I’ve been pegged to read this book by all my kids, and Christina wanted to know my thoughts. I must admit, I was pretty interested in seeing what all the hype was about. I am going to review this novel–both as a huge fan of Harry Potter and YA/Children’s books in general, and as an adult reader. I’m not going to summarize it, so read it here if you need.

Let me say this first: It was an enjoyable read. Action-packed, humorous, and engaging. It only took me two sittings to finish, and I know I laughed out loud a few times. I will probably read the sequels just to find out what happens. If you just want something fun and easy to read, it will not disappoint. I can certainly see why kids like it. But what if you’re looking for more? Hear me out and decide for yourself.

Let me get the Harry Potter stuff out of the way first. For those who are not aware, one of the biggest criticisms against the Percy Jackson series is the shameless resemblance to Harry Potter. As a loyal HP fan, I was ready to be disgusted. This one review from amazon comes to mind:

… Young demigod Percy Jackson, bedeviled by monsters, prophecies that he can’t figure out, and nasty plans laid out by fellow a demigod, the evil Draco–oops, I mean Luke, son of Hermes and co-conspirator with Voldemort–oops, I mean Kronos–who wants to destroy Hogw–yikes! I mean summer camp! Sheesh! Where the mudbloods–I mean mortals–rely on a halfblood prince–I mean heroes–who–oh, forget it! …
-James Webster “Storyteller”

Turns out, it wasn’t so bad. Most of the similarities were just age-old archetypes. Nothing new. (However, “Half-Blood Camp” and the “Houses” were pushing it.) I think the most notable resemblance is that Riordan managed to create a world parallel to ours and then explained all the reasons why we have been unaware of it until now. But Rowling wasn’t the first to do so, and so why should she be the last? It seems to be the most effective way to draw an unconventional reader into the world of fantasy without weirding them out. I have many friends turned off by the thought of reading a fantasy novel from sheer cheesy-geeky factors. Somehow once that fantasy world is introduced through the eyes of a sensible, normal, real-world character, everything is a little easier to swallow. I raised an eyebrow here and there, but for the most part, I forgive the HP resemblances.

Kids who prefer a more “hip” and action-packed book will prefer Percy to Harry, hands down. I know we can’t all have the same preferences, but it makes me sad. Personally, I like the charming and slower pace of HP. It gives the characters time to grow and develop in response to smaller, everyday situations. You really feel the characters maturing through their experience, so when that dramatic moment comes when they are tested, you are confident they will do what is right, and their motives are convincing. In that respect, I felt the Percy Jackson series sacrificed depth for action. For this reason, I think this series will not stand among the great, but fade out of popularity soon enough. But hey, at least it got some kids reading.

As an adult reader, there was one thing in particular that rubbed me the wrong way. I felt Riordan was trying way too hard to appeal to the down-trodden kid of America. Percy’s grades are average because he has dyslexia, but that’s because he’s a demigod and his brain is wired for ancient Greek. He has ADHD, but that’s just his battle instinct to notice details and keep him alive. His beloved mother is victim to a smelly and abusive step-father, but she stayed with him because she knew his scent would keep Percy hidden and safe. (Although, I’ll admit the dyslexia and ADHD were pretty clever, but the bit about his mom is weak at best.) Not that I want to crush the hopes of children everywhere with harsh realities, but c’mon you can’t shelter them forever.

But what bothers me more than the oozing pathos, is the message. Frankly, this “escapist” view of life presented to kids is a little annoying. I am compassionate and like to help, but I despise pity. Disadvantages, setbacks, and handicaps should either be embraced, or overcome. Not given pretty explanations to make us feel better, or used as excuses. It is an insult to those who have managed to succeed in spite of everything.

In a nutshell: Enjoyable, but nothing to go out of your way to read. I thought I would be turned off by the HP resemblances, but there were other things that left a greater stench in my nose.

I recommend to: Anyone who just wants an fun book to read and learn about greek mythology while they’re at it. Just hope you don’t read into like I did. It might leave you on fire with ideology rants.