_________________________________ 
 More reviews at Readers in Wonderland 
 _________________________________ 
 Percy Jackson is timeless in a way much like Harry Potter-it can truly be enjoyed by anyone of any age. 
 The Percy Jackson series is popular because Riordan writes a hero that everyone can't help but root for. Percy doesn't come from much, his mother has gotten remarried and his true father was "lost at sea." His stepfather isn't anything special, either. From the start, I felt for Percy-I didn't pity him, but I sure as heck rooted for him. Weird things have happened to Percy all his life, but he has always put them aside, attributed them to ADHD and Dyslexia. chblog10 
 But when these incidents can not be ignored any longer, his mother comes clean and directs him to a place where she'll know he will be safe: Camp Half-Blood. Percy meets people just like him there-children of Gods and mortals: Half-Bloods. Just when Percy thinks he has found a place where he is safe, a hellhound proves otherwise. Percy is given a quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war. This is where the real story starts. 
 THE LIGHTNING THIEF told a nonstop story of action, mythology, and friendship. The pacing gets five stars from me, something was always happening, always keeping you on edge. Although it was a bit predictable, it was a really fun, entertaining read. 
 I really loved all the characters, especially Percy and Annabeth, they were two great protagonists. It was refreshing to read about the dynamic between these two, completely free of romance and drama we usually see in YA. I can not wait to see how their relationship progresses later on. Percy sounds much older than twelve at times, but I suppose when you are hunted by monsters you tend to age quicker.