The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Book: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C. 

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is the first book in the popular young adult series, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," written by Rick Riordan. The book follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy with dyslexia and ADHD who discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is whisked away to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods like him. The plot revolves around Percy's quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name after he is accused of stealing it. Along the way, he is joined by his new friends Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr. Together, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including fighting monsters from Greek mythology and overcoming personal doubts and fears. Riordan's writing style is engaging and entertaining, and he does an amazing job of incorporating Greek mythology into the story in a way that is both educational and enjoyable for young readers. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the action and adventure keep the reader engaged throughout the book. One of the strengths of the book is the way it tackles important themes such as friendship, identity, and belonging. Percy struggles with feeling like an outsider and finding his place in the world, which many young readers can relate to. The book also promotes acceptance of differences, as Percy and his friends come from diverse backgrounds and have unique abilities. Overall, "The Lightning Thief" is a fun, fast-paced adventure that will appeal to both children and adults who enjoy mythology, fantasy, and action-packed stories.