Published: Disney Hyperion, 2006-2009

Genre: Fantasy 

Themes: Greek Mythology

Age Rating: 9+ 

Length: 350-400 pages 

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dear Reader,

Imagine waking up one day and getting attacked by your math teacher. At some point, we’ve all felt overwhelmed by our math teachers, but 12-year-old Percy Jackson? He had it way worse(and that’s honestly an understatement). But in his struggles, there’s a part of Percy that we can all relate to, a part that makes him not just a hero but a friend we can understand. Well, that’s just the tip of the demigod iceberg. I originally read “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” in third grade because we had it for our class reading. Years later, I bought “The Titans Curse” without knowing that there was a whole book in between, so I didn’t read it. Then I purchased “Sea of Monsters” but still didn’t read it( I know, I know). At the end of 2024, my friend told me she had read and loved the series. I had the books, but I’ve haven’t read them. I told her I would read them, but I didn’t read them until February 2025, and I fell in love with this series so quickly and so HARD.  If you haven’t read the series, you’ll be glad to know that this is a spoiler-free review!! And yes, I know that Percy Jackson is widely loved, so I don’t need to do much convincing. But I hope you end up loving this series just as much as I do!!

Alright, Let’s get started!!

The Lightning Thief🗡️⚡️

Summary: 

The Lightning Thief is where we first meet a 12-year-old Percy Jackson, a troubled kid with ADHD and Dyslexia, who discovers that he is a demigod, specifically Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea. As a child of the big three(Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades), he is a forbidden child. After a series of unfortunate events, Percy is sent to Camp Half-blood,  a safe haven for the young demigods hunted by the monsters of the outside world. At camp, he is accused of stealing Zeus’ master bolt and sent out on a quest with Annabeth Chase, the daughter of Athena, and Grover Underwood, a satyr, his best friend/protector. The three set out across the United States to retrieve the bolt and prevent a war among the gods.  Percy learns more about himself, loyalty, and friendship through the journey. This book blends Greek Mythology and the modern world and starts the PJO universe.

My Thoughts: 

Since I already read this book before, I knew about the story and what happened, but I realized I had forgotten much of it as I read it. I’ll be honest: I wasn’t into it much since there wasn’t much to learn, but I enjoyed the book. I’ve watched the Percy Jackson movies, and as I read this book, I noticed how different the two are!! I love how the book is written, and I’m not a 12-year-old, but It felt like what I imagine goes on in a 12-year-old’s mind. I really enjoyed the writing style and Percy’s sass. Rick Riordan is an excellent writer who perfectly combines funny dialogue and serious situations. 

The Sea of Monsters🌊⚓️

Summary: 

The Sea of Monsters is the second book in the series, where we meet up with Percy again as he adjusts to life as a demigod with another school year. In this book, Percy is almost 13 years old. Peace doesn’t last that long for a kid of the big three, as he has strange dreams that signal something is wrong. Camp half-blood is dangerous and is the only safe place for a demigod. The magical borders of the camp are falling, and if they collapse, it means that it is an all-inclusive buffet of demigods for the monsters that hunt them. Percy goes on a quest with Annabeth Chase and a new (unexpected) ally to save the camp. All while Grover, his best friend, faces his own troubles elsewhere. This story has Percy become more in tune with himself and what it means to be a demigod. 

 My Thoughts:

This is the shortest book, and it was really fun and easy to read, but it is also my lowest-rated Percy Jackson book. Percy figures out how powerful and in tune he is with the ocean as a Poseidon kid in this book. He has to take on a new role in his life and deals with it very maturely. Although he has his moments, he is only 13. This book is also very different from the movies. Again, I love how Percy is written and his personality.

The Titan’s Curse🏹🌊

Summary: 

In the third installment of the series, the series matures and takes a darker turn. Percy is called to help rescue new demigods. But in saving new demigods, someone who is really important, Percy, goes missing. As a powerful ancient force starts to stir, Percy goes on a quest with Annabeth, Grover, and a new group of warriors. This journey leads them across the country to unexpected places. Percy faces multiple challenges that make him question who he is and what kind of a hero he wants to be. The stakes are higher, the enemies are more potent, and Percy’s future looks darker. 

My Thoughts:

This is the first Percy book I read without knowing the storyline, and I really enjoyed it. The series takes a darker turn. The way this story is written is fantastic, especially the inner turmoil that Percy faces as he has to make decisions at only 13. Percy’s power and who he truly is are explored more in this, and he starts to understand himself more, which is wonderful to see, as well as his loyalty to his friends. This book has a bunch of new characters. Some that I loved and some that I disliked at first, but they grew on me as I kept reading. This book made me laugh, and it made me really sad at certain times as well. This book is on another level compared to the first two

The Battle of the Labyrinth⚔️✨

Summary: 

Percy returns to Camp Half-Blood for another summer, only to discover ancient secrets and troubles await just below the surface. The ancient Labyrinth of Daedalus is found just beneath the camp; Percy and his friends realize that the enemy might have found a secret entrance. Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson journey into the labyrinth to stop a possible invasion. They must face the ever-changing maze where neither the path nor the answers are clear. As the prophecy continues to unfold, Percy learns that courage isn’t just about fighting, but it’s also about being able to choose the correct path, even if it’s the hardest one.

My Thoughts:

This book is a five-star read for me as well. It’s written perfectly, and Percy and Annabeth’s relationship develops even more. Percy starts navigating more of who he is, and it’s done so well. I’ve seen many people say that Percy makes some designs that aren’t like his own in this book, but that works really well, especially since he is a teenager with the world’s weight on his shoulders. Percy faces different paths in the labyrinth and faces them with his own feelings. I love how well-written this book is, and it is an excellent follow-up to the Titans Curse as things get darker

The Last Olympian🔱🏛️

Summary: 

This is the last book of the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, and everything has been leading up to the moment. In The Last Olympian, the final battle is about being, and a 16-year-old Percy is right in the middle. As he turns sixteen, the age is at the center of the ancient prophecy. Percy must make choices that will affect the future of both gods and mortals. The world is on the brink of destruction, and he must defend it with his friends, their home, and the legacy of the gods, and face their biggest enemy yet. Percy discovers what it means to be a hero and the choices that come with it.

My Thoughts:

It’s not cliche to say that this book might be my favorite of the five. As he begins to understand the prophecy, Percy truly becomes a hero. Every part of this is so well-written, and the relationships between the characters are so well done. Percy is genuinely significantly different from the other main characters. One of Percy’s favorite qualities is his amazing moral compass. Percy always chooses loyalty and gives people chances even when they might not deserve it. He truly is Sally Jackson’s son. Percy turns 16 in this book and finally finds his moment of peace at the end (although it doesn’t last that long), which he deserves.

That’s it for my spoiler-free gush session about Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Off to Pinterest to whisper “Seaweed Brain” at Percy Jackson edits with emotion.

Until next time, mortals.
Sarayu