Have you ever been chased by a Minotaur? Meet Percy Jackson, the newest kid to arrive at Camp Half-Blood. To make matters worse, he is also a child of the big three gods. If you enjoy action-adventure books that leave you wondering what will happen at every turn, then this is the book for you!

Percy Jackson has had a rude awakening. He had been living a normal life for twelve years before his first attack. It seemed like an ordinary excursion, until his maths teacher grew wings and turned into a monster. Percy is the prime suspect, and if he doesn’t return the lightning bolt to Zeus, then the Olympians will be at war. Percy Jackson has been issued a prophecy,

“You shall go west, and face the god who has turned,

You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned,

You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend,

And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.”

Prophecies are required to go on a quest and this prophecy is about to send Percy Jackson and his friends, a satyr and a daughter of Athena, on their first ever quest. The Greek gods of myth and legend are still very much alive, and there is about to be a war.

I would recommend this book to teens and young adults between the ages of 12 and 20. I really enjoyed the book ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’ because it is a fast paced book for action seeking readers. It does an excellent job at combining mythology with the modern day so that the stories seem realistic. I would rate the book 5 out of 5 stars as the book grabs you by the first chapter and doesn’t let go.

Lachlan C., Year 9

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On face value, Percy Jackson appears a normal twelve-year old school student studying in New York. Percy, like other students at his school, is troubled, bullied and drowning in homework. Percy suffers from dyslexia. But what Percy doesn’t know is that his dyslexia is a sign of great power. Percy is a demi-god, the earthly offspring of a Greek god, consequently granting him superhuman powers, powers only ever described in Greek mythology. Through his power, Percy soon learns that he is the final and deciding hope in preserving a race that has stood for thousands of years: humanity.

In the novel, Percy is wrongly accused of the theft of a lethal weapon that could alter the course of history. This theft has sparked outrage from its owner, Zeus, and if not returned within a time limit, Zeus has proposed that he will end the existence of Earth. This accusation leads to Percy’s mother being kidnapped as ransom by Hades, in order for Percy to be lured into the realm of the Underworld, where Hades awaits. Percy soon finds himself on a dangerous odyssey to rescue his mother. By doing so, he will ultimately ensure that the world survives. Grover, a young satyr, and Annabeth, the daughter of warfare goddess Athena, have both been summoned to protect Percy from imminent danger, to ultimately ensure he successfully completes his quest. But will Percy be able to survive the ominous wrath of Hades that lies beneath the Earth’s surface, let alone be able to ensure that all humanity is protected?

What I greatly enjoyed about this novel is its overall fast-paced plot and storyline, containing enough suspense and unexpected twists and ever-changing scenarios and settings to keep me glued to the book. The breakneck speed storyline is supported by the author’s effective use of descriptive language, providing me with vivid images, and allowing me to become immersed in the story. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique themes of the book. One of which was Greek mythology, with its detailed references and explanations providing both excitement and education. Through its inclusion, it was easy to draw parallels between ancient societies and today. On a negative note, I believe that the introduction of the novel could have been developed in a different way, as it is rather slow to kick off with, which can initially detract the attention of the reader.

To conclude, I would recommend this story to those in the age bracket of twelve to sixteen who thoroughly enjoy unique, action-packed reads within the themes of fantasy and adventure, and additionally want to gain insightful knowledge of ancient Greek history and mythology. Overall, I would rate Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief four out of five stars. – Jacob B, Year 9

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Percy Jackson is a ’12vie’ in his prime after being kicked out of several schools. He has dyslexia and ADHD and always runs into trouble. Trying not to break any records for most school expulsions he is doing his best not to be kicked out of Yancy Academy. But one day on a field trip to an art museum, his Maths teacher turned into a monster and attacks Percy and his friend Grover. Percy destroys his Maths teacher but afterwards thinks he is hallucinating after finding out no one remembers his Maths teacher.

After this Percy finds out he is a half blood half human half-god son to Poseidon. He and his friend Grover, who turns out to be a satyr, go to the safest place possible: Camp Halfblood, a summer camp for kids like Percy. At Camp Halfblood, all these children of the gods are learning how to use their powers in activities likes racing sword fighting and capture the flag games. Then when everything is starting to look better, trouble yet again finds Percy Jackson when Zeus’s master bolt is stolen. Percy is the main suspect because he is the son of Poseidon, and Zeus and Poseidon are currently fighting. So Percy, Grover and their new friend Annabeth set out on a quest to find and return the lightning bolt to Mount Olympus.  On this journey, Percy will need to come to terms with who he is and discover his new powers.

This book is well done. The plot is intriguing, the characters are interesting and not at all one dimensional and overall it is a good read. I give this book an 8/10 and would suggest it for kids 10 and up who like fantasy adventure stories.  -Tommy B., Year 9