Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan : Review

Percy Jackson and The Lighting Thief offers readers an alluring story of love, friendship, bravery and heroism.

The first time when I came across this book was in my school library, I issued it thinking I would read it (which I did not). Then 'round a year later when the Percy Jackson and The Olympians came out on Disney+, boy was I so hooked to the story, and it was not until now that I picked up the book again and finished reading the entire pentalogy (and do not worry, this is a spoiler free review).

The thing about Riordan's writing in this series that intrigues me the most is that he is able to weave in such intricate pieces of Greek mythology into the story to educate the readers without even them realizing. Although I cannot speak for others but I for my part could not even name one Greek god before reading the book. And some may take it for granted, given that in the book the Greek gods are settled in America, but that is precisely the fun of fiction. It let's us loose bounds and travel into faraway foreign lands of imagination!

Here's the book itself, Percy Jackson penning his life:

 Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood. If you’re reading this because you think you might be one, my advice is: close this book right now. Believe whatever lie your mom or dad told you about your birth, and try to lead a normal life. Being a half-blood is dangerous. It’s scary. Most of the time, it gets you killed in painful, nasty ways. If you’re a normal kid, reading this because you think it’s fiction, great. Read on. I envy you for being able to believe that none of this ever happened. But if you recognize yourself in these pages – if you feel something stirring inside – stop reading immediately. You might be one of us. And once you know that, it’s only a matter of time before they sense it too, and they’ll come for you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

And that is how this fantastical journey begins! Basically, this book follows the story of our dear Percy Jackson who thinks of himself a normal boy, but given his luck, he turns out to be a demigod/half-blood (not the Harry Potter kind), or half man and half god. He is accused by Zeus, the sky god, of stealing his master-bolt, the god's symbol of power and is entrusted to go on quest to have the thing returned by the summer solstice or a huge -earth destructive- war would break out between the gods.

Personally this book for me was GREAT! It is a full package of bits of history mixed with Greek mythology in addition to battles taking place in famous U.S. landmarks and the light-hearted humor which totally gives Gen-Z in a lot many ways than one. And boy, the chemistry between Grover, Annabeth and Percy (possibly leading to a future romance...)! It is really something you would want to invest your time in.

The moral aspect of this book is no less enlightening, it follows Percy's journey of self-discovery and fitting into this new world of heroes, gods and monsters. It allows him to believe and accept himself a hero no matter his differences. It gives young readers the message to trust oneself, no matter your race, gender, caste, creed, color, sexuality, abilities or disabilities; it is you who matters the most, after all you gotta trust yourself and if you do not then who else will?

Click on the image to get your copy now.

Go on demigods, read!

BSB.

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