‘Percy Jackson’ Series by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan has written thirteen books including Percy Jackson, the original ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ pentalogy, then followed by the five ‘Heroes of Olympus’ novels and three spin-off stories. The exciting story of Percy Jackson and his friends is spread through all ten novels so it would be impossible to review just one of the stories. The series is about Percy Jackson, a Greek demigod – half god, half human. Percy is the son of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. This then means that Percy has powers over water and the oceans such as his ability to breathe underwater and control the waves. Percy is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he meets many more demigods and goes on any adventures to save the Earth from despicable forces.

The first five books are based all around Greek mythology whereas the Heroes of Olympus series includes Roman mythology and gods. These stories have the gods suffering from ‘split personality disorder’ where they are constantly changing from Greek to Roman form. Percy and his Greek friends also meet a few Romans and together they sail in the flying ship, the Argo II, to stop the Earth mother, Gaia, from awaking and destroying the Earth.

I find both series thoroughly enjoyable as it is non-stop action and fast-paced. The novels focus on friendships forming in the mist of battle and adventure. The books are aimed at children from about eleven upwards but I think adults would enjoy them just as much – especially the later Heroes of Olympus books which, although still being humorous and funny, are slightly darker than their predecessors. The stories are worth reading, I think, because you also get to see the characters develop and grow. Riordan does a brilliant job at having a diversity of characters with different personalities and traits. He describes characters’ origins too, so you get a sense of what some of the people in the stories have been through and you can empathise with them.

I really love the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series and urge you to read the series, whatever your age. The book’s teach you a lot too; who knew Greek mythology could be so interesting! Riordan describes character so well, too, so you are bound to find one that you can relate to and empathise with. As soon as you’ve read the first Percy Jackson book, ‘Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief’, you’ll be hooked and want to read the rest. So out of ten, I have to give these two series ten as I can’t find fault in either of them. Riordan writes well and I look forward to reading his other two book series, the ‘Kane Chronicles’ and ‘Magnus Chase’. Read the Percy Jackson series – you won’t regret it. 

10/10.

If you like what you read here, please say so in the comments box below. Don’t forget, if you would like me to review a certain book, you can request it by clicking the button at the top of the page. Happy reading!