The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson #1) by Rick Riordan -- Restarting January 10th 2025

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Chapters 9-14

(view spoiler)[The police suspecting Percy in his mother's disappearance is odd. Wouldn't they think that they are both missing? I mean, they found the car all smashed up. And Percy is only 12, so why in the world would he have something to do with his mom being missing. They usually don't blame children but include them in missing person cases. It's just odd.

The Oracle was creepy, but I liked the imagery. I can't believe that they would give Percy a quest when he has only been there five minutes and hasn't received much training at all to protect himself. It just seems unlikely, since the demigods have auras that attract mythical creatures that want to kill them.

So Annabeth is so weird about Percy being Poseidon's son because their parents are rivals. I guess that makes sense.

So they just happen upon Medusa's lair in the human world? It seems unbelievable. I like all the elements of this story, but they do not seem possible at all. I mean, three kids trecking across the country all alone without any means to get anywhere?

So Percy being wanted by the mortal police comes into play again... (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

end
(view spoiler)[ I knew Luke was up to something, I could feel it! I really liked this! I'm kind of glad I didn't see the movie first, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I loved the humor in this book. I want to read the next one to see what happens, but I have to take a little break in between. I think I liked this one better than Magnus Chase (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Chapters 15-18

(view spoiler)[The whole Ares situation was weird. I admit I liked the way that he looked like a biker. I guess it fits the personality. I am unsure what his agenda is though. He tricks them into helping him, but he also helps them in the end.

Grover being able to talk to animals is cute. But I felt so bad for the animals in the cages. And I liked the tender moment in the truck when they try and make Grover feel better. I also liked learning more about Annabeth's father. I really liked when Annabeth told Percy that if their parents fought against each other in a war that she would side with Percy because he is her friend. So sweet!

The hotel was trippy. I can't imagine being trapped somewhere forever. Even an awesome hotel with everything.

I thought that the scene with the waterbeds was weird. This "accidentally" running into mythical beings is pretty unbelievable to me. Even if they are demigods. They are the ones stumbling upon them, not the other way around.

I admit that I like the way into hell in the movie much better. A recording studio is okay, I suppose, but in the rocks behind the Hollywood sign seems better to me. But we do get to see Cerberus in the book. So that's a plus. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Ashley wrote: "end
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I haven't read the Magnus Chase books yet. I think that I may like them better in the end since I prefer those myths to the Olympus myths.

I'm glad that you enjoyed the book. I am almost finished with it as well. I am glad that I am reading the books. There are so many differences that it's crazy. And so much more happens in the book than the movie. I do like the movie though, so you should totally watch it. =) (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Finished (view spoiler)[Overall, I enjoyed this. I feel like I would have enjoyed this a lot more though if I had read it when I was around 12 years old. Hopefully, these books are similar to the Harry Potter books and grow along with the reader. I am 34 years old so while I can appreciate the book, I didn't really connect with the characters. I did enjoy the premise though. It's creative and since I've always loved mythology I really gravitated towards the story. I will continue the series one of these days. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

My Review (view spoiler)[This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I fairly enjoyed this. I admit that I have seen both of the Percy Jackson movies prior to reading this. I was oddly surprised by how much the movie differed from the book. No clue why since that is usually the case. I have a feeling that I would have enjoyed this one much more if I had actually read it when I was a middle schooler. I am in my mid-thirties so the age disconnect was pretty extreme.

Even though this book was clearly written for a younger audience, I still liked the book. The world building in this is great. I love the mythology and how it is woven into today's world. It's interesting to take things that are familiar in the mythology and interpret them differently. While the world in this book is built upon our modern day world, the mythological elements really make this book what it is.

I liked the characters a lot. They were very relatable. I loved the focus on friendship and family. The young characters see a lot of growth throughout the story.

The plot was exciting and fast-paced. There was always something going on. Always a new adventure within the journey. There were a lot of different elements involved in the plot. There were so many surprising and unexpected things happening, but in the end, everything falls together nicely. I admit that many of the things that happen seem exceptionally unbelievable, but I suppose I can let it pass since this is a fantasy.

Overall, this is a fun story for all ages. It has an entertaining premise that is well written and in line with the target age group. It's pretty brilliant actually, and I am surprised that no one thought of it before. I definitely recommend this book. Especially to readers in the target age group. I will be continuing the series. I am excited to know what happens next! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Vanessa wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I feel that same way as you, and I am almost the same age as you. I appreciate it for what it is and would have loved it if I was younger too (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Hi! I'm not sure who organised this buddy read but I'm reading this for the May Challenge so I hope it's ok if I join :D

Chapter 1-4:
(view spoiler)[I wish I'd read this as a teenager! I'm probably closer to Percy's mom's age than his age 😭

I am enjoying the humor in the writing and I'm excited to learn more about the world of this story. I'm guessing that Percy is the son of Poseidon since he can control water. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Chapter 5-15:
(view spoiler)[We've been told that one of Percy's friends will betray him, and now he's been told not to trust the gifts, maybe it's referring to Luke and his shoes?

I wonder who actually took the thunderbolt since it seems like it wasn't actually Hades. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Chapter 16-18:
(view spoiler)[Aw that was cute! I love when big scary looking animals are friendly (like that video of the lion playing with a cardboard box).

I'm excited to find out that's actually going on and who the thief really is. Percy mentioned that the voice sounded familiar so it's gotta be one of the people back at the camp, I'm gonna stick with my original guess that it's Luke. (I guess it could be Grover but that would be weird) (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Finished!
(view spoiler)[Huh, I totally thought that I was wrong about Luke but I was right after all. I must have picked up on something subtly shady about him early on >_>

I am easily twice the age of the intended audience so I can't in good faith complain about the story being too juvenile for my tastes. I did quite enjoy a few of the brick jokes (The Charon/Chiron mixup and the Medusa head especially).

This was definitely a fun book, I'll probably continue with the series at some point when I feel like a lighter read. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting July 12th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Shannara]

Finished 20%

(view spoiler)[ I’m really liking this so far! Having watched the movie first, I wasn’t sure if I would be into the book or not, but it’s good so far. Percy has had such a rough time so far! Moving all the time, going to different schools, not making friends very easily. Poor kid, I feel bad for him. (hide spoiler)]

[Jill]

Started today!

[Shannara]

Finished 50%

(view spoiler)[ I’m loving this book! I’m listening to the audiobook and it really brings to life Percy and his friends. I like the back and forth between him and his friends too, they are funny together. I think even though Annabeth has a crush on what’s his name, I think she’s starting to like Percy a little too. I could be wrong though!! (hide spoiler)]

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[Lots of weird creepy stuff happening to Percy. He's someone important..maybe like a "chosen one?" To save others? Not sure..everyone keeps saying I hope this one lives implying there were others before him. I wonder what happened to his mom. And what Percy's mission is (hide spoiler)]
Ch 4

Really wish I didn't read the synopsis. Enjoying this so far!

[Shannara]

Finished chapter 18

(view spoiler)[ okay, we’re in the thick of it now!!! This is getting kind of crazy. I do feel really bad for Cerberus though. Poor baby!!!! I also can’t figure out who is supposed to be the one who betrays Percy. If it’s Grover or Annabeth, I’m going to be really mad... (hide spoiler)]

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[Loving this world building. All these kids are demi gods sent to this place to avoid getting killed my monsters. I'm excited to see what happens when they go on a quest. And when Percy discovers his abilities. Confirmed he's Poseidon's son which is cool. Prob some extra action scenes for him.. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 8

[Shannara]

Finished

(view spoiler)[ loved this book!!! Percy was a great protagonist and I loved Annabeth and Grover too! I was a little surprised he and Annabeth didn’t get any closer than they did, but maybe that comes in a future book. Or maybe I’m totally off base on that!!! Lol... Poseidon was awesome and I loved how proud he was of Percy. So sweet!!! And I’m glad that his mom stood up to to smelly Gabe in the end. Cause he was gross. I can’t wait to read the next one!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[ such an adventure to get to the west coast. So many monsters and things aren’t going smoothly for them. I like hearing about the other Greek deities though (hide spoiler)]
Ch 15

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[ this was so fun to read. So much action and drama. And some nail biting suspenseful parts too. I’m glad after all the obstacles that they were able to complete the quest. Didn’t expect the Luke part because he wasn’t on my radar. I don’t think I got to know him all that well so it was kind of random. Glad Percy is going to be with his mom. Maybe he will learn how his mom and Poseidon met (hide spoiler)]
End

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting November 1st 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting April 6th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Eesh]

Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[Oh come on, that's so mean! I know it's for his own good, but still. Making him think that he hallucinated the teacher or something... I always forget that they did that. (hide spoiler)]

[Eesh]

Chapter 5
(view spoiler)[Seeing little 12-year-old Percy go through all of this is just... I feel so bad for him! And this is just the beginning. (hide spoiler)]

[Eesh]

Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[Okay, this scene, the one in which Poseidon claims Percy as his son, is one of the best in the series. It's so climactic, no matter how many times I read it. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 1
[spoilers removed]"

This started really good.
(view spoiler)[ Totally! It was so wrong to make him believe he was hallucinating.
(hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 8
[spoilers removed]"

Yes, its good.

[Pragya]

Till chapter 8
(view spoiler)[ Seeing his mother disappear was so sad.
He is gonna get his own cabin now.
(hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Till Chapter 11
(view spoiler)[ Percy sending Medusa's head to gods was so daring. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Why does Mr D always gets Percy's name incorrect intentionally. Never thought Percy will choose to go home. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Quirks if you are interested in continuing reading the series book 2 let me know.

[Eesh]

Planning on reading Sea of Monsters next month. If you can wait till then...

[Pragya]

@Quirks- That works for me. I already have BR planned for this month. Let me know the date.

[Eesh]

We can start whenever. How about the 3rd?

[Pragya]

Sure. I will request for the thread.

[Eesh]

Okay, great!

[[deleted user]]

20% (view spoiler)[ So Percy is not dyslexic or disruptive, he just sees things different. Losing his mother must be the worst thing ever. And what did those Fates mean by snipping that yarn? Was that meant for her mom? I like Grover and feel so bad for him because he couldn’t really protect Percy. I love the Latin teacher already. And Percy without training has already defeated 2 monsters, Mrs. Dodds and the minotaur. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

39% (view spoiler)[ So much information was flooded to Percy, finding out he is a half-blood, or demigod, his father is Poseidon, that not only one god want him dead but two. Zeus believes Percy stole the master bolt. I am so happy Annabeth is coming with him to this quest, I can’t wait to see what it holds, and Grover of course, he must keep Percy safe, although, I’m starting to think it’s the other way around. I liked the other kids at the camp, well all except that girl, Clarisse…. Even her name sounds like a snake hissing… anyways. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

64% (view spoiler)[ I want a cap of invisibility… and some flying shoes… but mostly I would love that pen… could never lose it. So that is why Percy’s mom married Smelly Gabe!!! To keep Percy’s scent away from the monsters, she loved him so much that she put up with that gorilla. This quest sure has its share of monsters. The sisters, Mr.’s Dodd’s. Medusa, all heartbroken and ready to exact revenge. The biker, well he wasn’t a monster. The chimera. Percy sure is being tested. The Ride of love? So lame. I hope they find the shield Ares wants. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

80% (view spoiler)[ and to not spoil the theme… More monsters, I got to say I’ve never heard of “the stretcher”. How is Percy expected to read well when he is dyslexic Charon, Charion?? Well now he knows the difference. All dogs love a rubber ball!! Cerberus is no different. This quest is turning into a real scare, every corner they turn there is a new monster! And what is the deal with the water spirit? I hate riddles, why can’t people just be blunt!? He will get some gifts from her, but she tells him to beware of his gifts? Which gifts? And who has his mom? Hades? Who was Hades talking to in Percy’s “dream”? I bet that is the friend that’s going to betray Percy! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Finished… (view spoiler)[ I still cannot believe Luke!!! Good thing Percy was saved in time before that venom took him. I loved his mom, she was able to do as she pleased with her life now, she was going to school, and Gabe was out of her life, how dare he hit her! He got what he deserved, and she got what she deserved, who knew people would pay crazy money for ugly statues lol. Kronos!!! Ugh I shouldn’t even say that name. I hope Percy has fun at home and I am happy for Annabeth, she gets to go home one more time to try and be happy with her family. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 1
[spoilers removed]"

Yet Grover is not good at lying lol. (view spoiler)[ I love that pen! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 8
[spoilers removed]"

Yes! I love that he is claimed and it's witnessed by all those kids and adults in the camp.

[[deleted user]]

Pragya wrote: "Till chapter 8
Seeing his mother disappear was so sad.
He is gonna get his own cabin now.
"

Yes. It's crazy he is the only one that belongs to (view spoiler)[ Poseidon. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Pragya wrote: "Till Chapter 11
[spoilers removed]"

I'm still confused at that... what is that supposed to do? show he is (view spoiler)[ daring? that he can kill monsters? (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Pragya wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

I like it... I think he goes out of his way to NOT like Percy.

[Eesh]

Cinthia wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Till Chapter 11
[spoilers removed]"

I'm still confused at that... what is that supposed to do? show he is [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[It's a combination of things. One part is showing his father that he can kill monsters.

But mostly it's about Percy being angry at how the gods treat their kids. They don't even pay attention to them. The half bloods are sent on missions for, or because of, the gods. They have to face monsters. And the gods don't have any clue what these kids face. So in a way, this is Percy telling the gods that he, the other demigods, and anyone who the gods have screwed over, still exist. Even if the gods are content to ignore them most of the time.

It's also a giant 'fuck you' to the gods. Which is hilarious. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Cinthia wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

I like it... I think he goes out of his way to NOT like Percy."

Me too.

[Pragya]

Quirks wrote: "Cinthia wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Till Chapter 11
[spoilers removed]"

I'm still confused at that... what is that supposed to do? show he is [spoilers removed]"

It's a combination of things. One part..."

Yes!!! It's totally fuck you to the gods.