Samadrita’s review of The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) > Likes and Comments
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exactly what I felt after reading this book. Wonder why it is so popular?!
Ash wrote: "exactly what I felt after reading this book. Wonder why it is so popular?!"
Good to have company. Can't believe this book has such a high average rating.
It's so nice that there are people out there who actually agree with me!
Isabella wrote: "It's so nice that there are people out there who actually agree with me!"
I feel the same way. :) This series seems to have a really large fanbase which is astonishing.
Your opinion's valid, but you do realize that HP wasn't the first novel to have a special kid that learns myths and magic. That's an entire genre that existed before JK Rowling was likely born. I read and enjoyed both series, and thought they were different. But I'm a little bias, so seriously don't mind me. HP is a little better though ;)
Kyle wrote: "Your opinion's valid, but you do realize that HP wasn't the first novel to have a special kid that learns myths and magic. That's an entire genre that existed before JK Rowling was likely born. I r..."
You're correct, but I think that Harry Potter's success was due to the fact that J. K. Rowling handled the idea slightly differently from the others.
@Atira: If you can't handle someone else's opinion or criticism of something you liked, you are most welcome to ignore it. And what do you mean by saying I had the 'courage' to write this in a middle of sea of Percy J fans? Which rule on GR says I can't disagree with the majority and post my views.
Atira wrote: "I'd like to see you make something like that."
That statement is wrong on so many levels that I can't begin to explain it. You mean you are asking me to write a book like Rick Riordan first before trying to criticize it? On which planet does that make any logical sense whatsoever?
And to answer your question on how this is similar to Harry Potter, there are at least a million links over the internet carrying details on their similarities. Here's one - http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101023070226AAIYKwa
The only novel thing about this series is the interweaving of Greek mythology with a majorly fantasy-based plot. Rest is deeply reminiscent of the Harry Potter series.
Also you are free to disagree with me but please refrain from using a condescending, predominantly rude tone while doing so.
Beautiful review, I can't believe it's a best selling series, it's a horrible series! And the last book....I can't I won't it's too much anger to a really bad book and I LOVE the Harry Potter books!
J wrote: "Beautiful review, I can't believe it's a best selling series, it's a horrible series! And the last book....I can't I won't it's too much anger to a really bad book and I LOVE the Harry Potter books!"
Thanks, J!
Natalie wrote: "Total Agreement"
Glad. :)
Well Harry Potter books are done you cant reread them for the rest of your life can you?!
and I would like to see you try to write a Best selling book of 2007
Not trying to offend you but if you hate the book so much why bother writing 3 paragraphs about how much you hate it?!
Ayah wrote: "and I would like to see you try to write a Best selling book of 2007"
Stupid comments such as yours ruin my morning. You mean one has to write a best selling book before being able to review or criticize one as a reader?
in which alternate universe is that line of logic valid?
And if you liked it so much why bother commenting on a review written by someone who obviously did not? Why not gush with fellow fangirls or whatever?
Ayah wrote: "Not trying to offend you but if you hate the book so much why bother writing 3 paragraphs about how much you hate it?!"
I will write exactly what I feel about a book in a review. GR gives me that right and you are in no position to ask or instruct me to do anything here.
Bellatrix wrote: "To warn others against it."
Well said.
LOL... you tell'em like it is, Samadrita - enough with all the crap books out there that sell in the millions just because of brilliant commercial marketing schemes - you go girl ;-)
Samir wrote: "LOL... you tell'em like it is, Samadrita - enough with all the crap books out there that sell in the millions just because of brilliant commercial marketing schemes - you go girl ;-)"
Lol thanks Samir! I regret the day I picked up this book.
And that you had the courage to write this in the middle of a sea of Percy J. fans.
Ha ha ha! Trolls amuses me to no end. I'm glad that I live under a rock when it comes to the awareness about the existence of such books.
You tell them, Samadrita.
*fistpumps*
What could I say on this now :P...I haven't had the guts to pick up any Harry Potter even...certainly not the genre I can really enjoy!!!....:P
Very good Samadrita. One of the important lessons of growing up and becoming an adult is learning to accept that some people do not think as you do and may strongly disagree. There are some on this site who aren't there yet!! Sadly some of them never get there and take the mind set into fundamentalist beliefs 9religious and political of all persuasions). Keep on speaking out for the voice of reason.
"Why don't you write a book and see?"
- Statement kids make when they suddenly realize that not everyone is in love with their favorite books.
"You just didn't understand the book."
- Statement grown-up readers of "literary" books make when someone denies to call their favorite book a masterpiece.
Both need to grow-up. Just ignore them, Samadrita.
I think you are making a fair point. But You might be a little vicious with your honesty.
I personally moderately enjoyed the books. Yes the writing was bad (awful writing does not stop something becoming a best seller...nothing more cringyworthy like the Twilight books or Fifty shades of grey) but the theme of Greek mythology is still appealing enough for me to overlook the bad writing.
I do have a few problems with your review though. First i really dont see that the Harry Potter connection is as overt as you say. The differences are more pronounced then similarities.
Secondly,i do think that if you want to write a review you should atleast finish the whole book. Yes you might write an even more scanting review but at least you where wholly informed.
If you really hate something passionately and want to warn others so they refrain from reading this i think you have every right to write what you want.I am a little puzzled that this particular series of books deserved your rather passionate scorn (instead of said Twilight series for example) but i guess that is just a matter of opinion.
Also the guy who made the ''marketing scheme '' comment are clearly a little delusional. Its not the big bad corporations that made this series popular. Its the combination of combining a theme that parents approve of (Ancient greek mythology) and writing the book like its a videogame.I understand it might be depressing to accept the fact that these type of books appeal to the youth of nowadays (and lets face it its a wonder most of them read anything at all) but please lets not blame an imaginary corporate conspiracy.
A lot of young girls only wanted to read about chasity and saving yourself for marriage for a long time (now wonder parents approved) as long as a young vampire took there virginity in the end, a lot of young boys want to read about slaying epic greek monster after epic greek monster and care very little about story in between (sounds like a lot of videogames doesn't it) and a lot of lonely housewives want to read about a young girl getting tied up and spanked a little by her one true love.Never mind that there all adults and the books seemed to have been written by a giggly 16 year old. That is all simple human nature,it is has nothing to do with a nefarious marketing scheme (the whole essence of marketing is giving the people what the want...you do know that right?).
@Garima, Scarlet, Dolors:- Thank you for the encouragement, girls. Garima, you can be thankful for your ignorance now. :)
@Rakhi:- Harry Potter books I would recommend to one and all without any hesitation. Because when you read Rowling you are in safe hands. She is an accomplished writer. :)
@Paul:- Thank you for the encouraging words there. That is what I fully intend to do.
@Veeral:- I was trying to ignore them for months. But enough is enough. And I agree with all that you are saying.
Felix wrote: "I think you are making a fair point. But You might be a little vicious with your honesty.
I personally moderately enjoyed the books. Yes the writing was bad (awful writing does not stop something..."
I agree with what you said about my not finishing this book and hence forming a 'premature' opinion. But whatever it is I stated in my review is based on my feelings on whatever I did read. Mediocre writing, editing errors, glaring typos (in the e-edition) and too many similarities with the Harry Potter series prevented me from reading any further. Don't I have the right to state how a book was unable to hold my attention for long? I think I do.
I have put up a link in one of my comments in this thread which direct you to all the similarities that this series has with the HP series. I am not going to explain why I felt they were similar anymore.
And as far as your comments on Twilight and 50 Shades go, that is completely off-topic. If you wish to discuss those books then you are welcome to take this argument to the relevant thread. This is not the place.
And I disagree with your opinions on marketing as well. After Dan Brown and Rowling's success, the markets became flooded by similarly-themed books written by authors who showed a complete disregard for good writing or grammar or even plagiarism. These books were specifically written to cater to the tastes of the ones who bought Brown's and Rowling's books in the first place.
But anyway I thank you for maintaining basic decency while commenting in this thread.
I agree, this book is a huge disappointment, especially since I bought the whole series based solely on the reviews.
Pulkit wrote: "I agree, this book is a huge disappointment, especially since I bought the whole series based solely on the reviews."
I hear you, Pulkit. My sympathies!
I think you misunderstood my comment regarding the marketing. Its the chicken and the egg idea. The market got flooded with copycats because there was an inherent need.
The need is created by people. Percy is a reaction to the need of young adult more so then anything else. I would doubt very much that the same crowd that loved Potter loves Percy. The books remind me of adventure tales written specifically for young boys more then anything else.Hardly the only demo that loved the Potter series.
And while i do agree that most copycats are blatantly riding the wave of the originals popularity there similarity is always most obvious. Here ( compared to Potter) i see some but they are hardly as blatant. But lets agree to disagree on that point.
We both do agree that while Rowling writting and world was brimming with originality, warmth, humor and was just written very well the writting here is rather flat and cliche ( or horrid according to some).
You where perhaps right about the Grey and Twilight comment. The reason i mentioned them though is to indicate that there so many books out there that are inherently much worse then the Percy books.
Which brings me my main point, i really cant understand why this series inspired so much ire in you. Its a series of books for young boys about slaying the monsters of greek mythology. Badly written yes but without to much ambition or pretention as well.
Still i think its cool that you are expressing your opinion so passionately. Thats what i love about goodreads. I get to learn why people feel passionate about certain books. And you make a lot of fair points. Will keep following the reviews. Thanks for taking the " trouble" to write them.
Why are you indulging these trolls by justifying yourself? Ask them to do one and sod off if they don't like your review. This book is a children's book and not even a good one at that. If there was a site called BadReads and if that site had a hall of fame, this book would be one of the first entries there. People who liked this book should really look themselves in the mirror and ask themselves what happened to their taste in literature.
This series is SO overrated that it should be illegal! I read all 5 books (don't ask me why I did that) just a few weeks ago and I couldn't stop questioning myself after every page Why the hell is this a worldwide bestseller?
It doesn't improve one bit! After 3rd book things start to look a little promising but it goes down the same old lane in 4th & 5th books.
Success of these books were a fluke and nothing else.
Dayum...the age old shitty argument - "if you think it is bad, why don't you write better?" - ooohhh! now that was a butt clenching comeback! NOT....
Look, the book is awesome for some and plain turd quality for others, live with it and leave reviewers alone to be honest and candid.
@Anish, Anushka, Vijai: It is comforting to hear what you think of this book and your tacit support for me. It really means a lot. I am glad I am not alone. :)
@Felix:- I answer your question about what inspired such rage in me.
a)First of all, it's not Rick Riordan that I am mad at. It is this sneaky tactic of trying to cash in on the Harry Potter phenomenon that inspires such ire.
b)Secondly, juvenile attempts at challenging my opinion of this book. Why not leave me be? I have an opinion just like you do. So what if they differ so starkly?
c)This tacit demand of a less harsh judgement pronounced on Rick Riordan simply because this series was aimed at a younger age group. We have all read C.S. Lewis and Rowling haven't we? weren't The Chronicles of Narnia and HP books read by almost one and all?
A good book will appeal to readers of all age groups irrespective of genre if it is a well-written book.
And about your views on viral marketing, you are very right. There is a demand for such books, which also reflects on the reading choices of majority. Not that I am saying there is anything bad in it. It is their choice, expressing my opinion of a book liked by them is mine.
And as far as Twilight and 50 Shades go, I hate those books with an equal passion as well.
I hope this answers all your questions.
Hi Samadrita,
Yes it does. Thanks for taking the time to answer those questions. Might have been a bothersome. Really cool that you did say the time. Like i said before i did think you made a lot of fair points. And people should always respect other people's opinion. Its kind of strange to me that some people have such difficulty with something as self evident as that. But a fair sharing of the minds should never be out of the question either.
Anyways will be reading your other reviews with a lot of pleasure. And this has also been informative.
Ha, this review makes me happy.
s.penkevich wrote: "Ha, this review makes me happy."
Are you feeling happy at the expense of my distress? :(
I had a field day dealing with trolls when you weren't here. It was a very educational experience.
I see that. Trolls are the worst, you handled yourself very well though! I hate the fallacy of 'why don't you write a bestseller then', which really destroys the already subjective scale of what constitutes a good book. I mean, 50 Shades of Grey is the highest selling series of all time I hear, but that doesn't make her a more valuable voice on literature and books than, say, William H. Gass.
You did a great job stating your case, your opinion, and your mind. People need to remember that their differing opinion is still an opinion as well, not law.
I can't believe that someone who's left me some of the most genuinely kind-hearted comments ever has been getting trolled so hard over an honest reaction. Boooooo, children. Boooo.
When people get all riled up over someone daring to hold an opinion that doesn't mesh with theirs, I generally chalk it up to them acting out on insecurities (because, really, if they were trying to get you to understand why they like it, they'd be a lot more mature in their presentation). It's like how folks get defensive when they're accused of something they know to be true but can't bear to admit to anyone, including themselves. It's a comforting moment when you realize that you're secure in your opinion and can back it up with more than "Nuh-uh, YOU'RE wrong!" and "OMG write your own book if you dislike this one so much" and other ill-mannered personal attacks that have absolutely nothing to do with presenting a reasonable counter-argument (and seem to veer disturbingly often into the tendency to put words in your mouth).
Samadrita, you've expressed your valid opinion well over and over again. You don't have to defend your taste, which a quick perusal of your shelves will confirm to be freaking amazing.
Madeleine wrote: "Boooooo, children. Boooo.
..."
HAH! I agree. Booo and hissssssss
@Spenk and Madeleine:- Thank you a lot guys. I am almost tearing up here. *sniff*
Mmm sorry but i am kind of missing something i guess......where are where you being trolled really hard Samdrita? I only read two comments that where negative and the both boil down to the rather easily dismissable remark of of what basically boils down to ''i like to see you try and do better''. We all know they lost the argument already then and there. Even though they made some valid points as well. No 2 people in a see of supportive comments how is that a sea of trolls?
Personal attacks are always in extremely poor taste. But i do think that you should be open to explaining the reasons behind what your wrote and being respectful of ther views and opinions as well.
Nuh- uh Your wrong and Omg write your own book are hardly '' ill mannered personal attacks. There childish ways to conduct an discussion but there little to no malice behind it. That not trolling in my eyes. Thats just losing the plot. I guess the usuage of the word trolling is very subjective but i associate trolling with something inherently negative. Would not hold back a little by branding people hence as such because it looks like your dismissing everything they say instead of just the specific portion that is offtopic,extraneous or perhaps even a little inflammatory.
One should always open themselves up to debate though. Only if you dont mind standing by your opinions,defending them if necessary with grace and passion, do the truly hold meaning.
Felix, if this makes you feel any better I do not club you together with the trolls since you put forward some valid arguments and for which you have my respect.
I will only care to post a reply in this thread if some 'troll' shows up again.
And I'd like to bury this debate here since I can think of spending my valuable time engaging in more constructive discussion on books worth discussing.
Well there you are making a very valid point. But my reaction was not really about myself. Perhaps that is my arrogance but i never really consider myself a troll either. Then again its a very subjective terms to use and i am a law student so i probably argue to much as it is lol.
Anyways i am indeed taking time away from books you are passionate about. And depriving myself of your insights while doing so. I need to get back to the E3
Trolls just crave attention, and they'll do anything to get it, much like spamming accounts and threads and callously insulting reasonable people. Pay no heed to them.
Bellatrix wrote: "Trolls just crave attention, and they'll do anything to get it, much like spamming accounts and threads and callously insulting reasonable people. Pay no heed to them."
I won't, Bellatrix. And you are very right.
this review is a very unreasonable review D:< (not a single explanation for anything she bashed on!)
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message 1:
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Ash
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Nov 16, 2012 10:46AM
exactly what I felt after reading this book. Wonder why it is so popular?!
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Ash wrote: "exactly what I felt after reading this book. Wonder why it is so popular?!"Good to have company. Can't believe this book has such a high average rating.
It's so nice that there are people out there who actually agree with me!
Isabella wrote: "It's so nice that there are people out there who actually agree with me!"I feel the same way. :) This series seems to have a really large fanbase which is astonishing.
Your opinion's valid, but you do realize that HP wasn't the first novel to have a special kid that learns myths and magic. That's an entire genre that existed before JK Rowling was likely born. I read and enjoyed both series, and thought they were different. But I'm a little bias, so seriously don't mind me. HP is a little better though ;)
Kyle wrote: "Your opinion's valid, but you do realize that HP wasn't the first novel to have a special kid that learns myths and magic. That's an entire genre that existed before JK Rowling was likely born. I r..."You're correct, but I think that Harry Potter's success was due to the fact that J. K. Rowling handled the idea slightly differently from the others.
@Atira: If you can't handle someone else's opinion or criticism of something you liked, you are most welcome to ignore it. And what do you mean by saying I had the 'courage' to write this in a middle of sea of Percy J fans? Which rule on GR says I can't disagree with the majority and post my views. Atira wrote: "I'd like to see you make something like that."
That statement is wrong on so many levels that I can't begin to explain it. You mean you are asking me to write a book like Rick Riordan first before trying to criticize it? On which planet does that make any logical sense whatsoever?
And to answer your question on how this is similar to Harry Potter, there are at least a million links over the internet carrying details on their similarities. Here's one - http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101023070226AAIYKwa
The only novel thing about this series is the interweaving of Greek mythology with a majorly fantasy-based plot. Rest is deeply reminiscent of the Harry Potter series.
Also you are free to disagree with me but please refrain from using a condescending, predominantly rude tone while doing so.
Beautiful review, I can't believe it's a best selling series, it's a horrible series! And the last book....I can't I won't it's too much anger to a really bad book and I LOVE the Harry Potter books!
J wrote: "Beautiful review, I can't believe it's a best selling series, it's a horrible series! And the last book....I can't I won't it's too much anger to a really bad book and I LOVE the Harry Potter books!"Thanks, J!
Natalie wrote: "Total Agreement"
Glad. :)
Well Harry Potter books are done you cant reread them for the rest of your life can you?!and I would like to see you try to write a Best selling book of 2007
Not trying to offend you but if you hate the book so much why bother writing 3 paragraphs about how much you hate it?!
Ayah wrote: "and I would like to see you try to write a Best selling book of 2007"Stupid comments such as yours ruin my morning. You mean one has to write a best selling book before being able to review or criticize one as a reader?
in which alternate universe is that line of logic valid?
And if you liked it so much why bother commenting on a review written by someone who obviously did not? Why not gush with fellow fangirls or whatever?
Ayah wrote: "Not trying to offend you but if you hate the book so much why bother writing 3 paragraphs about how much you hate it?!"
I will write exactly what I feel about a book in a review. GR gives me that right and you are in no position to ask or instruct me to do anything here.
Bellatrix wrote: "To warn others against it."Well said.
LOL... you tell'em like it is, Samadrita - enough with all the crap books out there that sell in the millions just because of brilliant commercial marketing schemes - you go girl ;-)
Samir wrote: "LOL... you tell'em like it is, Samadrita - enough with all the crap books out there that sell in the millions just because of brilliant commercial marketing schemes - you go girl ;-)"Lol thanks Samir! I regret the day I picked up this book.
And that you had the courage to write this in the middle of a sea of Percy J. fans. Ha ha ha! Trolls amuses me to no end. I'm glad that I live under a rock when it comes to the awareness about the existence of such books.
You tell them, Samadrita.*fistpumps*
What could I say on this now :P...I haven't had the guts to pick up any Harry Potter even...certainly not the genre I can really enjoy!!!....:P
Very good Samadrita. One of the important lessons of growing up and becoming an adult is learning to accept that some people do not think as you do and may strongly disagree. There are some on this site who aren't there yet!! Sadly some of them never get there and take the mind set into fundamentalist beliefs 9religious and political of all persuasions). Keep on speaking out for the voice of reason.
"Why don't you write a book and see?"- Statement kids make when they suddenly realize that not everyone is in love with their favorite books.
"You just didn't understand the book."
- Statement grown-up readers of "literary" books make when someone denies to call their favorite book a masterpiece.
Both need to grow-up. Just ignore them, Samadrita.
I think you are making a fair point. But You might be a little vicious with your honesty.I personally moderately enjoyed the books. Yes the writing was bad (awful writing does not stop something becoming a best seller...nothing more cringyworthy like the Twilight books or Fifty shades of grey) but the theme of Greek mythology is still appealing enough for me to overlook the bad writing.
I do have a few problems with your review though. First i really dont see that the Harry Potter connection is as overt as you say. The differences are more pronounced then similarities.
Secondly,i do think that if you want to write a review you should atleast finish the whole book. Yes you might write an even more scanting review but at least you where wholly informed.
If you really hate something passionately and want to warn others so they refrain from reading this i think you have every right to write what you want.I am a little puzzled that this particular series of books deserved your rather passionate scorn (instead of said Twilight series for example) but i guess that is just a matter of opinion.
Also the guy who made the ''marketing scheme '' comment are clearly a little delusional. Its not the big bad corporations that made this series popular. Its the combination of combining a theme that parents approve of (Ancient greek mythology) and writing the book like its a videogame.I understand it might be depressing to accept the fact that these type of books appeal to the youth of nowadays (and lets face it its a wonder most of them read anything at all) but please lets not blame an imaginary corporate conspiracy.
A lot of young girls only wanted to read about chasity and saving yourself for marriage for a long time (now wonder parents approved) as long as a young vampire took there virginity in the end, a lot of young boys want to read about slaying epic greek monster after epic greek monster and care very little about story in between (sounds like a lot of videogames doesn't it) and a lot of lonely housewives want to read about a young girl getting tied up and spanked a little by her one true love.Never mind that there all adults and the books seemed to have been written by a giggly 16 year old. That is all simple human nature,it is has nothing to do with a nefarious marketing scheme (the whole essence of marketing is giving the people what the want...you do know that right?).
@Garima, Scarlet, Dolors:- Thank you for the encouragement, girls. Garima, you can be thankful for your ignorance now. :) @Rakhi:- Harry Potter books I would recommend to one and all without any hesitation. Because when you read Rowling you are in safe hands. She is an accomplished writer. :)
@Paul:- Thank you for the encouraging words there. That is what I fully intend to do.
@Veeral:- I was trying to ignore them for months. But enough is enough. And I agree with all that you are saying.
Felix wrote: "I think you are making a fair point. But You might be a little vicious with your honesty.I personally moderately enjoyed the books. Yes the writing was bad (awful writing does not stop something..."
I agree with what you said about my not finishing this book and hence forming a 'premature' opinion. But whatever it is I stated in my review is based on my feelings on whatever I did read. Mediocre writing, editing errors, glaring typos (in the e-edition) and too many similarities with the Harry Potter series prevented me from reading any further. Don't I have the right to state how a book was unable to hold my attention for long? I think I do.
I have put up a link in one of my comments in this thread which direct you to all the similarities that this series has with the HP series. I am not going to explain why I felt they were similar anymore.
And as far as your comments on Twilight and 50 Shades go, that is completely off-topic. If you wish to discuss those books then you are welcome to take this argument to the relevant thread. This is not the place.
And I disagree with your opinions on marketing as well. After Dan Brown and Rowling's success, the markets became flooded by similarly-themed books written by authors who showed a complete disregard for good writing or grammar or even plagiarism. These books were specifically written to cater to the tastes of the ones who bought Brown's and Rowling's books in the first place.
But anyway I thank you for maintaining basic decency while commenting in this thread.
I agree, this book is a huge disappointment, especially since I bought the whole series based solely on the reviews.
Pulkit wrote: "I agree, this book is a huge disappointment, especially since I bought the whole series based solely on the reviews."I hear you, Pulkit. My sympathies!
I think you misunderstood my comment regarding the marketing. Its the chicken and the egg idea. The market got flooded with copycats because there was an inherent need.The need is created by people. Percy is a reaction to the need of young adult more so then anything else. I would doubt very much that the same crowd that loved Potter loves Percy. The books remind me of adventure tales written specifically for young boys more then anything else.Hardly the only demo that loved the Potter series.
And while i do agree that most copycats are blatantly riding the wave of the originals popularity there similarity is always most obvious. Here ( compared to Potter) i see some but they are hardly as blatant. But lets agree to disagree on that point.
We both do agree that while Rowling writting and world was brimming with originality, warmth, humor and was just written very well the writting here is rather flat and cliche ( or horrid according to some).
You where perhaps right about the Grey and Twilight comment. The reason i mentioned them though is to indicate that there so many books out there that are inherently much worse then the Percy books.
Which brings me my main point, i really cant understand why this series inspired so much ire in you. Its a series of books for young boys about slaying the monsters of greek mythology. Badly written yes but without to much ambition or pretention as well.
Still i think its cool that you are expressing your opinion so passionately. Thats what i love about goodreads. I get to learn why people feel passionate about certain books. And you make a lot of fair points. Will keep following the reviews. Thanks for taking the " trouble" to write them.
Why are you indulging these trolls by justifying yourself? Ask them to do one and sod off if they don't like your review. This book is a children's book and not even a good one at that. If there was a site called BadReads and if that site had a hall of fame, this book would be one of the first entries there. People who liked this book should really look themselves in the mirror and ask themselves what happened to their taste in literature.
This series is SO overrated that it should be illegal! I read all 5 books (don't ask me why I did that) just a few weeks ago and I couldn't stop questioning myself after every page Why the hell is this a worldwide bestseller? It doesn't improve one bit! After 3rd book things start to look a little promising but it goes down the same old lane in 4th & 5th books.
Success of these books were a fluke and nothing else.
Dayum...the age old shitty argument - "if you think it is bad, why don't you write better?" - ooohhh! now that was a butt clenching comeback! NOT....Look, the book is awesome for some and plain turd quality for others, live with it and leave reviewers alone to be honest and candid.
@Anish, Anushka, Vijai: It is comforting to hear what you think of this book and your tacit support for me. It really means a lot. I am glad I am not alone. :)@Felix:- I answer your question about what inspired such rage in me.
a)First of all, it's not Rick Riordan that I am mad at. It is this sneaky tactic of trying to cash in on the Harry Potter phenomenon that inspires such ire.
b)Secondly, juvenile attempts at challenging my opinion of this book. Why not leave me be? I have an opinion just like you do. So what if they differ so starkly?
c)This tacit demand of a less harsh judgement pronounced on Rick Riordan simply because this series was aimed at a younger age group. We have all read C.S. Lewis and Rowling haven't we? weren't The Chronicles of Narnia and HP books read by almost one and all?
A good book will appeal to readers of all age groups irrespective of genre if it is a well-written book.
And about your views on viral marketing, you are very right. There is a demand for such books, which also reflects on the reading choices of majority. Not that I am saying there is anything bad in it. It is their choice, expressing my opinion of a book liked by them is mine.
And as far as Twilight and 50 Shades go, I hate those books with an equal passion as well.
I hope this answers all your questions.
Hi Samadrita,Yes it does. Thanks for taking the time to answer those questions. Might have been a bothersome. Really cool that you did say the time. Like i said before i did think you made a lot of fair points. And people should always respect other people's opinion. Its kind of strange to me that some people have such difficulty with something as self evident as that. But a fair sharing of the minds should never be out of the question either.
Anyways will be reading your other reviews with a lot of pleasure. And this has also been informative.
Ha, this review makes me happy.
s.penkevich wrote: "Ha, this review makes me happy."Are you feeling happy at the expense of my distress? :(
I had a field day dealing with trolls when you weren't here. It was a very educational experience.
I see that. Trolls are the worst, you handled yourself very well though! I hate the fallacy of 'why don't you write a bestseller then', which really destroys the already subjective scale of what constitutes a good book. I mean, 50 Shades of Grey is the highest selling series of all time I hear, but that doesn't make her a more valuable voice on literature and books than, say, William H. Gass.You did a great job stating your case, your opinion, and your mind. People need to remember that their differing opinion is still an opinion as well, not law.
I can't believe that someone who's left me some of the most genuinely kind-hearted comments ever has been getting trolled so hard over an honest reaction. Boooooo, children. Boooo.When people get all riled up over someone daring to hold an opinion that doesn't mesh with theirs, I generally chalk it up to them acting out on insecurities (because, really, if they were trying to get you to understand why they like it, they'd be a lot more mature in their presentation). It's like how folks get defensive when they're accused of something they know to be true but can't bear to admit to anyone, including themselves. It's a comforting moment when you realize that you're secure in your opinion and can back it up with more than "Nuh-uh, YOU'RE wrong!" and "OMG write your own book if you dislike this one so much" and other ill-mannered personal attacks that have absolutely nothing to do with presenting a reasonable counter-argument (and seem to veer disturbingly often into the tendency to put words in your mouth).
Samadrita, you've expressed your valid opinion well over and over again. You don't have to defend your taste, which a quick perusal of your shelves will confirm to be freaking amazing.
Madeleine wrote: "Boooooo, children. Boooo...."
HAH! I agree. Booo and hissssssss
@Spenk and Madeleine:- Thank you a lot guys. I am almost tearing up here. *sniff*
Mmm sorry but i am kind of missing something i guess......where are where you being trolled really hard Samdrita? I only read two comments that where negative and the both boil down to the rather easily dismissable remark of of what basically boils down to ''i like to see you try and do better''. We all know they lost the argument already then and there. Even though they made some valid points as well. No 2 people in a see of supportive comments how is that a sea of trolls?
Personal attacks are always in extremely poor taste. But i do think that you should be open to explaining the reasons behind what your wrote and being respectful of ther views and opinions as well.Nuh- uh Your wrong and Omg write your own book are hardly '' ill mannered personal attacks. There childish ways to conduct an discussion but there little to no malice behind it. That not trolling in my eyes. Thats just losing the plot. I guess the usuage of the word trolling is very subjective but i associate trolling with something inherently negative. Would not hold back a little by branding people hence as such because it looks like your dismissing everything they say instead of just the specific portion that is offtopic,extraneous or perhaps even a little inflammatory.
One should always open themselves up to debate though. Only if you dont mind standing by your opinions,defending them if necessary with grace and passion, do the truly hold meaning.
Felix, if this makes you feel any better I do not club you together with the trolls since you put forward some valid arguments and for which you have my respect. I will only care to post a reply in this thread if some 'troll' shows up again.
And I'd like to bury this debate here since I can think of spending my valuable time engaging in more constructive discussion on books worth discussing.
Well there you are making a very valid point. But my reaction was not really about myself. Perhaps that is my arrogance but i never really consider myself a troll either. Then again its a very subjective terms to use and i am a law student so i probably argue to much as it is lol.Anyways i am indeed taking time away from books you are passionate about. And depriving myself of your insights while doing so. I need to get back to the E3
Trolls just crave attention, and they'll do anything to get it, much like spamming accounts and threads and callously insulting reasonable people. Pay no heed to them.
Bellatrix wrote: "Trolls just crave attention, and they'll do anything to get it, much like spamming accounts and threads and callously insulting reasonable people. Pay no heed to them."I won't, Bellatrix. And you are very right.
this review is a very unreasonable review D:< (not a single explanation for anything she bashed on!)
