Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is the first book of the acclaimed saga Percy Jackson and the Gods of Olympus by Rick Riordan. The first Percy Jackson book starts the saga off to a great start. With a light rhythm, characters who are impossible not to get attached to, amazing humor, and references to pop culture make the book a really fast and good read. The only weak point of the book is that it can become too childish in moments, making it clear that it’s mostly aimed at a 12-14-year-old audience. Despite this downfall, the book superficially touches on issues such as parental absence, bullying, and familial violence.

The greatest strength of the book is undoubtedly the narration of its protagonist. Percy Jackson is arguably one of the best main characters in the world of adventure and fantasy sagas. His sarcastic humor doesn’t leave it no matter how bad the situation is between him and his friends. The love and adoration he has for his mom, his kindness and sense of justice, his loyalty to those who have been there for him, and his desire to fit in, make him one of the most human protagonists that are impossible not to love. 

The other two main characters, Annabeth Chase and Groover Underwood aren’t left behind. Annabeth is a determined, intelligent, energetic girl who wants to prove her value to the world, while Grover is an emphatic, brave, funny satyr who is always there for Percy. The three characters have an amazing dynamic together who made you root for their success in their quest and let you want to see more of them and their friendship. 

The world-building of the book is at times childish, but I don’t think that takes away from the book itself. The basis of the world is clear enough to understand what is going on in the book but also leaves you wanting to know more about it. The mythologic topics mixed with the present world are funny and surrealist, but easy to understand and enjoy, and the mystery is well built. 

One thing that I really enjoy in this book is the fight scenes. I always have a few problems following action scenes in books, and I don’t always know what is happening. In this book, they are so well written that it is so easy to imagine what is happening step by step, and that made the scene more entertaining for me. 

 If you are a middle schooler wanting to start reading, but not knowing what to choose, I would say that Percy Jackson is the perfect book for you. It’s not too long but not too short, with an interesting and enjoyable world, a mystery, and an ending that will leave you wanting to read the rest of the saga, and amazing characters that will grow deep in your heart.