Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

Let me start by saying that, once upon a time, I was a senior in high school, in love with Greek mythology.  I seriously considered going to a small liberal arts school out of state and majoring in Greek mythology.  But then I remembered that I had wanted to be an Aggie since I was 8, and that as much as I loved Greek mythology, Spanish was a much more marketable degree.  So, off to A&M I went.  But I never did get over my love for Greek mythology and I still take the opportunity to indulge in it when I can--in fact, I still read Edith Hamilton's Mythology.




So, a few weeks ago, Bryan went to Alvin to help one of his riding buddies work on a bike.  I decided that, since it was a Friday night, I was going to go out.  I went and grabbed dinner at McAllisters, and then decided to go to the dollar theater.  I chose Percy Jackson and the Olympians:  The Lightning Thief because I really wanted to see it, and Bryan really didn't.  So, I bought my candy and enjoyed the heck out of my movie!  It was highly entertaining, with some pretty good one-liners, and I especially enjoyed the way the movie took ancient Greek mythology and transposed it to the modern-day world.  Granted, they had to warp a couple of the myths to fit the plot line, but overall I really enjoyed it.  The actors did a great job, and I really enjoyed their interpretation of how the characteristics of the parent gods would manifest in their children. 


I am a firm believer in the saying that the book is better than the movie.  There are possibly a few exceptions (and by that I mean the movie is just as good as the book), but in general this saying holds true.  So this week I went to the bookstore and picked up the written version of Percy Jackson and the Olympians:  The Lightning Thief.

I am happy to say that I've finally found another young adult series that is actually worth a damn!  Lol.  Don't get me wrong, I am sure that many of the young adult series out there are wonderful reads.  However, I've only found three others that I've truly enjoyed--Tamora Pierce's Tortall series, and of course Harry Potter and Twilight (both of which are actually considered young adult--go figure, right?).  Now I get to add a fourth!  The Lightning Thief introduces Percy Jackson, a 12 year old half-blood in the tradition of Perseus (his namesake) and Hercules.  However, instead of Zeus, he is the son of Poseidon and a mortal woman (Sally).  At first, he doesn't know of his immortal father.  However, soon he comes under attack by mythological creatures and learns the truth--that the master lightning bolt of Zeus had been stolen and he (and just about every other god and monster) blames Poseidon's son:  Percy himself.

This sets in motion a grand adventure culminating in a challenging quest.  I won't go into much more than that--if there's one thing I HATE its the plot of a book being spoiled!  I will say that, at the end of the book, Chiron (yes, that Chiron!) mentions a prophecy--which helps to launch the rest of the series.  I've read through book 3--The Titan's Curse--and have really enjoyed it.  The way the author uses the mythology is fascinating, and he even comes up with explanations for things that were glossed over in the movie--like why monsters who were slayed in ancient myths reappear in Percy's story.

I will probably buy the movie when it comes out on DVD.  Even though I enjoy the books more--they have a more thorough storyline--the movie was highly enjoyable.  This weekend I plan to go buy the next two books, which will finish out the series.


Since, as I've said before, I hate spoiling plots, I will not be telling the ending--but I highly recommend y'all go give this series a read.  I think you'll enjoy it as much as I have!