Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (3.5 stars)


I'm not even sure where I heard about this book, but I had it on request at the library and it was something fun I knocked over in a couple of days. It followed in a vein somewhat familiar, see if you can pick it:

  • Boy discovers he has 'powers'.
  • He travels to a school where he meets others like him and begins indoctrination into a secret society and learns how to make use of his powers.
  • He faces great dangers, and fights battles with loyal friends against against an ancient evil that is growing in strength.
  • etc...

Basically take Harry Potter and replace wizards with greek gods and their demigod offspring. Despite the fairly obvious formula-stealing (published in 2005, well after HP kicked off) the book is entertaining and a fun read. It is probably aimed at slightly younger kids, the story moves quicker and is shorter overall. Left wide open for a long series of books - there are five so far. At least kids learn a bit about Greek mythology along the way!

3.5 stars.

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