The Lightning Thief: Reviews by 2018 Reading Challengers

[Winter, Group Reads]

Tell us what you thought of the book! You can leave your review here. Even if you read the book outside of the group, please feel free to let us know what you thought of it.

Please make sure to mark your spoilers by typing "[spoiler]" at the start and [/spoiler] at the end but replacing the []s with <>s.

[Jenn]

I would have never thought to read this book if it was not suggested as the group read for the month. However, I am so happy that I decided to give it a try, because I really enjoyed this book. This was an easy read, which makes sense since Riordan is writing primarily for a younger audience. At the same time, it was well written and I was completely immersed in the story. I am so glad to have read this book, I think I am going to my library Tuesday to borrow the second of the series.

[Hannah]

I LOVE these books! I'm going to be reading them again to experience them with all of you! I agree with Jenn, they're written for a younger audience, but I'm a sucker for Greek mythology. I think the story line is complex and engaging enough for young adults to enjoy, while still being well written and easy to understand. Very excited!

[Athina]

This book and the series in general, is one I would never thought I would read. It sounded like something I wouldn't enjoy. I was so wrong. I really liked this book (the plot and the action) and I am definitely continuing with the series in the near future.

[Alissa]

I have always had a fascination with the Greek Gods and this book did not disappoint. I thought it was clever and funny. I devoured this series and then got my husband and kids to read them also. The movie was seriously disappointing (no big surprise there). I have not read any of the authors new series but will probably at some point.

[[deleted user]]

Thank you for adding this to the reading list. I saw the movie so would never have picked up the book without a prompt (terrible film). And as a follow up to The Lovely Bones which was the last major book I read, it's a blessed relief!

[Rekha]

I also would not have read this due to the terrible film, but was glad to have given it a go in the end. I won't be reading the rest of the books, but the Greek mythology aspect was so much fun! Percy himself is a great protagonist and carries the story well. Thanks for a great selection for this months read!

[Cecil]

I really don't want to be too critical of this book because in the end, it's still perfectly serviceable children's lit and is very clearly aimed at younger audiences (i.e. not for me). But Percy's narration bugged me the entire way through. It's like the embodiment of the sort of narrative voice that adults imagine kids will think is cool and it grated on me.

[Leanne]

I love this book :) re-read it several times. Humour is just what you need when things are a bit glum

[Phil]

Am I the only one who thought it was a little too similar to Harry Potter?

[Mirella]

I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure but I think I might of read it when I was younger but its been so long. I love how things tied in with greek mythology and I know that when my daughter is old enough (she is 7 now) she will enjoy these. Right now she is reading about greek mythology at school so I know she can put these together.

[Atira]

I can honestly say I learned more about Greek Mythology from this series than anything I learned in school. I read The Odyssey in high school and really enjoyed it didn't pique my interests on the topic anywhere near as much as this book.

[Ashley]

This was an easy to read adventure book. I don't know if I am going to read the rest of the series but glad I tried something new.

[Cassie]

Disclaimer: I listened to the audio version as it was the only version I had easy access to and I’ve been in the car a lot more lately.


I hated the narrator. I couldn’t find a single positive thing about that aspect of the book. I did enjoy the Greek mythology (the timing worked out perfectly as we are teaching about the Greeks in history right now).

I did feel like it was quite young (understandably). The dialogue was a bit much for me at times (“seaweed brain” was one line in particular that had me rolling my eyes frequently).

Overall, not a terrible book.... but I don’t have a huge urge to continue reading the series. And the reviews of the movie have me hesitant to give that a try either lol

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Cassie wrote: "Disclaimer: I listened to the audio version as it was the only version I had easy access to and I’ve been in the car a lot more lately.


I hated the narrator. I couldn’t find a single positive thi..."

I listened to it on audio too and I agree about the narrator. It was pretty hard to listen to because of that.

[Gabby]

I liked this book. I read it a couple years ago and was addicted to the whole series. I think the chapter titles are funny. I also enjoyed "Heroes of Olympus," the sequel series.