The Lightning Thief

5 out of 5
Book Lovers

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is not only a 2008-2009 Young Hoosier nominee, it is also this year's pick for the Northwest Indiana Books to Bridge the Region event. Normally, I'm not a big fan of the books that are chosen for events such as this, but the Lightning Thief really caught my attention from the beginning.

Percy Jackson has been to numerous schools; never attending one for more than a year at a time. Strange things and weird teachers always seem to interfere in his attempt to be a good student.

During summer break, Percy learns he is the son of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. He is also a new member at Camp Half Blood, a training camp for demi-gods (sons and daughters of Greek gods). While at camp Percy learns about a quest he must accept: seek out the thief who stole Zeus's lightning bolt.

Percy accepts the quest and begins the journey with two friends, Grover and Annabeth. Along the way, monsters, gods and other obstacles naturally get in the way.

Author Rick Riordan creates a mythical world in this series. There are four other titles in Riordan's Olympian Series and a fifth and final book forthcoming. All four books, The Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters, Titan's Curse and Battle of the Labyrinth are sure to keeps adults and teens entertained. The last book is due out in May 2009.