The lightning thief

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Language
English

Description

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.

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ISBN
9780786856299
9781368051477
9780739345146
9780786838653
9781423134947
9780439865999
9781423131892

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Also in this Series

  • The lightning thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Volume 1) Cover
  • The sea of monsters (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Volume 2) Cover
  • The Titan's curse (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Volume 3) Cover
  • The battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Volume 4) Cover
  • The last Olympian (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Volume 5) Cover
  • The chalice of the gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Volume 6) Cover
  • Wrath of the triple goddess (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Volume 7) Cover

Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These mythology-inspired action-packed series follow real-world kids who are pulled into an exciting fantasy adventure. Emily and Pegasus engage in battle against the terrifying Nirads, while Percy must stop a war from breaking out among the gods. -- Stephen Ashley
Life gets more complicated for both kids when Percy discovers he is a demigod and Sophie (Keeper) learns she is an elf in these richly detailed fantasy series. At new magical schools, they make friends, hone new skills, and find purpose. -- Lindsey Dunn
Inspired by Greek mythology (Percy) and Mayan folklore (Storm), these attention-grabbing fantasy series will have readers turning the pages for not just exciting action, but humor (Percy) and suspense (Storm) too. Both books offer disability representation as well. -- Basia Wilson
These middle-grade series follow a tween who is thrust into a world of monsters and gods after discovering their hidden mythological heritage. Both sets of books are action-packed, but Percy is Greek-based, and Pahua is inspired by Southeast Asia. -- Jennie Stevens
While Nic Blake is already aware of magic and Percy must discover it, both of these action-packed series follow tweens as they discover the depth and complexity of the magical worlds in which they are destined to play a big role. -- Hannah Gomez
Readers who especially enjoy the humor of the Percy Jackson series may appreciate Zeus the Mighty, a funny fantasy series that follows a mouse modeled after Zeus on a series of animal shelter adventures inspired by Greek mythology. -- Basia Wilson
Though Percy Jackson is a bit heavier on action than Kwame Powell, these intriguing fantasy series both feature plenty of laughs as likeable protagonists adventure through mythological (Greek in Percy Jackson and Ghanian in Kwame Powell) worlds. -- Stephen Ashley
Main characters in both mythological fantasy series discover they are the children of Greek gods, setting off an action-packed chain of events involving other demigods, mythical creatures, and intense rescues. -- Basia Wilson
Gifted tweens train with the gods to take on a bevy of dangerous missions and terrifying foes in these fast-paced, action-packed mythological fantasy series. Tessa Miyata is based on Japanese folklore, and Percy Jackson draws inspiration from Greek tales. -- Stephen Ashley

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These action-packed adventure stories feature relatable tween and teen boys who discover that their absent fathers are mystical beings -- Percy's father is a Greek God while Rayleigh's is the infamous Bogey Mann who resides in Below London, the magical home of monsters. -- Kristy Pasquariello
Mythological and contemporary worlds collide in these fantasy novels as tweens uncover their identity as the descendants of Greek gods. Humor suffuses Lightning Thief while Widely Unknown offers more emotional intensity. -- Basia Wilson
These adventure fantasy series starters use Greek mythology in a contemporary setting as tween main characters make new magical friends and battle monsters, though Juniper Harvey is a queer tween girl and Percy Jackson is a neurodivergent tween boy. -- Margaret Kingsbury
Though Lightning Thief is a prose novel and Gunhild is manga, both of these action-packed mythology-inspired stories follow tweens fighting to save the world and feature plenty of funny moments. -- Stephen Ashley
NoveList recommends "Onyeka" for fans of "Percy Jackson & the Olympians". Check out the first book in the series.
Readers who like mythology-inspired stories that are heavy on both action and laughs will enjoy both of these attention-grabbing reads. Percy (Lightning Thief) tries to prevent a war between gods, while Abby (Last Shadow) must defend herself from a Grendel. -- Stephen Ashley
These action-packed fantasy series starters feature tweens discovering what they thought they knew about their family origins isn't the whole story and that they are inheritors of magical legacies. Manifestor explores African American folklore while Lightning is inspired by Greek mythology. -- Hannah Gomez
These mythology-inspired fantasies (Greek in Lightning Thief and Mesopotamian in City) both feature plenty of laughs amid an action-packed plot where tweens must protect the world from angry gods. -- Stephen Ashley
NoveList recommends "Pahua Moua" for fans of "Percy Jackson & the Olympians". Check out the first book in the series.
Both written in an attention-grabbing style, these works of fantasy have quick plotlines and courageous characters who get tangled up in mythological worlds after discoveries about the lineage of their family (Lightning) or new pet dog (Fenris). -- Basia Wilson
These books will capture the attention of readers who like fantasy novels with magic academies. In Lightning Thief, the son of a Greek god enrolls in a school for demigods, while gifted magician Amari attends a supernatural summer camp. -- Basia Wilson
In these fantasy stories inspired by Greek mythology, kids attend academies of magic. Percy (The Lightning Thief) attends a summer camp after learning he is the son of a Greek god. In this feminist take, Ava, a descendant of Medusa, attends a boarding school. -- Sarah Polace

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both Rick Riordan and Philip Pullman write clever, engaging fantasy fiction for older kids. These authors weave humor and suspense into action-packed plots to create attention-grabbing stories. Many of the authors' books are informed by historical periods (Ancient Greece or Victorian England, respectively). -- NoveList Contributor
Kids and tweens who crave non-stop action, imaginative world-building, and lightning-paced reads should appreciate these authors' witty and suspenseful fantasy series. Both authors are skilled at grabbing -- and holding -- readers' attention. -- Ellen Foreman
Readers craving fast-paced adventures with a mythological twist will love the writings of Rick Riordan and Michael Scott. Both authors create relatable characters that find themselves in worlds where magic and mythology come to life. Riordan's novels are good for middle grades and up, while Scott writes for teen readers. -- Diane Colson
In the page-turning fantasy series by both of these authors, modern kids and teens are drawn into the epic (and often dangerous) dramas of ancient gods and mythological monsters. Both authors offer snarky humor and diverse, relatable casts of characters. -- Rebecca Honeycutt
Fans of action-packed fantasy for older kids inspired by mythology will enjoy the works of Rick Riordan and Jennifer Cervantes. Cervantes' books are inspired by Maya legends, while Riordan draws on stories from several different cultures. -- Stephen Ashley
Intricate plots, large casts of characters, and fast-paced action are hallmarks of both of these authors' fantasy fiction for older kids and tweens. Add in abundant wit, humor, and creative world-building, and it's no surprise these authors are so popular. -- Ellen Foreman
Both authors feature likable characters with a penchant for sarcasm who engage in action-packed, suspenseful adventures laced with fantasy. Jonathan Stroud writes books for all ages, but his middle-grade books will appeal to fans of Rick Riordan. Riordan's milieu is mythological fantasy, while Stroud features the magical and supernatural. -- Diane Colson
Each author captures the experiences of ordinary boys undertaking extraordinary adventures in otherworldly realms. Rick Riordan is well known for his mythology-based, action-packed series, while Anthony Horowitz sends his courageous teen heroes into inventive spy fiction and suspenseful horror stories. -- Diane Colson
Both authors write action-packed, suspenseful stories featuring courageous teenagers. Rick Riordan's fantasy novels for middle grades are steeped in mythology, while Pittacus Lore's teen books involve alien encounters, but both explore the power of friendship and the danger of accepting a quest. -- Diane Colson
Teenagers entrusted with dangerous quests figure prominently in both authors' work. Rick Riordan writes fast-paced fantasy that features ordinary people and mythological characters. His tone is funny and suspenseful. Rick Yancey's books are also action-packed adventures, but they can be more gruesome and bleak in tone. -- Diane Colson
These authors' works have the genre "mythological fiction"; and the subjects "demigods," "gods and goddesses, greek," and "jackson, percy (fictitious character)."
These authors' works have the appeal factors action-packed, and they have the genre "mythological fiction"; and the subjects "quests," "monsters," and "prophecies."

Published Reviews

Publisher's Weekly Review

"Without sacrificing plot or pacing, Riordan integrates a great deal of mythology into this tale and believably places mythical characters into modern times, often with hilarious results," said PW. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Booklist Reviews

Gr. 6-9. The escapades of the Greek gods and heroes get a fresh spin in the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, about a contemporary 12-year-old New Yorker who learns he's a demigod. Perseus, aka Percy Jackson, thinks he has big problems. His father left before he was born, he's been kicked out of six schools in six years, he's dyslexic, and he has ADHD. What a surprise when he finds out that that's only the tip of the iceberg: he vaporizes his pre-algebra teacher, learns his best friend is a satyr, and is almost killed by a minotaur before his mother manages to get him to the safety of Camp Half-Blood--where he discovers that Poseidon is his father. But that's a problem, too. Poseidon has been accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, and unless Percy can return the bolt, humankind is doomed. Riordan's fast-paced adventure is fresh, dangerous, and funny. Percy is an appealing, but reluctant hero, the modernized gods are hilarious, and the parallels to Harry Potter are frequent and obvious. Because Riordan is faithful to the original myths, librarians should be prepared for a rush of readers wanting the classic stories. ((Reviewed September 15, 2005)) Copyright 2005 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2005 Booklist Reviews.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

"Without sacrificing plot or pacing, Riordan integrates a great deal of mythology into this tale and believably places mythical characters into modern times, often with hilarious results," said PW. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

A clever concept drives Riordan's highly charged children's book debut (the first in a series): the Greek Gods still rule, though now from a Mt. Olympus on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building, and their offspring, demigods, live among human beings. Narrator Percy Jackson thinks he's just another troubled 12-year-old, until he vaporizes his math teacher, learns his best friend, Grover, is a satyr and narrowly escapes a minotaur to arrive at Camp Half-Blood. After a humorous stint at camp, Percy learns he's the son of Poseidon and embarks on a quest to the Underworld with Grover and Annabeth (a daughter of Athena) to resolve a battle between Zeus and Poseidon over Zeus's stolen "master" lightning bolt. Without sacrificing plot or pacing, Riordan integrates a great deal of mythology into the tale and believably places mythical characters into modern times, often with hilarious results (such as Hades ranting about the problem of "sprawl," or population explosion). However, on emotional notes the novel proves less strong (for example, Percy's grief for his mother rings hollow; readers will likely spot the "friend" who betrays the hero, as foretold by the Oracle of Delphi, before Percy does) and their ultimate confrontation proves a bit anticlimactic. Still, this swift and humorous adventure will leave many readers eager for the next installment. Ages 10-up. (July) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 5-9-An adventure-quest with a hip edge. At first glance, Perseus Jackson seems like a loser (readers meet him at a boarding school for troubled youth), but he's really the son of Poseidon and a mortal woman. As he discovers his heritage, he also loses that mother and falls into mortal danger. The gods (still very active in the 21st-century world) are about to go to war over a lost thunderbolt, so Percy and sidekicks Grover (a young satyr) and Annabeth (daughter of Athena) set out to retrieve it. Many close calls and monster-attacks later, they enter Hades's realm (via L.A.). A virtuoso description of the Underworld is matched by a later account of Olympus (hovering 600 floors above Manhattan). There's lots of zippy review of Greek myth and legend, and characters like Medusa, Procrustes, Charon, and the Eumenides get updates. Some of the Labors of Heracles or Odysseus's adventures are recycled, but nothing seems stale, and the breakneck pace keeps the action from being too predictable. Percy is an ADHD, wise-cracking, first-person narrator. Naturally, his real quest is for his own identity. Along the way, such topics as family, trust, war, the environment, dreams, and perceptions are raised. There is subtle social critique for sophisticated readers who can see it. Although the novel ends with a satisfying conclusion (and at least one surprise), it is clear that the story isn't over. The 12-year-old has matured and is ready for another quest, and the villain is at large. Readers will be eager to follow the young protagonist's next move.-Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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