The Lightning Thief (2006)

by Rick Riordan

Other authors: See the other authors section.

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1), Camp Half-Blood (1)

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After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

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Hogwarts Express : [The Lightning Thief] (with spoilers)	31 unread / 31	KRomana, January 2017

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Showing 1-5 of 1064 (next | show all)

The OG of greek god books. The lightning thief is about a boy named Percy Jackson who finds out he is a demigod. However it is found out that he is the son of Poseidon, which is technically forbidden. But that is not the important part as the lightning bolt of zeus has been stolen. This is not good as the prime suspect is Percy. So he must find the lightning bolt in 2 months or be charged as guilty. Along the way Percy meets two friends and they help him find the lightning bolt. That is the really quick version and all is saved. For now.

This is the OG of good book, as that means original gangster. That's the literal meaning but it usually means the first figuratively. But this is a great book. One of the first books i really got into reading. Would i recommend this book? Yes! (

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ABarrett.ELA4 | May 27, 2020 |

One of my favorite things about this book are the chapter titles. They aren’t serious or boring, but humorous and informative—they tell you exactly what happens without giving anything away, for example: “We Take a Zebra to Vegas” and “My Mother Teaches Me Bullfighting.” The book is written from the point of Percy Jackson, a twelve year old kid who trouble always seems to find and has a lot of sass (which makes the titles even more fitting). The characters are so distinct and relatable with rich backstories. The plot is interesting and unpredictable (in a good way), bringing about an exciting tale that demands that you keep reading (except the first page, in which Percy tells the reader to stop). It is full of humor and drama and brings to life Greek mythology in a brand new way.

sfyock1 | May 5, 2020 |

This book takes the reader on a journey along with the main character, Percy Jackson. As Percy Jackson finds out that an alternate reality exists where Greek gods and myths are real, he tries to find who he is. Percy Jackson has always been a troublesome kid with dyslexia and ADHD, but Rick Riordan uses these flaws as strengths for a demigod's lifestyle. Percy goes through some valuable lessons, learning how to live as a demigod. The Lightning Thief is an amazing book for someone that loves adventure, friendship, and excitement. (

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sarveshi | May 4, 2020 |

The story was the same as the novel (of course) but it was rushed. The art was okay...the way the gods were drawn was not how I would have pictured them...I would not expect to see Poseidon in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts....I would expect a toga or ceremonial armour or something like that. The book was a lot better. (

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BelindaS7 | Apr 14, 2020 |

Pretentious. Immature. Tacky. Of all Harry Potter knockoffs, this is my least favourite.
Could have been written by a seven-year-old, for all the originality, language, and plot sophistication. This is a book which gives young fantasy fans a bad name. (

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Chiara_Quinn | Apr 13, 2020 |

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▾Published reviews

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thingScore 88

"The Lightning Thief" is perfectly paced, with electrifying moments chasing each other like heartbeats, and mysteries opening out in sequence. The action never feels gratuitous; it draws its depth from the myths at its source.

added by Shortride | editThe New York Times Book Review, Polly Shulman (Nov 13, 2005)

Riordan's fast-paced adventure is fresh, dangerous, and funny.

added by khuggard | editBooklist, Chris Sherman

▾Other authors

» Add other authors (13 possible)

Author name	Role	Type of author	Work?	Status
Riordan, Rick	Author	primary author	all editions	confirmed
Bernstein, Jesse	Narrator	secondary author	some editions	confirmed
Rekiaro, Ilkka	Translator	secondary author	some editions	confirmed

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Series (with order)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1)

Camp Half-Blood (1)

Canonical title

The Lightning Thief

Original title

The Lightning Thief

Alternative titles

Original publication date

2005-03-21

People/Characters

Important places

Camp Half-Blood

Mount Olympus

New York, New York, USA

Los Angeles, California, USA

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

(show all 16 items)

Important events

Summer Solstice

Awards and honors

ALA Notable Children's Book (2006)

Red House Children's Book Award (Overall, 2007; Older Readers, 2007)

Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award Nominee (2009)

Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (2009)

New York Times bestseller (Fiction, 2005)

(show all 51 items)

Epigraph

Dedication

To Haley,
who heard the story first

First words

Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood.

Quotations

"Remarkable, really, the lengths to which humans will go to fit things into their version of reality." Chiron p. 155

Last words

(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)

Disambiguation notice

This LT work is the first volume (of five) in Rick Riordan's series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Please do not combine it with any other individual title or collection of titles from the series. Thank you.

Publisher's editors

Blurbers

Publisher series

Original language

English

Canonical DDC/MDS

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