The Lightning Thief
discussion
Could someone please tell me why everyone is obsessed with these books?
Yes, Kimberly, I've read Harry Potter, and think Percy Jackson much like it - "house" rivalry, two "best friends" (Annabeth: Hermione/Grover: Ron), a "rising" evil (Kronos/Voldemort) which only the hero is destined to defeat?
They are too much alike to be merely so easily generalized as that.A magical school - a "Half-Blood" camp.
Is Harry Potter not a half-blood himself, a wizard/muggle blood? This too is like Percy, half god, half human.
A wise old mentor who is connected to the dark rising (Dumbledore being a former teacher of Voldemort, Chiron being a teacher of heroes but son of Cronus)
A distasteful relationship with "normal" relatives, the Dursleys (though Harry's aunt) and Gabriel "Gabe" Ugliano (step father).
Is it not further interesting that in both cases these relatives come from the "mother" side of the family?
Both further that Harry was picked on by normal people, and Percy made more comment of that similarity?
Yet again despite good reason not to like these normal people, both are heroes and protectors of these poor normal people, defenseless against what the heroes fight - these normal people who seemed to reject so eagerly the young hero?
If, it is as you say, that all fantasy has elements so alike to like these - give me to read a series so similar as these?
Kimberly wrote: "That's the thing:it's not supposed to be completely god-like (god with a lowercase g), because it's modern, new, everything.
I totally cared about the characters. I was constantly terrified f..."
That's the thing: I still didn't expect gods to be talking like 12-year-old boys. Modern, new, whatever... I thought the gods would speak in a more dignified way.
I totally didn't. Percy and Annabeth could have become part of Ares' barbecue for all I cared. Actually, I would have welcomed that.
Like Rena says, it has many similarities with Harry Potter, besides the common points all fantasy has. Harry and Percy even look alike. Both grew up not knowing the truth about themselves for most of their childhood. There's tons of character parallels. So... it's not exactly the most original thing out there.
As a 32 year old, I rather enjoyed these books: light quick reads that remind me of my childhood. I suppose at a 14 year old much of the mythos is fresh to you, but as an adult looking back it's a pleasant refresher.As someone who as grown up, and perhaps a bit out, but not old it was a fun adventure. There was enough loss to make the stakes matter, but pleasantly lacking many of the adult things that weigh on me in life.
It's good to be young and innocent.
Hayley wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "That's the thing:it's not supposed to be completely god-like (god with a lowercase g), because it's modern, new, everything.
I totally cared about the characters. I was constant..."
Well, we can't really suggest that it's a sort of rip off from HP because there has been stories about demigods for centuries. And yes, they use a basic template for a story line, young boy grows up not knowing who he is and becomes a hero, but so do Star Wars and Eragon as well as many other stories but they spice them up their own different way. There really is no such thing as an original story just different people telling the same thing with a different type of sauce or seasoning.lol
Hayley wrote: "I forced myself to read the first book and hated every second of it. Literally one of the worst I ever put myself through... So I don't understand the obsession either."I know right? I don't either. What is so amazing about this book?
"Kimberly wrote: Just because it's similar doesn't mean Harry Potter's good. And Percy Jackson's NOT A TAKEOFF, ok? It seems strange you leave out many of the people who agree with me, Hayley, and have commented on this. "
I didn't bother reading the whole discussion. I just posted my opinion and read notifications that came after it. Strange that you leave out the people who agree with me, though...
That's good and lovely. I don't care who this book is aimed at. I've read and loved others aimed at young teens. The Lightning Thief is still one of the worst books I've ever read.
Kimberly wrote: "They could have become part of Ares' barbecue... right, right. Didn't you just say that was an undignified way to speak? I understand you're not a god or goddess but you said that's the way a 12-year-old boy would speak... and you're not a 12-year-old boy, are you? "
Lol what. I used the barbecue as an example because Riordan wrote it first... Wishing that he or she had been roasted in a barbecue isn't my general way of saying I dislike a character. Sorry if I came off as an undignified 12-year-old for a moment there!!
Anna Lee wrote: "Hayley wrote: "I forced myself to read the first book and hated every second of it. Literally one of the worst I ever put myself through... So I don't understand the obsession either."I know righ..."
Apparently it's a fun to read, highly original tale.
WOW who just asked that question the series is the bomb!
Kimberly wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Hayley wrote: "I forced myself to read the first book and hated every second of it. Literally one of the worst I ever put myself through... So I don't understand the obsession eith...":) I get why you and the rest of the population like it...but I guess I don't see it....You know what I mean?
Hayley wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Hayley wrote: "I forced myself to read the first book and hated every second of it. Literally one of the worst I ever put myself through... So I don't understand the obsession eith..."Apparently so.
Tim wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "... the kind of books I like to read are more adult books and teen books. This for me was a tween book/children..."Perhaps that explains why you didn't like it. You may not be t..."
Yeah, target audience has a ton to do with it. However, I'm 15, own all 5 books, and have read them so many times they're falling apart. They're THAT good!!!
Dear Anna Lee, as your friend i'd just like to say thank you for mentioning some actual good books on like the first page of this discussion.
I am one of the (few) people who didnt enjoy this book one bit. I couldnt even finish it, yet TJ (my sisters *cough cough* 26 year old boyfriend) Read it after I threw it on the table, and he loved it...
But when he saw the movie he complained because of how bad it was compared to the book.
All I am saying is
Its all either their taste...
Or maturity level, no offense to anyone. At school its considered book level 4.0-5.0
I am one of the (few) people who didnt enjoy this book one bit. I couldnt even finish it, yet TJ (my sisters *cough cough* 26 year old boyfriend) Read it after I threw it on the table, and he loved it...
But when he saw the movie he complained because of how bad it was compared to the book.
All I am saying is
Its all either their taste...
Or maturity level, no offense to anyone. At school its considered book level 4.0-5.0
To Schai- that was all your doing lady. YOU were the one who introduced me to those books and now I'm obsessed. (NOT with Percy Jackson-that book sucked)So since I added this book all these discussions about how good the books were kept popping up so I was like I'm making a discussion on how HORRIBLE the books were.
(no offense to Percy Jackson fans out there)
Yeppers
Well I feel accomplished. I think its time I hand your brother some (good) books that arent too far off what he already (from what I can tell) likes.
And Kudos on the starting a disscussion about how bad a book is, It is appreciated by the people who would rather keep there mouth shut. Haha...yeah
And Kudos on the starting a disscussion about how bad a book is, It is appreciated by the people who would rather keep there mouth shut. Haha...yeah
Anna Lee wrote: "Ok, so I read through the WHOLE dang series and all I could think about the whole time was how much time I was wasting reading these. (My brother and I were having a book war) Anyway, why is everyo..."Becuase Percy is funny, because he is not a flawless cliche hero, because of the relationship between *SPOILER*
Percy and Annabeth, because it makes Greek mythology 10 times more interesting, because I know multiple facts on the Greek gods and monsters now without even trying to memorise them, because the plot is enthralling, because it's so good that I still like it 2 years old, because I HAD to re-read it multiple times, because it's good that there are MANY fan fics on the net based on it...
Oh, there are TOO MANY becauses. But to each their own.
:)
Kerri wrote: "It's nice to have books that boys can get into--it seems the publishing business has been appealing to the 12-18 year old girls demographic for a very long time. I'm glad they exist because for at ..."I'm a girl and I love it too. I thinks it's great that the series appeals to a wider variety of audiences rather than JUST girls! If it was directed towards girls then I think that I would like the series a little less, there's something edgy about a male lead character to me.
:)
I just thought it was too Un-realistic. I like books I can relate too and this book (along with Harry Potter, Twilight and any other 'teen' read) were just...out there to me. Again its an opinion based thing and I cannot be persuaded otherwise.
I loved learning about greek mythology when I was studying but I didnt use this book to get the facts, or make it interesting. I read the actual versions of the different stories (which were very entertaining themselves, I thought).
But hey, whatever floats your boat and helps you make things fun and interesting, go for it.
I loved learning about greek mythology when I was studying but I didnt use this book to get the facts, or make it interesting. I read the actual versions of the different stories (which were very entertaining themselves, I thought).
But hey, whatever floats your boat and helps you make things fun and interesting, go for it.
Annabeth's point of view... best idea ever!
yeah that might be a problem...
Nope, Annabeth shouldn't have the point of view.He still needs to fix the first ones.
Schai wrote: "Well I feel accomplished. I think its time I hand your brother some (good) books that arent too far off what he already (from what I can tell) likes.And Kudos on the starting a disscussion abou..."
I didn't get any terrorist threats so far so I think I'm doing ok Schai.
Kimberly wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Nope, Annabeth shouldn't have the point of view.He still needs to fix the first ones."
Why shouldn't Annabeth have a point of view? Because she's a girl?
And he doesn't ne..."
Dude I'm a girl.
Kimberly wrote: "Madeline wrote: "yeah that might be a problem..."Maybe comment on his blog? Or his website?"
that could work... :)
ikr?! it would be so awesome!!! we should so try! lol
Kimberly wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Nope, Annabeth shouldn't have the point of view.He still needs to fix the first ones."
Why shouldn't Annabeth have a point of view? Because ..."
um ok.
you did? i missed it! i'll go post there
no prob, it's a good idea
Schai wrote: "I just thought it was too Un-realistic. I like books I can relate too and this book (along with Harry Potter, Twilight and any other 'teen' read) were just...out there to me. Again its an opinion b..."Are you big on murder mysteries? I love them.
Rena wrote: "They are too much alike to be merely so easily generalized as that.A magical school - a "Half-Blood" camp.
Is Harry Potter not a half-blood himself, a wizard/muggle blood? This too is like Perc..."
I (sory for the language) friggen hate how people compare all books to harry potter.
i mean come on half the books are like that and it's not chiron's fault in greek mythology that he's kronos's son that's the mythology
the percy and harry being half human and half wizard/ god dude again mythology it's a demigod againg that's the mythology
also the both human's or whatever being from the mother's side well all the greek's big 3 gods are guys
for percy being picked on dude seriously he's dyslexic and has A.D.H.D. which kids get picked on constantly for
and for being protectors of the normal people anyway who else is Percy gona protect from Kronos, baby rabbits? yeah i dont think so
yeah the gabe thing well thats cause his mom married hime to protect percy. in harry potter it's cause there's nowhere for harry to go
there are similarities cause that's how all books about these kinda heroes are get over it the only reason you guys probably compare it to harry potter is cause your afraid of competitor books just saying
oh yeah dear Schai
as for your comment about maturity not true people read it cause it's a fun easy read, that's why i like it and just to let you know i read a ton of YA books like Shiver, Linger, Divergent, The Hunger Games, The Gone series and more. so please take back that maturity comment even if you meant "no offense" thank you
Kimberly wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Anna Lee wrote: "Nope, Annabeth shouldn't have the point of view.He still needs to fix the first ones."
Why shouldn't Annabeth ..."
Ok, but your kinda the one who brought it up.
Kimberly wrote: "Sara-Sadiya =D wrote: "Rena wrote: "They are too much alike to be merely so easily generalized as that.A magical school - a "Half-Blood" camp.
Is Harry Potter not a half-blood himself, a wizard..."
your welcome i just get really irritated when people compare books to other books that is only ok if its in the same series
no offense but i dont think harry potter is that great
I sort of feel like this series is using a lot of the things that make Harry Potter popular. I don't think it is nearly as well executed as Harry Potter, but the books can still be entertaining. I am not obsessed with either series though.
Anna Lee wrote: "Ok, so I read through the WHOLE dang series and all I could think about the whole time was how much time I was wasting reading these. (My brother and I were having a book war) Anyway, why is everyo..."Because they're awsome
yes, yes they are
I loved them. They aren't literary, they're books written to be read for fun. Good fast reads with your archetypal, attachment inducing characters
Kare wrote: "I sort of feel like this series is using a lot of the things that make Harry Potter popular. I don't think it is nearly as well executed as Harry Potter, but the books can still be entertaining. I ..."READ THIS NOW:
I (sory for the language) friggen hate how people compare all books to harry potter.
i mean come on half the books are like that and it's not chiron's fault in greek mythology that he's kronos's son that's the mythology
the percy and harry being half human and half wizard/ god dude again mythology it's a demigod againg that's the mythology
also the both human's or whatever being from the mother's side well all the greek's big 3 gods are guys
for percy being picked on dude seriously he's dyslexic and has A.D.H.D. which kids get picked on constantly for
and for being protectors of the normal people anyway who else is Percy gona protect from Kronos, baby rabbits? yeah i dont think so
yeah the gabe thing well thats cause his mom married hime to protect percy. in harry potter it's cause there's nowhere for harry to go
there are similarities cause that's how all books about these kinda heroes are get over it the only reason you guys probably compare it to harry potter is cause your afraid of competitor books just saying
I post this before but i dont think you read it!
Agreed. Percy Jackson is basically a saga (or an epic, if you think more in Latin terms). We have heroes with parent issues who are often divinely or otherwise preternaturally blessed and go through the whole Hero Cycle. It's a common enough formula, and certainly wasn't started by Harry Potter. (Although JKR did do a good job using it to her advantage.)
The humor. That's why.
Uh...DUHHH THEIR AWESOMEEEEE!!!!!!!!
thank you! it highly annoys me that books are compared to harry potter. I mean there are books older than that, that are about the same damn (sory for the language) thing. hero; hero exta-ordinary; hero protects people, hero has enemy; hero faces enemy; hero wins against enemy. why do people not understand that?! again highly highly annoying and thank you for agreeing
Kimberly I so agree with you! and movies being judged with the Harry Potter books is just wrong. i mean ever since the 5 movie i feel they have gone down hill. the last one didnt even have any action! so think before you compare people
lol =P yeah that whole movie was about they're relationships i tink the 4th one was the best in the series! and part one was ok just 5 6 and part 2 of 7 were horrible!
i actually liked the first but the special effects are horrible compared to now and it's only been 10 yrs
because it's a good story for mythology :Dnot melatonin-filled literature..
mind you though, i do think it's perfect for teens or tweens.. i find myself craving for more mature adventure.. but i do recommend reading it :D
i didn't study mythologies, like no idea at all (i only know the three BIG gods), after reading the first book alone, i got really interested.. Rick simplified the roles of the gods.. :D
You have to read the greek myhts to get some of the humor. I loved the books, but they can only be enjoyed by those who wished to enjoy them.......
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I never planned to read them because the premise sounded stupid, but one of my friends, who has a lot in common with me as far as books go, convinced me to give The Lightning Thief a chance because it was amazing and hilarious. I love Greek and Roman mythology, I love action books (she specifically pointed out that I still obsess over Artemis Fowl and the CHERUB series; I used to freak out over Max Ride until that series took a turn for the worse) -- I should have loved them.
But I didn't. The humor wasn't funny to me at all. It was like the author was trying so hard to be sarcastic and amusing that it came off as stupid. All the gods said things that were extraordinarily not god-like. For instance, when Percy was fighting the war god (Ares, I believe?), he said something along the lines of "Time to add you to the barbecue." Things like that just pulled me away from the book. The characters all annoyed me; I really didn't care about what happened to any of them. Overall, the plot was unoriginal and boring, which would have been okay if I enjoyed the way Riordan told the story... but I didn't.
TL;DR I felt no connection to any character and by the end I was reading just to finish.