Decently likeable hero fantasy wherein a troubled 12 year old boy finds out he's the son of Poseidon and there's a whole world of kids like him, half-blood offspring of Greek gods hanging out at a summer camp. In one sense it's very much a basic wish fulfillment fantasy, as Percy has adventures and comes out a hero who is Very Important Indeed, and it does that well enough, with an irreverent tone designed to appeal to kids that age. I do like his relationship with his mum, and that she's saved from fridging somewhat, and I like his relationships with his friends, but decently likeable is about as far as it goes for me. It's a fun popcorn read, but doesn't grab me on any deeper level. The Ares kids, in particular, seem very superficially drawn... perhaps that's explored a little more in later books, which admittedly I'll probably read.

I remember seeing the movie a few years back with a mate, and the characters had been aged up significantly. The change is notable - I wonder why? To appeal more to a young adult audience, I expect.