Synopses & Reviews
What if the gods of Olympus were alive in the 21st Century? What if they still fell in love with mortals and had children who might become great heroes like Theseus, Jason and Hercules?
What if you were one of those children?
Such is the discovery that launches twelve-year-old Percy Jackson on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction Zeus' master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.
Review
"An adventure-quest with a hip edge." School Library Journal (Starred Review)
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"Riordan's fast-paced adventure is fresh, dangerous, and funny." Booklist
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"The sardonic tone of the narrator's voice lends a refreshing air of realism to this riotously paced quest tale of heroism that questions the realities of our world, family, friendship and loyalty." Kirkus Reviews
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"One could easily compile a grocery list of Harry Potter likenesses....Imitation aside, Riordan is a talented, funny writer." VOYA
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"He has a knack for showing readers a crazy good time." New York Times Book Review
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"Packed with humorous allusions to Greek mythology...along with rip-snorting action sequences, this book really shines." Horn Book Magazine
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"A fantastical blend of myth and modern." Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl
Synopsis
Classic Greek mythology is mixed with modern adventure in this brand-new, action-packed series. After learning he is a demigod, Percy Jackson is sent to a summer camp on Long Island, where he meets the father he never knew Poseidon, God of the Sea.
Synopsis
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: Lightning Thief, The
Synopsis
The classic first book about Percy Jackson, the troubled boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, and his adventures with demigods, monsters, and Greek gods. - This classic by #1 New York Times best selling author Rick Riordan has sold millions of copies throughout the world
- It has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 10 years
- Read in classrooms across the US
- Adapted into a movie, a Broadway musical, and soon, a TV series on Disney+
- Brings Greek mythology to life for modern readers
- Features beloved characters such as Annabeth Chase and Grover the satyr
- Funny and fast-paced
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse--Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him.
When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, god of the sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends--one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena--Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
About the Author
Rick Riordan is the author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, as well as the hugely popular Tres Navarre mysteries, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. For the past fifteen years, Rick has taught in middle schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Texas. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and two sons.
Kids Q&A
Read the Kids' Q&A with Rick Riordan