Title: Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The Titan Prometheus, who had made those little dudes out of clay, really felt sorry for them.

IF YOU LIKE HORROR SHOWS, BLOODBATHS, LYING, STEALING, BACKSTABBING AND CANNIBALISM, THEN READ ON…

Who could tell the stories of the gods of Olympus better than a modern-day demigod?

In this action-packed tour of Greek mythology, Percy gives his hilarious personal views on the feuds, fights and love affairs of the Olympians.

Want to know how Zeus came to be top god? How many times Kronos ate one of his kids? How Athena literally burst out of another god’s head? It’s all here in black and white…

As with the rest of the books in the Percy Jackson Verse, Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods is a great adaptation of the Greek myths. Using a modern voice that makes them approachable to the today’s generation is not only a great way to retell ancient myths, but it also is a truly unique retelling that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Having said that, this is also the cleanest and most PG retelling of the Greek myths that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The versions of the myths that I read involved a lot of rape, pillaging and incest. And although Riordan does mention that many of the Olympians are brother and sister, husband and wife, this eeew factor is glossed over and better explained. Which is probably a good thing considering that this is a book aimed at a young adult / teenage audience.

Reading this book was really pleasurable and easy. It had a quick, fast pace that gave you a brief overview of each of the twelve major Olympians and moved on. It provided a great glimpse into some of the really fascinating mythos of the Greek persuasion without getting bogged down in the details. Each chapter is a whole new story and this structure worked beautifully well – I finished the book in no time, not even realising that I had spent hours reading.

Image source: Joys of Bookworm

Title: Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: They are honorary council members.

MOST PEOPLE GET PRESENTS ON THEIR SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY. I GET A PROPHECY THAT COULD SAVE OR DESTROY THE WORLD.

That’s how it is when you’re the son of Poseidon, God of the Sea. According to an ancient prophecy, bad things will happen when I turn sixteen – because I’m the one who gets to decide the fate of the entire world. But no pressure.

This is the one where Kronos, Lord of the Titans, is beginning his attack on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Oh, and the dreaded (and not to mention enormous) monster Typhon is also heading our way. So it’s me and forty of my demigod friends versus untold evil…

CAN PERCY STOP THE RAMPAGE OF THE TITANS, TO SAVE OLYMPUS – AND HIMSELF?

All through the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books, I was waiting with baited breath to see if Percy was, in fact, the child of the prophecy. Alright, I was fairly certain he was (after all, he is the hero of the series), but first there as Thalia, and then Nico. So you couldn’t be sure. Then I started reading Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian, and the final battle begins. And what an epic final battle it was!

The slow build up throughout the series and, even the book itself just placed everyone in place for their parts for the battle against the Titans (and Cronus). I really enjoyed (and was saddened by the fact) that, in spite of my expectations, there was a heavy death-toll taken in those final scenes. Like the Harry Potter series, it didn’t glorify the process of war, but rather showed the loss and damage that it can cause. Although, none of my favourite characters were lost, so I didn’t want to hurl the book away in depression (like I did with both the sixth and seventh Harry Potter books).

The entire Percy Jackson and the Olympians series tested Percy’s courage. But it was this final story that really put it to the test. I mean, he went up against the father of the gods for crying out loud! It also highlighted how his hubris could mean his downfall. Putting one’s loved ones before all else is, in theory, an honourable and desirable trait in someone. But when that has the potential to end the world… well, it is an interesting thought. It also made me wonder what my hubris would be.

Not to give anything away, but the final scene when Percy either triumphs or fails is wonderful. All along, you believe that you understand how the story will play out. Percy will fight Kronos, Percy will win, everyone is saved and happy. But, it doesn’t turn out like this. And I loved this! It is so much more fun when a book holds the power to shock and astound you.

Image source: Wikia

Title: Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: He handed me a little silver tube.

HONESTLY, BLOWING UP ANOTHER SCHOOL WAS THE LAST THING I WANTED TO DO.

As the son of a Greek god, I’ve had my share of near-death disaster. This summer, I didn’t choose to battle the cheerleading squad, but when two hissing she-devils with fangs are heading straight for you, what’s a half-blood meant to do?

That was just the beginning. This is the one where my arch-enemy, Luke, is looking for a way to invade our camp via an ancient labyrinth. If he succeeds, thousands of bloodthirsty monsters will attack. So it’s goodbye sunshine, hello darkness as four of us descend into the terrifying underground and beyond…

CAN PERCY NAVIGATE HIS WAY OUT OF TROUBLE – BEFORE LUKE’S ARMY BRING MASS DESTRUCTION TO CAMP HALF-BLOOD?

Annabeth quickly became a well-loved character as I delved into the world of Percy Jackson, so the introduction of her polar opposite and the deterioration of some of her stubborn confidence was a great change. For me, Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth was more about Annabeth than any of the preceding books. And finding more out about such a unique, smart and strong young woman was thoroughly enjoyable.

Rachel Dare, as Annabeth’s polar opposite helped to create friction in the developing relationship between Percy and Annabeth. This, combined with the fact that she is Annabeth’s polar opposite, makes her a very engaging and interesting character. Her slightly quirky character helped to further pull me towards her as a player within the unfolding journey of Percy and Annabeth.

The Minotaur, as a well-known Greek villain, was present within the first Percy Jackson tale. But this time, we were able to delve into the story of his creation and his imprisonment – the Labyrinth. When I first read the title of the book, I was confused as to how Riordan would create a modern version of such an archaic structure – a giant, underground maze in which people were ritually trapped and killed. His use of the streets and sewers of America was kind of a terrifying idea. And it worked brilliantly. Overlaying the two worlds onto one another is an amazing talent of Riordan’s, and there is only one other author that I truly appreciated for this ability.

The final discovery of Pan and the death of nature himself provided a powerful ecological message – we must take it within ourselves to care for nature and the world around us. Not only for its beauty, but also for its necessity within our own survival and health.

Image source: Penguin

Title: Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Maybe he could give me some advice, but something held me back.

IT’S NOT EVERY DAY YOU FIND YOURSELF IN HAND-TO-CLAW COMBAT WITH A HALF-LION, HALF-HUMAN.

But when you’re the son of a Greek god, these things happen. All I was trying to do was bring two new demigods back to camp. But the arrival of the manticore changed everything. Now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and the general of the Titans wants to unleash a tribe of skeleton warriors on the world.

This is the one where only five of us heroes can join the dangerous quest to defeat the doomsday monster – and our camp’s Oracle has predicted that not all of the chosen five will survive…

CAN PERCY SAVE ANNABETH – AND THE REST OF THE WORLD – BEFORE THE CURSE DESTROYS HIM FOREVER?

One of my favourite characters in the Percy-verse is introduced at the very end of Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters. Finding out more about her in Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse was really enjoyable. Taking two children of the ‘Big Three’, and placing them within a competitive context was bound to have an interesting effect on their relationships. The fact that Riordan creates two characters that are opposite, yet eerily similar, helps to add to this entertainment.

The other set of characters that are introduced in Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse are The Hunters. Whilst I would never (and would never have) wanted to join this incredibly feminist group, the idea that being without a man and being without the necessity of their influence in their lives is a very cool idea. Spending life in part of a fully-functioning, and amicable girl group is also a great foreign idea. There are so many books and tales that emphasise the bitchiness and competitiveness between women, so having one that emphasises the camaraderie and friendship between such a group is refreshing.

Romantic relationships are almost always a plot line within stories, at the very least, they act as an engaging subplot. Probably because we all want to feel loved by someone else, and it’s nice reading about it. Having a group that actively declines this was refreshing, but as an interesting counterpoint, Annabeth and Percy’s growing relationship has subtle undertones of potential future romance. What I loved most about this relationship is that it is entirely natural. As the reader, you can tell that both feel an attraction to each other, but as they are young, this is a little confusing for them and sometimes leads to some interesting arguments.

Image source: Penguin

Title: Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘To your mark!’

YOU CAN’T TELL BY LOOKING AT ME THAT MY DAD IS POSEIDON. GOD OF THE SEA.

It’s not easy being a half-blood these days. You mortals can’t even see the monsters we have to fight all the time. So when a game of dodgeball turned into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, I couldn’t exactly ask my gym teacher for help.

And that was just for starters. This is the one where Camp Half-Blood is under attack, and unless I get my hands on the Golden Fleece, the whole camp will be invaded by monsters. Big ones.

CAN PERCY SURVIVE THE TREACHEROUS SEA OF MONSTERS AND RESTORE ORDER TO HALF-BLOOD HILL?

I loved this continuation of Riordan’s journey into the world of Greek mythology. This time, he wrote a new spin on the tale of Polyphemus’ defeat. It is difficult to take a well-known tale and put a new spin to it. You know how it will end, but wanting to travel on the journey is the key to such a feat. And Riordan does this beautifully. The fact that Percy is actually following in his namesakes steps just helps to add to the potency of this story. Intertwined with this, the further explanation of Pan’s demise in today’s society carried both a strong message, and a great story.

Pan is the very personification of nature in Greek mythology – he literally is the natural world. And his disappearance is alluded to in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. But, Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters gives us far more insight into how our own actions and the modernisation of the world has damaged nature himself. His total disappearance from the world and the confusion that the Satyrs feel at this reverberates through my own life. The necessity of conservation and ecological management is such a powerful message and this idea resonates throughout my very soul.

Throughout the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books, the idea of fate and destiny are integral to the storyline. Primarily in the shape of The Oracle of Delphi’s prophecies. I’m always fascinated by this concept. It’s often shown to be inescapable, but whether it is through our actions, or the attempts at avoiding a predicted fate. The use of prophecies highlights this, but it also helps to show that there can be multiple meanings in our fates and multiple destinations. This is shown throughout Clarisse’s journey as she fights against the terrifying future which faces her, and finds an entirely different outcome than expected.

I loved getting to know Clarisse a bit better throughout the journey. It not only helped to create layers to her character, but also illustrated that the actions undertaken by an individual can have multiple sources. The feeling of sympathy that you felt just by reading her journey is echoed by Percy’s sudden understanding of her brash and bullying behaviour.

Image source: Fantasy Book Review

Title: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: A leg came out, long and knobby-kneed, with a huge polished hoof.

LOOK, I DIDN’T WANT TO BE A HALF-BLOOD. I NEVER ASKED TO BE THE SON OF A GREEK GOD.

I was just a normal guy, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. That’s when things really started going wrong. Now I spend my time fighting with swords, battling monsters with my friends and generally trying to stay alive.

This is the one where Zeus, God of the Sky, thinks I’ve stolen his lightning bolt – and making Zeus angry is a very bad idea.

CAN PERCY FIND THE LIGHTNING BOLT BEFORE A FULLY FLEDGED WAR OF THE GODS ERUPTS?

Honestly, the movie Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief really irritated me. I thought that it was just too centred on America. Yay. Demigods in modern day. A retelling of the popular stories of Greek mythology. But then why was the centre of the Greek mythology based in the middle of New York? The storyline was interesting, and kind of cute. But to me, that was just disingenuous. After all, you’re talking about Greek mythology, not American. But, reading Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief actually helped to explain this.

The explanation of an America-central plot was the first thing that really helped me to get into this book. It made the idea of demigods running around New York seem so much more realistic (or as realistic as it can be) and therefore let me connect with the characters more quickly. Riordan’s creation of vulnerable and relatable characters helped to further the connectivity between me as a reader and Percy, Grover and Annabeth.

As someone who has a slight obsession with ancient mythologies, I have spent a LOT of time reading and studying these stories. Including the more R-rated versions of the tales (full of masturbation, rape and adultery). I thought that Riordan did a great job of retelling some of these tales and bringing these characters back to life in a modern context. Bringing to life characters that are larger than life (literally, being gods and all) would be an incredibly difficult task. Especially when these characters are very well known across the world. However, I really loved this and reading the first journey of Percy Jackson definitely encouraged me to pursue more of Riordan’s books.

The Lightning Thief helped to remind me that special people, those who are different and don’t quite fit in have a place that they can belong. Part of me wishes that I read this series as a child. Riordan shows us that the very things that can make it hard to fit in and function with others, can actually be harnessed to become something special. Having a group of kids that suffer from ADHD and placing them in the position of heroes and heroines makes me hope that the boundaries that separate those with intellectual, social or physical disabilities might someday be dissolved, or at the very least less rigid. It gives me hope for a future where we see people’s attributes for the potential skills that they can truly be.

Image source: Penguin