as what IT is, and not what you THINK you see that is similar to someone else's. That's like saying McDonalds' hamburger sucks because it has similarities to my mother's. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, but bashing it because you think Riordan's novel was too similar to Rowling's is ignorant and the worst thing a critic can do. Similarities just mean he was inspired by her when he was working out the details. As a writer myself, I can say that this is not a bad thing to do. Percy Jackson is completely different from Harry Potter, not only in tone and subject matter, but in style, diction and syntax. Similarities? SURE! Plagarism? ABSOLUTELY NOT. And that's the most important thing.
I think your wrong. I think she was comparing them because its interesting that they are similer, I cant talk for her but I don't think she was being rude! Though I'm not really sure if she was dising HP or PJ personaly i dont think she was dising eather but whatever it was we all have our own opinions. I'm NOT looking for a fight so don't think I'm picking sides I'm not but I don't think she was trying to be rude!And its her reveiw so she can say what she thinks just saying NOT TRYING TO BE RUDE.
SchylarI'm not trying to pick a fight, either. I love BOTH Harry Potter and Percy Jackson IMMENSELY. Seeing someone compare the two makes me so sad because both series should be taken for their own individual creativeness and unique ideas, not compared and measured side-by-side. Riordan and Rowling have completely different styles and both series have OUTSTANDING qualities that make them uniquely great. They should be praised for those, not critiqued for what they have in common.
Cassie,I know how you feel I get it and I agree with both. It was fun to see how similer they are, at the same time I agree that each author was trying to make there books unique. But I REALY don't think she was trying to make it seem like PJ was a knock off she did say it but in a later comment she said it was a little "harsh"! And your right it is kinda sad but I don't think she meant it that way. I think she was just comparing them.
Thanks for defending my review, Cassie. You're right on when you say my review was intended to be interesting, not rude. I'm glad that Cassie loves these books so dearly, but I think she may be taking my lighthearted review a bit too seriously. Goodreads should be a fun place to share our opinions and observations about books, right?
Yes but I agree with both, your review was fun cause they are so alike but they are also SO diffrent. Cassie your comment was right in a way to each book should stand on its own individuality. But I dont think like said so many time that she didnt mean that each book has nothing unique about it they are REALLY unlike also!!!
I did not mean to start a fight, nor am I trying to be a troll here. I just get defensive when my favorite book series (both PJ and HP) are being targeted in a negative light. Tone is very hard to convey over the internet, and your review did not come off as lighthearted to me when I first read it. I also did not read through the comments, commenting on only what I read in the review itself. I am sorry for the confusion, but I stand by what I said. I love--no, absolutely ADORE these books and I do not think my reaction was too serious. Yes, Goodreads SHOULD be a fun place to share our opinions and observations about books, on this I agree. And everyone is DEFINITELY entitled to their own opinions. But by making one's opinion public, one must be open to the counter-arguments that some people may see as a fit response. I have stated mine, and in NO WAY am I trying to make anyone else believe them with the conviction I have. I am just stating my own opinion on the review at hand. I apologize if I may have seemed severe, but again, it is INCREDIBLY hard to convey tone over the internet.
Teehee wrote: "I would have to disagree, 1) The trio group (a brain, a main, and a goof) is timeless, it's used EVERYWHERE. It's basic fiction story format, so why reinvent the wheel?
Brain - the real p..."
This comment I think sums up my opinions. Teehee did a very nice job of wording it.
Why don't we friend each other and put this behind us? If you don't want to friend we that's fine.Seeya
