Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a middle-grade book that details the adventures of Percy Jackson and his friends as they deal with danger and quests sent to them by Greek gods.
The Percy Jackson universe is wide and plentiful, with over five main series and a variety of mini-books/graphic novels in between. Along with Percy, these series also feature their own protagonists with their own domain of deities, Magnus Chase with the Norse gods, and the Kane siblings with their Egyptian gods.
However, don’t let the age rating fool you. The books may be for a younger audience, but the witty humor and daring fight scenes can be enjoyed by everyone. The diverse cast of characters is often relatable and beloved by many.
Each book often highlights a vital lesson that can be seen throughout its respective series. Focusing on the original, the most prominent lesson is that of self-acceptance.
Percy (then 12 years old) is on a school field trip when an unusual incident leads him to discover that he is a demigod, more importantly, the son of Poseidon. This only causes him trouble as Zeus accuses him of stealing his prized lightning bolt under Poseidon’s command. Now he, Annabeth, and Grover embark on a quest to recover the lightning bolt and rescue his mother from the god they believe was behind it all, Hades. The trio travels far and wide, encountering perilous danger at every stop until they reach their destination only to discover that not everything is as it seems.
Throughout his travels Percy slowly learns to accept his identity, Annabeth finally undergoes the quest she’s been wanting to prove herself, and Grover was able to demonstrate his courage and capability. These personal things are still shown throughout the next four books, helping them grow even more.
I rate this book a 9/10 for the fun characters, captivating sequences, and lessons within it all.