Ok, so for those who don't know, "Percy Jackson & The Olympians" is a five book arch about a boy who is the son of a Greek god & a mortal mother, a demigod. It isn't until the 6th grade that all the complications of being a "half-blood" come crashing down upon him and he is thrust into a wondrous world of magic, mythology, and all sorts of adventure which should have never happened to him, had he been a regular teenage boy. Accompanied by a strong willed, well learned (in Greek mythology and magic) girl Annabeth and his cowardly friend who has skills where it matters, Grover, Percy must fight to stop an evil force who is slowly regaining the power to come back and take over everything, with the help from a traitor and various other peons. that is right... if you haven't got the hint yet, this book is Harry Potter set in the world of Greek mythology, but if you are not a fan of Harry Potter, or J.K.Rowling's writing style (like me) do not be dismayed. this book is very well written and highly enjoyable.
Ok, so the cons are small and i can read past them without thinking more than twice. one, it takes after harry potter so much, between the camp being the only safe haven for Percy, and the mischievous twins... and two, it is a children's series so it is written accordingly, riddled with jokes geared towards kids (stuff like being smashed into pizza and stuff smelling like stuff that is gross).
Otherwise, the books I've read thus far are amazing, whether it is the attention to detail and continuity, attention to the source material, (the Greek mythology) or the great character interactions. this book has this really cool & epic way of introducing gods and other members of Olympus. the adventures in the first two are really enjoyable, and his writing is just descriptive enough (but it doesn't drag on like Rowling's in my opinion) and concise. the second book isn't quite that of its predecessor, and from what I heard, it hails in comparison to the following titles as well, but I know I enjoyed it.
I write essays a lot, it comes with the High School territory, and the hardest part always turns out to be the ending. I've spent the last 2 years ending my own story arch that I want to make my own comic out of, but holy crap, Rick Riordan knows how to end a book. I am so glad that my friend lends me these and I get the following book right after ending the previous, because if I had to wait a year in between each book (which I am doing with another series right now) I would end up either clawing my eyes out or taking Riordan hostage.
These books are for those who enjoy fantasy, know enough about Greek mythology, and are casual readers. The most disappointing part is that the movie is most likely going to blow, and will forever ruin the book for me, but what ever, I'll still show up opening day.
I am going to forgo the numbered rating system, and just give the series a recommending. I'm probably going to do a follow up when I have read all 5 books in another week or so, depending on how much time I spend on the subway, or on how much I don't spend on homework, television, hanging out and band practice... and I will definitely put up a review on the movie...
Good books, if you're looking for something new to read, and I know they are not comics, but a graphic novel is reportedly set to release next October. And besides, if you can review Beatles Rockband here, I figure a book should be ok.