Recommendation: **** (4 stars)
Percy Jackson has not lasted long in any of the “special”
schools he has attended, as trouble always finds him. This 6th
grader discovers that he is a half-blood, the son of his human mother and a
Greek god. There are more of his kind, and he is destined to be a hero. His
friends Grover and Annabeth, a satyr (goat-man) and another half-blood, help
him to successfully complete his first quest. He even gets to meet his father,
Poseidon, god of the sea. Percy’s supernatural ability to manipulate water and
survive beneath its surface, along with his courage and determination, make him
a force to be reckoned with.
Positives: This book is well written with an
attention-keeping pace of one event flowing to the next. The characters are
well developed, giving the reader enough insight and background into why they
are who they are. It was an enjoyable read that I looked forward to picking up
again each time. Although my 5th grader had already read this and
the remainder of the series, he and I went through it together as a fun way to
spend time together. While the storyline deals with the intertwined human world
and the world of the Greek gods and goddesses, there is an acknowledgement that
“God” is a completely different matter altogether.
Negatives: Some violence (when Percy fights and
prevails over the minotaur); small section with questionable content due to its
prophetic nature (consulting the Oracle for Percy’s destiny).
Talking points: Aside from acknowledging that this is
fiction, there are worthy character qualities that can be highlighted and
encouraged. Percy’s friendships with Grover and Annabeth are good displays of
loyalty, dependability, and encouraging personal growth. The three increase in
their appreciation for one another, and even challenge each other to be
stretched in their strengths and weaknesses. As they face a variety of foes,
their consistent concern for one another is admirable. “A friend loves at all
times.” (Prov. 17:17) As the half-bloods inherit supernatural powers from their
god- or goddess-parents, so do we inherit traits from our biological parents.
Discuss the unique ways that God has made each person according to His design
and will, and how this is for His glory. But also that He is the ultimately
sovereign power who watches over, protects, guides and helps us. (Psalm 139,
Hebrews 4:14-16) As Christ put on flesh and walked the earth as a God-man, He
understands all of our weaknesses and we can call upon our Father in the name
of Christ at any time for any reason and He will hear and answer our prayers
according to His will. (Psalm 37:4, Eph. 6:18) As we put on the ‘armor of God’,
He equips us with everything we need for life and godliness, and to stand
against the enemy (Eph. 6:10-17, 2 Pet. 1:3).
Reviewer’s further note: Our family enjoyed the audio
version of another Riordan book while on vacation. This one was The Lost Hero, which is subsequent, but
several books removed from, The Lightning
Thief. My red flags were popping up all over, as the Oracle takes on a much
larger role in The Lost Hero, to the
point that she was essentially demon-possessed, in my opinion. Another being
“takes over” her essence, and even her appearance is changed, along with other
physical elements in the room changing. I could not get past the power and
importance of this character’s part in the story. It was very much something I
knew I must discuss with my 11- and 8-yr old children later on, and did.
Because of this increased element, I strongly encourage parents to preview,
discuss, and proceed with caution in the reading of this book series. Riordan’s
writing style continued to be very entertaining with excellent character
development, but in the aspect mentioned above, discernment is required. (Heb. 5:14)
Age level: 10 years and up
