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The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)

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Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Miramax
Category: Book

List Price: $7.99
Buy New: $2.50
You Save: $5.49 (69%)

Qty 449 In Stock


New (48) Used (37) from $1.99

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 257 reviews
Sales Rank: 1180

Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 392
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.2 x 1.1

ISBN: 0786838655
EAN: 9780786838653
ASIN: 0786838655

Publication Date: April 1, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: New - Has remainder mark. Fast shipping from trusted wholesaler with many exclusive publisher contracts.*

Also Available In:

  • Paperback - Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson)
  • Hardcover - The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
  • Audio Cassette - The Lightning Thief
  • Audio Cassette - The Lightning - Thief Percy Jackson the Olympians Book 1
  • Audio CD - The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 1 (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
  • Audio CD - The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
  • Paperback - Percy Jackson & the Olympians
  • Unknown Binding - Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
  • Hardcover - The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
  • Hardcover - The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
  • Library Binding - The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
  • Library Binding - The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
  • Audio Download - The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1 (Unabridged)

Similar Items:

  • The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2)
  • The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3)
  • The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4)
  • The Mysterious Benedict Society
  • Queste (Septimus Heap, Book 4)

Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy s mom finds out, she knows it s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.


Customer Reviews:   Read 10 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars A New Take Into Mythology   October 9, 2008
Melanie Pickle
The Lightning Thief has it all: wit, humor, facts, history, and fantasy. I think that's a mix that is rarely used but put to use well by Rick Riordan. I do not think at all that this is a young adult book. Kids all over, from six to twelve, from teenagers to adults, can read it and enjoy it. Percy Jackson is a boy who discovers something big - he is the son of Poseiden. Set in New York City, I believe this is a book that should make the author famous and proud.


5 out of 5 stars A fun read - even for fantasy-loving adults!!   October 8, 2008
L. Stauder (Denver, CO)
My 10-year-old son started reading this series and was enjoying it tremendously, so I thought I'd skim it so we would have a common topic for discussion. Well, I ended up devouring it in record time! It was charming, well written, and had interesting characters. Plus, I've loved mythology ever since I was in school myself, so the whole Olympus/Greek gods tie-in was a major selling point.

The Harry Potter similarities weren't lost on me, but I never felt that Rick Riordan was just taking the cheap and easy way out. Instead, it seems he's giving anyone paying attention a literary "wink".

I'm currently on the third book in the series and I can honestly say that the second book and this one are every bit as enjoyable as the first.



5 out of 5 stars lightening thief   October 6, 2008
Nancy L. Singleton
The book came in fantastic condition and my Grandson was delighted with his Birthday gift....thanks...


5 out of 5 stars A Wow Story!   October 6, 2008
Judy K. Polhemus (Shreveport, LA)
21 out of 53 found this review helpful

I am a senior citizen--a librarian--a woman-- who could not possibly be interested in the story of a 12-year-old boy whose ADHD behavior causes him to be moved from private school to private school or that he has momentary lapses when strange behavior takes over or that he finally learns that he is a half-blood (no, not a HP half-blood), but the son of a god. No, I could not possibly be interested in such a far-fetched story, but then again I AM interested in this story because--WOW--what a story!!


Percy Jackson (Perseus at that!) learns in this first installment of The Olympians that he is indeed the son of a god and not some little podunk god, but one of the big three--Poseidon, god of all the seas. As a half-blood, he is given a quest: to find Zeus's thunderbolt. Someone has stolen it, giving rise to the book's title: the Lightning Thief.

If all this seems really strange, then you are normal. After all, we thought Greek mythology was dead. How little we knew, when in reality, it is alive and well and operating in the New West---America. The reader gets so caught up in this new telling of the old myths, ahem, stories of the living gods, that it becomes fresh and vibrant again. In fact, Mt. Olympus is now located on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building and accessible only through a special elevator ticket. You must have an appointment to get there.

Percy Jackson's pursuit of the lightning thief is just plain out fun reading. When I had to stop for any period of time, I couldn't wait to get back to the story. If the reader thinks it unrealistic that a 12-year-old is the hero, then put two and two together. Being a hero does not always take brawn--often thinking, intellect, strategy are required to solve a problem. It doesn't hurt that the hero's father is a god who nudges a bit.

The most exciting stop in the quest is coming before this horribly evil presence. I guessed its identity long before it was revealed (as any student of mythology will), so I am giving away no secrets here.

The most fun episodes occur when Ares, god of war, appears as a big ol' motorcycle punk in a black leather jacket. He must wear sunglasses to shield onlookers from his fiery eyes (literally fiery) and his macho, belligerent behavior. Hey! This is the god of war--how did you think he would act? A new piece of information comes out concerning Ares--Yo, are you paying attention?!!--Anyone in his presence suddenly becomes aggressive and must keep a constant check on his temper to prevent untoward behavior! Reader! Stop looking around--I'm right here on this page trying to tell you about Ares!

Does Percy find the thunderbolt? Do you really think I am going to tell you? Whew, that Ares is something else. Glad he is gone for now!

Anyway, quests usually end well, but not without cost, as is true here. Certain things must be addressed. Certain decisions must be made. Ah, this is all so vague. Whatever happens in Book 1, Percy Jackson is ready for whatever awaits in Book 2: "The Sea of Monsters."



5 out of 5 stars An unexpected pageturner   September 29, 2008
Sam Permar
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Over the summer, I had to read a book for homework and then write about it. The assignment seemed unappealing until I came upon "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief." I read a couple pages thinking "Oh, another cheezy kid's fantasy." When I read on, it drew me in. I am not the kind of person who gets excited about reading a book, but this book made me want to read it. I finished the book disappointed that it was over and it made me extemely eager continue the series.
I havn't started the second book yet, but I am looking forward to it.
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!




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