Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan
Book 1: The Lightning Thief
Book Two: The Sea of Monsters
Book 3: The Titan's Curse
Book 4: The Battle of the Labyrinth
Book 5: The Last Olympian
With the fifth and final book, Riordan ended a series that in my mind stands out far above other middle grade books. The world of Percy and his friends (and enemies) is captivating and these stories really drew me in.
Percy doesn't know who he is, he doesn't know why he has so much trouble keeping himself out of trouble. He starts off on his new life, as a Half-Blood, a Demigod, confused, scared and totally out of the loop. The adventures and terrors that follow, shape him and his friends into people they never imagined they could be.
Just dealing with the fact that all the Greek mythology he ignored in school isn't quite as mytholocial as he would like would be enough to make any 12 year old go running for the hills. And even after Percy comes to terms with his new existence, there's more. Ancient enemies born anew, betrayal, prophecies, eminet death at almost every turn - not to mention dealing with adolescence complete with awkward moments, embarrassing incidents and of course, girls.
I really enjoyed this entire series. Each book answered questions while at the same time opening up more unknowns. I loved Percy as a character and I loved the Greek mythology. Sometimes funny, sometimes really intense but always a great read. Percy and his friends grow up as the books progress and as a reader, we are a long for the entire ride. I was sad to see the series end but I think Riordan did a great job with the fifth book. It's by far the most intesne and I almost didn't want it to end for fear that something horrible would happen to ruin the entire series for me. My fears were unnecessary - the story ends perfectly, in my opinion at least.
I can see myself reading these books over and over again - and sharing them with my daughter once she is older. I would recommend this series to fany ans of MG fantasy, and also to reluctant young readers. For those of you, like me, who would love to see more of Percy's world, I give you this excerpt, taken from the "Acknowledgments" at the end of The Last Olympian - "As the first Camp Half-Blood series draws to a close..." The first? Will there be a second? Oooo, I hope so!
Series Extras
The Demigod Files
How do you handle an encounter with Medusa on the New Jersey interstate? What's the best way to take down a minotaur? Become an expert on everything in Percy's world with this must-have guide to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Complete with interviews, puzzles, games, and original short stories by Rick Riordan. The Percy Jackson Files will delight Riordan's legions of fans with its witty, in-depth "field-guide" approach to the series. Knowledge-testing puzzles and games add to the fun. No Percy collection is complete without it!
This collection of short stories was released before the 5th and final book. It's safe to read after you have read the first 4 books but it doesn't flow with the story and could just as easily fit in after the 5th. Deffinally a book written for fans.
The Ultimate Guide -- WARNING! Do NOT read this book if you haven't read the series!
It's the handbook no half-blood should be without: a fully illustrated, in-depth guide to gods, monsters, and all things Percy. This novelty companion to the best-selling series comes complete with trading cards, full-color diagrams, and maps, all packaged in a handy, "manual-size" POB with a crisp, magnetic flap enclosure
I couldn't resist this one. With full color graphics of my favorite (and not so favorite characters) as well as some extra titbits it really is a companion book to the series.
Overall Series Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
I gotta try this series.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
PS I saw you have a button! Want to do a button trade? ;)
PPS I like the new header! Is that your home?