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''The Titan's Curse'' is the third installment in the series. It was released on April 1, 2007. |
''The Titan's Curse'' is the third installment in the series. It was released on April 1, 2007. |
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Revision as of 02:14, 29 January 2010
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| File:Lightning thief.jpg The cover of The Lightning Thief | |
The Lightning Thief The Sea of Monsters The Titan's Curse The Battle of the Labyrinth The Last Olympian | |
| Author | Rick Riordan |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy novels |
| Publisher | Disney Hyperion (formerly Miramax Books) |
| Published | 2005–2009 |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback) |
Percy Jackson & the Olympians is a series of adventure and fantasy books authored by Rick Riordan. Set in the United States, the books are prominently based on Greek mythology. The series consists of five books, as well as spin-off titles such as The Demigod Files and Demigods and Monsters. The Lightning Thief, the first book, is the basis of a film called Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, which is scheduled for release in the United States on February 12, 2010.
The protagonist is Percy Jackson, who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, god of the sea and earthquakes. He learns that the legendary beings of Greek mythology still exist and have always existed, including monsters, cyclopes, empousai, Titans, and also the Olympians (Greek gods) themselves who dwell in Olympus which is now situated at the mythical 600th floor of the Empire State Building. He is frequently attacked by monsters because he is a child of one of the "Big Three" (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades). Percy meets many other young demigods, both friendly and hostile, who are also in the process of discovering their heritage and powers.
The series stayed on the New York Times Best Seller list for children's books for 129 weeks as of January 6, 2010.[1]
Novels
The Lightning Thief
The Lightning Thief is the first book in the series. It was released on June 28, 2005.
Percy Jackson is a twelve year old boy diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). After going on a field trip and getting attacked by his pre-algebra teacher, he finds out that he is the son of a Greek god. He is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a camp for children with a Greek god parent, located off Long Island. Not long after he arrives, Poseidon, the sea god, claims Percy as his son. Percy is accused of stealing Zeus' master lightning bolt. He is given ten days to return the bolt to Mount Olympus in order to stop a war between the gods from starting, and save his mother, who has been held hostage in the Underworld.
The Sea of Monsters
The Sea of Monsters is the second installment in the series. It was released on May 3, 2006.
Percy's seventh grade year is peaceful, with no monster attacks... until the last day of school. He is attacked in the middle of a deadly game of dodgeball against a group of large seventh graders who turn out to be Laistrygonians. When he arrives at Camp Half-Blood, he finds out that Thalia's pine tree, which has been protecting the camp for many years, has been poisoned, and the activities director, Chiron, has been blamed. Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson (who turns out to be a Cyclops, and Percy's half brother) must go save Grover, who has been imprisoned by Polyphemus the Cyclops, clear Chiron's name, and recover the Golden Fleece to save the camp. When they return to camp, the Fleece heals the dying tree and brings Thalia back to life as well.
The Titan's Curse
The Titan's Curse is the third installment in the series. It was released on April 1, 2007.
Grover has gone undercover to a school in search for half-bloods, and finds two powerful siblings, Nico and Bianca di Angelo. While on this mission, they are attacked by a manticore, and then the Hunters of Artemis arrive just in time to help. Annabeth falls off a cliff in an attempt to kill the manticore, and Percy soon learns that somehow she survived and has been captured by Luke. Also, Bianca di Angelo has joined the Hunt and leaves Nico at camp. Soon after arriving at camp, Percy learns that Artemis herself has been captured too. Percy, Grover, Thalia, Bianca, and Zoë Nightshade (Artemis' lieutenant) go on a quest to rescue them. They learn that Atlas has escaped his torment at the Mountain of Despair on California's Mount Tamalpais, and is intent on stopping the heroes from success. They defeat him, but not before losing both Hunters in the quest. At the solstice, Thalia replaces Zoë as Artemis' lieutenant. As soon as they return, Nico is told about Bianca's death, and blames Percy. He runs away, and Percy realizes that Nico is a son of Hades. At first Percy, Annabeth, and Grover think that this goes against the promise of the Big Three, which is to never have demigod children, but then they remember that Bianca had told them that she and Nico were stuck in the Lotus Resort & Casino for possibly decades. Percy now has a new enemy in Nico, son of Hades.
The Battle of the Labyrinth
The Battle of the Labyrinth, released on May 8, 2008, is the fourth book in the series.
After being attacked by monster cheerleaders at his new school, Goode, Percy returns to Camp Half-Blood and learns about "The Labyrinth", part of the palace of King Minos in Crete that, according to Greek mythology, was designed by Daedalus. During a game of capture the flag, Annabeth and Percy find an entrance into the Labyrinth. Percy soon learns that Luke had used the entrance and will lead his army through the Labyrinth straight into the heart of camp. To get into the Labyrinth, Percy has to find the Delta Symbol (Δ) on a passageway, touch it, and then enter the Labyrinth to find Daedalus
Using the Labyrinth, Percy tries to find Daedalus so Luke cannot get Ariadne's string, thereby foiling Luke's invasion. He gets the help he needs from a mortal girl named Rachel Elizabeth Dare, who proves herself by hitting Kronos in the eye with a blue plastic hairbrush. Kronos finds out that Nico di Angelo is a son of Hades and also could be the child of the prophecy. Luke reaches Daedalus and gets Adriadne's string. Using the magical instrument, he leads his army and attacks camp. Grover comes to the rescue and causes a Panic to scare away the enemy. After the battle, Daedalus sacrifices himself to close the labyrinth, which is tied to his life.
The Last Olympian
The Last Olympian, the fifth book in the Percy Jackson series, was released on May 5, 2009.[2]
Percy Jackson and his friends fight in a war resembling the original war between the Greek gods and the Titans and in a final battle with the powerful Titan, Lord Kronos. They ultimately defeat Kronos in the battle and Olympus is saved.
The gods grant Percy, Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson each a reward. Tyson becomes the General of the Cyclops army and the weapon they grant him of his own request is a "stick" (a.k.a. club). Grover receives a seat on the Council of Cloven Elders and becomes the new Lord of the Wild. Annabeth will be in charge of rebuilding Olympus. Percy is offered the granting of one wish as his reward, and he is told he can choose immortality. Instead, seeing all the damage done, Percy makes the gods promise on the River Styx that they will recognize all of their children by the time the children turn 13. He also asks them to build cabins for the minor gods like Hecate and Morpheus, which is at the request of another demigod, Ethan, who was killed during the battle, and whose mother is Nemesis, the goddess of revenge and balance. He even requests they let Calypso and other friendly Titan-kind free of unfair punishment.
Rachel becomes the Oracle of Delphi, and Percy and Annabeth share a kiss and become a couple. Afterward, the other campers dunk them in the lake and Percy makes an air bubble, in which they share an underwater kiss. The story concludes when Annabeth and Percy race down the hill at Camp Half-Blood and for once, Percy does not look back.
Companion books
The Demigod Files
The Demigod Files, also written by Rick Riordan, is the first companion book to the series. It was released February 10, 2009, featuring three short stories, interviews with the campers, and pictures.[3] It is set between The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian.[4] The book received mixed reviews, with some reviewers criticizing the lack of substantial material and others commending the writing of the short stories.[4]
Demigods and Monsters
Demigods and Monsters is another companion book and was released on February 10, 2009.[5] With an introduction by Riordan, it features essays written by various young adult authors that explore, discuss, and provide further insight into the Percy Jackson series. At 196 pages, it also contains information on the places and characters of the series as well as a glossary of Greek myths.[6]
The Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Guide is a companion book released on January 19, 2010. Its 156 pages include trading cards, and full-color diagrams and maps.[7]
Graphic novel
A Percy Jackson graphic novel is set to come out on October 19, 2010.[8] Riordan posted "Many of you have asked about a Percy Jackson graphic novel, and I'm pleased to announce it is in the works too. The tentative release date is 10/19/10. I've seen some preliminary artwork, and it looks awesome. I think you'll be pleased with how Percy's world comes to life in pictures."[8]
Characters
Rick Riordan relies on Bibliotheca for his characters and plot. In three books, it provides a grand summary of traditional Greek mythology and heroic legends.[9] Listed are the major characters in the series. All ages are of The Last Olympian.
- Percy Jackson – age 16, demigod son of Poseidon; he is the protagonist of the series.
- Grover Underwood – Satyr, best friend of Percy, Lord of the Wild in The Last Olympian.
- Annabeth Chase – age 16, demigod daughter of Athena, friend of (and eventual girlfriend of) Percy. Skilled at architecture.
- Luke Castellan – age 23, demigod son of Hermes, later inhabited by Kronos, commits suicide in The Last Olympian. Antagonist of series.
- Thalia Grace – age 15, demigod daughter of Zeus, first appears at the end of The Sea of Monsters. Joins the Hunters of Artemis.
- Nico di Angelo – age 12, demigod son of Hades, holds grudge against Percy temporarily, commands the dead.
- Tyson the Cyclops – age 12, Percy's half-brother through Poseidon, assists Percy frequently throughout series.
- Clarisse La Rue – age 18, demigod daughter of Ares, does not get along with Percy or Annabeth.
- Rachel Elizabeth Dare - age 15/16, a "clear-sighted" mortal girl who assists Percy, later becoming the Oracle of Delphi.
Origins and publishing history
Development for both The Lightning Thief and the Percy Jackson series as a whole commenced when Riordan first began making stories for his son Haley who had just recently been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. His son had been studying Greek mythology in second grade and requested that his father come up with bedtime stories based on Greek myths. Riordan had been a Greek mythology teacher in middle school for many years and was able to remember enough stories to please his son. Soon Riordan ran out of myths and his son then requested that he make new ones using the same characters from Greek myths and add new ones. Thus, Riordan created the fictional character Percy Jackson and made the story of how he would travel across The United States to recover Zeus's lightning bolt. After he finished telling the story to his son, he then requested that his dad write a book based on Percy's adventures.[10]
In June, 1994, Riordan had completed his manuscript and began looking for agents. During that time, he visited multiple local colleges looking for good editors until he eventually found an agent.[11] While he left his manuscript to his agent and editor to review, Riordan took his book to a selected group of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to read and give their critique. Ultimately he gained their approval, and with their help came up with the name of the book and created the way Percy's sword worked.[12] In June 1997, Riordan signed with Bantam Books to prepare the book for publishing.[11] In 2004, the book was sold to Miramax Books for enough money for Riordan to quit his job to focus on writing.[13] After it was released on July 28, 2005 it sold over 1.2 million copies. The book was released in multiple versions including hardcover, paperback and audio editions.[14][15] It has been translated into multiple languages and published all over the world.[16]
Film
Chris Columbus has signed to direct and produce Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief for 20th Century Fox through 1492 Pictures.[17][18] The film is set for release in 2010 in the United States, Canada and in the United Kingdom on February 12 and in Australia on February 11.[19]
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters is scheduled for release in 2012. The film is an adaptation of The Sea of Monsters, the second novel in the series.[20][21]
Sequel
A sequel, also based on the Camp Half-Blood and Greek mythology universe, is planned for the Percy Jackson series, believed to be concerning the new Great Prophecy mentioned at the end of The Last Olympian.[failed verification] Rick Riordan has confirmed that he is writing the series, and as of November 2009[update], the first book is slated for release in Fall 2010.[22]
References
- ^ "Best Sellers Children's books – SERIES BOOKS". New York Times. 31 December 2009. Retrieved 2010-1-6.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 5)". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
- ^ http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/2008/10/the-demigod-files/
- ^ a b "The Demigod Files (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series)". barnesandnoble.com. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
- ^ "Demigods and Monsters: Your Favorite Authors on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series (Paperback)". Amazon.com. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
- ^ http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2008/03/demigods-and-monsters.html
- ^ http://www.amazon.com/Percy-Jackson-Olympians-Ultimate-Guide/dp/1423121716/ Amazon listing for The Ultimate Guide.
- ^ a b http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/ "The Boxed Set Arrives, and other news" September 27, 2009.
- ^ Aubrey Diller, "The Text History of the Bibliotheca of Pseudo-Apollodorus" Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association 66 (1935:296-313) p. 296, 300.
- ^ Riordan, Rick. "Where did you get the idea for Percy Jackson?". p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
- ^ a b Riordan, Rick. "What was your experience getting published?". p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
- ^ Riordan, Rick. "Did you share the Percy Jackson novel with any of your students before it was published?". p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
- ^ Rich, Motho (September 1, 2008). "Author of Book Series Sends Kids on a Web Treasure Hunt". The New York Times. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
- ^ "Hyperion: Percy Jackson". Hyperion Books. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077074/
- ^ Mabe, Chauncey (May 14, 2009). "Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson vs. Harry Potter". Sun Sentinel. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-18.
- ^ Brodesser, Claude (June 23, 2004). "'Lightning Thief' strikes Maverick". Variety. Archived from the original on May 15, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
- ^ Gilstrap, Peter (April 17, 2007). "Columbus struck by 'Lightning'". Variety. Archived from the original on May 15, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
- ^ "IMDb Release Dates". IMDb. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
- ^ http://cinema.theiapolis.com/movie-2S4G/percy-jackson-the-olympians-the-sea-of-monsters/
- ^ http://www.reelzchannel.com/movie/274788/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-the-sea-of-monsters
- ^ Myth & Mystery: Camp Half-Blood Austin and other news