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Cover of The Lightning Thief

Fantasy · Young adult

The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan

4.1 out of 5, from 3,425 ratings from Hardcover readers

A twelve-year-old with dyslexia and ADHD is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt and learns he is the son of a Greek god. With two friends he sets out across the United States to clear his name and prevent a war among the gods.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2005
Pace
Fast
Length
Medium
Pages
377
Format
Book 1 of 7 in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a quick, jokey, myth-filled adventure with a snarky narrator and a cross-country quest.

Skip this if you want serious, deeply drawn characters, as this is breezy and aimed at younger readers.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Domestic abuse
  • Car accident
  • Death of parent
  • Bullying
  • Animal cruelty
  • Abandonment
  • Death
  • Child death
  • Blood
  • Alcohol

Quick answers about The Lightning Thief

What is The Lightning Thief about?
A twelve-year-old with dyslexia and ADHD is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt and learns he is the son of a Greek god. With two friends he sets out across the United States to clear his name and prevent a war among the gods.
Who should read The Lightning Thief?
Read it if you want a quick, jokey, myth-filled adventure with a snarky narrator and a cross-country quest. Skip it if you want serious, deeply drawn characters, as this is breezy and aimed at younger readers.
How long and how fast is The Lightning Thief?
It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 377 pages, first published in 2005.
Does The Lightning Thief have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence.
Can I borrow The Lightning Thief for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Lightning Thief; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Lightning Thief?
Readers who liked it often move on to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Circe.

Where to get it

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