The Lightning Thief was a very fun book, and one I should have picked up a long time ago. I've had the book sitting on my shelf for quite a few years. Another reason I should have picked it up long ago, is that I should have read it before I watched the film. It always annoys me reading through a book when I know things are going to happen, and then they happen in a different way and the characters are not how you imagined them. Especially because here Percy Jackson is like 12, and in the film he looks more like a 17 year old boy. The 'LITTLE' details always get me. Although, personally, I think Percy Jackson works better in the film as a 17 year old guy, it just works more for the feel of the film, rather than children running around whacking off magical creatures, ya know?

Anyway, the actual plot line of this was far more developed than the film, obviously. Again, because of all the little added details. I liked all the different strands of Greek Mythology and how they were upgraded to modern day, and the concept that Western Civilisation is followed around by the Greek Gods. Although, America, really, do you think you're the epitome of western civilisation? What about Europe... Just saying. We're still ahead in things. Anyway, my prejudices aside, the whole Greek mythology thing was really well done.

The characters, I liked, they had personality and Percy had serious sass. I liked his rebel attitude, his fearlessness and his courage to do the right thing. I thought he was really well played. Annabeth had the potential to be a fantastic character, but I just didn't get enough from her. I definitely need more character develop to quench my thirst for strong female characters, as she just seemed a bit too sidelined at times for a main character. So overall, I felt that whilst there was clear character development, I just wasn't invested in the rest of them as much as I wanted to be. So I hope for a little more depth and exploration of the characters in the next few books as too much in the first one was just not revealed because they couldn't talk about things or they didn't want to talk about things.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Lightning Thief and I'm positive that had I been 10 years younger, this book would have been a sure winner for a 5 star mark. Being that little bit older, I find I'm slightly harder to please. This book is still a fantastic read for whatever age-range, its easy and fun, and really drags you into the world of Greek gods and monsters, which is exactly what I want when I'm sat bored at home.