L – Lightning Thief, The, Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3)Loved: This was such a purely fun read! It’s smart, it’s snappy, and I love the way Riordan makes mythology accessible for younger readers. It takes me back to great books from my own youth like Garth Nix’s Seventh Tower series, The Egypt Game and The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, except it utilizes today’s faster pacing and has a ton more action!

In a time when female MCs sometimes seem to be everywhere (especially YA and urban fantasy), it’s great to see a smart, witty guy as the MC for kids.

Learned: This is the book that taught me how to pace for today’s market. I’ve used it as a model to tighten the action during my editing process, and while beginning my own middle grade WIP. Read this book and then review your own work, I dare you. You’ll immediately be able to tell where your own stuff drags.

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11 comments:

  1. PK HREZOApril 13, 2012 at 4:56 AM

    Yes I've used this as a pacing/MC guide for my MG story too. It's a great tool for today's market!

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  2. J.C. MartinApril 13, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    I really need to read the book. I've heard that so much of the story's been cut out from the film!

    J.C. Martin
    A to Z Blogger

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    Replies
    1. NicoleApril 15, 2012 at 2:32 PM

      It has. :) The movie wasn't terrible, but the books are better!

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  3. Andrea TeaganApril 13, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Ooooh, I love a book with good pacing. That can be so difficult to do especially when you have to do an explanation dump. I have passed this book several times at the story and the title always intrigued me. I'll have to check it out!

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    1. NicoleApril 15, 2012 at 2:30 PM

      You should definitely check it out! I love this series and his Red Pyramid series.

      Delete
  4. Margo BerendsenApril 13, 2012 at 10:02 AM

    I learned a ton while reading this book too! Not only action but also how to add kiddish humor.

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  5. AnonymousApril 13, 2012 at 11:53 AM

    I love the Percy Jackson books! Fantastic combination of a modern backdrop and history.
    I've left you something on my blog :)
    http://strangerthanwriting.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/i-know-im-little-slow-but.html

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  6. Luanne G. SmithApril 13, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    I enjoyed this book. For some reason I haven't gone on to read the others yet, but I still might some day. Loved what he did with the mythology.

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