Book Review: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)

After years of hearing how great this series was, I finally dug in and read the first one. While it didn't live up to the hype, I like the premise and I'm curious to see if the series gets better with the other books. 

When writing reviews I generally like to save the best for last so I'll start with what I didn't like about this story. 

Percy needed to be a more fleshed out and consistent character. Sometimes Percy has no idea what is going on and needs things explained to him in excruciating detail because he doesn't seem intelligent. Other times, he's quick to see what is going on around him and draws correct conclusions with hardly any evidence. Basically, the author made Percy intelligent or unintelligent in each scene depending on what he needed the character to be at the time. 

Additionally, the way Camp Half Blood is set up and run is insane. I know the Greek gods are insane themselves, but if they really care so little for their children then why not let those who run the camp do so in a way that actually makes sense. The Greeks are intelligent. After all, as the book points out, they created a civilization that influenced Western culture into the modern era. Shouldn't a group of people this smart realized that sticking 20+ kids in a 10 person cabin is negligent, unhealthy, and downright ridiculous? 

Where we only think things through half way.

Finally, the pacing of the book was slow and a bit arduous. I would have enjoyed the book more if there was a little more character development and less random monster attacks. However, considering the age group this book is written for, monsters are much more exciting than character development so this decision makes sense. 

Artwork by Viktoria Ridzel taken from http://rickriordan.com/characters/

What I liked about the book: Grover and Annabeth. Grover and Annabeth. Grover and Annabeth. These two characters were amazing! Annabeth is truly a daughter of Athena without being an exact copy of the goddess. She is spunky, intelligent, and kind hearted. She makes her own decisions regardless of the god's opinions, but respects the authority and power of those stronger and wiser than her. She listens and doesn't make decisions lightly. She is also quick witted, enabling her to save the day multiple times when their group is in a pinch. I'm curious to see where the author takes her character in the other books. 

As for Grover, I just want to give him a big hug. He is loyal, kind, and doesn't go down without a fight. He learns from his mistakes and by the end of the book he has begun to forgive himself for some of those mistakes. As half goat, he is naturally a friend to all animals. The scene in the smuggler's zoo truck is so sweet as he reassures and protects those poor creatures. Grover is also very brave. Multiple times he overcomes his fears to protect Annabeth and Percy. Additionally, as the comic relief character, he adds the perfect amount of humor without becoming flanderized. I continued reading the book because of these two characters. Finally, I loved that Hades wasn't the bad guy in this. The Hades and Persephone myth is one of my favorites and I always felt that Hades was misunderstood. He isn't the bad guy, he's actually the most levelheaded of all the gods. I'm always happy when an author chooses not to make Hades the automatic baddie. 

Altogether, using the Goodreads rating system, I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the book but I was still disappointed at it's oversimple plot and character development. However, I look forward to seeing where the stories might lead in future books.

P.S. If you want a good subscription box for YA novels check out OwlCrate on Crate Joy: https://cratejoy.grsm.io/CordeliaBlythe

I'm Back! Plus 5 Things That Help Me Get Through Winter

Hello beautiful people!

I'm back on all platforms! Instagram, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, and finally this blog. Though my followers be few, thank you so much for sticking with me while I was away for several months.

If you've read my earlier post, The Power of Stories, then you'll know I suffer from a mental illness. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, I have more trouble coping than I do in the warmer months.  Add all the holiday activities and stress and you've got a perfect storm for an overwhelmed, lethargic, apathetic blogger. That's why I was gone for so long.  However, it's a new year, and as Anne of Green Gables likes to say, "Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" With that in mind I'm taking life one day at a time and one step at a time to continue to grow and get better.

On that note here are five things that help get me through the winter (in no particular order):

1. Therapy: I can't say enough how much it helps to have a trained professional listen to you and help you through the tough stuff (and even the not so tough stuff). If you are struggling with something, seek help.  Look into what counselors in your area specialize in. "Shop" around until you find a good fit.  We were not meant to walk this earth alone.  God has given us these wonderful gifts that enable us to love and help one another. So if you need it, find someone who has devoted their time to healing minds.

This artist has really sweet doodles.

2. The Color Red: Hear me out.  One of the things that makes winter so tough for some people is the dreariness and deadness of the world around them.  I've read many articles discussing how color can affect mood.  Green is the color of nature, luck, envy, and other things.  Yellow can represent sunshine or sympathy.  Blue reminds me of the sky, the ocean, and is very calming to me.  Red is the color of love and cheer.  Red is the most vibrant against the dreary backdrop of winter. For me, the color red is warm and lively, which makes it perfect for bleak days.

Check out my Instagram, please! 

3. Hot Drinks: Hot Cocoa, Tea, Coffee, Cider.  When I drink these things it warms me all the way to my toes.  These drinks can be soothing and uplifting at the same time. Of course, winter is not the only time for hot drinks, but they do seem to taste even better when the temperature plummets.

You Can Find This Here

4. Music: There is just something about music that speaks to the soul. My Pandora stations run the gamut from Beethoven to Broadway; from Sinatra to Shakira.  (sidenote: I have way to much fun with alliterations).  There is music out there for every mood.  One of my favorites when I really need an energy boost is anything fun and upbeat.  Favorite dance song this year: "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon.

Sorry, I couldn't find the origin of this image. 

5. Affirmations: Whether it be a Bible verse, a well known quote, or a cute animal saying, "I believe in you," I put up positive reinforcement to remind me about the good things in life.  I've changed my phone and computer backgrounds many times to keep the affirmations fresh.  I've posted notes in my locker at work.  I browse Pinterest for inspiring and uplifting Pins.  These things help me stay positive and remind me that I am loved and worthy and wanted.

Check out these beautiful phone backgrounds!

Of course, there are other things that can help make the winter better. Like reading, fireplaces, and snuggles with the hubby. 

As always, thanks for reading, 

Cordelia M. Blythe