8 Ways Percy Jackson’s Books Didn’t Grow Well

Percy Jackson and the Olympians This is one of the best middle-grade fantasy book series of the 21st century, but that doesn’t mean every part of the novel has aged well. For the most part, Rick Riordan’s books have aged better than most series. As they were intended to represent children with learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia. Additionally, Riordan was part of the first wave of Greek mythology and sparked an interest in ancient stories for generations of young readers. What children read has a significant impact on them as they grow up.

Percy Jackson has long been considered a great work of fiction, and Errors found in the books were later addressed in Riordan’s spinoff series and new Disney+ shows. So far, the TV series has improved on some of the book’s missteps and brought to life aspects of the story that readers loved while staying true to the source material. Audiences have a lot to look forward to as the series progresses, as some say the best Percy Jackson Characters from the books are not yet on the Disney+ show.

8 Lack of diversity

Most of the main characters in the series are white

One of the best things is that Percy Jackson The TV show has diversified its casting with actors who bring the characters to life onscreen. Additionally, the series creators were well aware that it was not enough to just cast actors of color in these roles, and some storylines and character development were completely crafted to give the best possible representation. Diversity is important both onscreen and on the page Because it’s exciting and empowering for kids to see themselves reflected in the art they love.

Since the first book was published in 2005, and Riordan is a white author, It’s not surprising that he didn’t go all that far with diversity at the start of the series. The misconception that children or any young audience is incapable of understanding and reading about race, class, and sexism in books will keep authors away from touching on the subject. However, presenting these issues in a constructive and supportive way can be a great way to teach kids about the world.

7 The relationship between Gabe and Sally

Although short-lived, the first book depicts a troubled relationship

Percy is very aware of his stepfather Gabe’s evil nature lightning thief, And the relationship he describes between Gab and Percy’s mother, Sally, is borderline abusive. Their dynamic is softened and Sally is given more power in the TV show. However, it’s hard to forget how terribly Gabe treats Sally and how the book doesn’t take this unforgivable relationship seriously. Gabe is more than just an annoying character, as he is a detriment to both Percy and Sally.

Later in the book, Percy exacts his revenge in no uncertain terms, sending Medusa’s head to Gabe and effectively kills him. Even though Gabe was a bad guy, Percy killing a mortal in the first book of the series is a bit intense. Additionally, Sally doesn’t grasp the reasons she gives for marrying Gabe in the first place. He claims it was to protect Percy through Gabe’s strong mortal scent, but he could have done it in other ways.

6 The Writing is geared towards a younger audience

Re-reading the series as an adult can be amazing

Even for a middle grade book, Percy Jackson It does not overburden the reader with difficulties in language and storytelling. This writing style makes the series accessible to a variety of audiences and doesn’t discourage readers of any level from picking up the books and getting lost in the story. However, this is an aspect of the work that becomes more apparent over time. a lot Adults who were book fans as children may return to the books and find they are not as interesting As they once were.

The progress of the novel and Riordan began writing the spinoff series, Heroes of OlympusHis writing style has changed. And he incorporates more mature themes and complex plots. However, in the first five books, the characters begin as twelve-year-olds, so it makes sense that Riordan would write the characters at the reading level. For younger viewers, Percy Jackson It can be a great introduction to the world of fantasy, but may not connect with older readers

5 The stories leave out the truth of some Greek myths

To make them more appropriate, Riordan omitted key parts of the story

Most Greek myths are too graphic and violent to be included in children’s books without a change, but that doesn’t mean they have to be made up to fit the story. For the most part, Percy Jackson Is an exceptionally well researched Works of fiction that pay homage to ancient storytelling traditions while updating them for contemporary audiences. However, the way some gods and demons are portrayed in books does not do justice to the true tragedy and complexity of the myths.

This comes into play with Medusa The Lightning Thieface Medusa is characterized as an unsympathetic villain. D Percy Jackson The show changes the story of Medusa’s book And the third episode of the show touches on real Greek myths. His insight into the story helps the audience gain new empathy for the characters and see the gods through their failures and successes. Hopefully, the Percy Jackson The series will continue this trend of updating and evolving the mythology in season 2.

4 The books use a lot of slang and casual language

It dates the work and makes it difficult to read

In the dialogue between Percy and his friends, It is natural that characters will use slang to communicate, But it also bleeds into Percy’s inner monologue. Unfortunately, many of these casual and colloquial terms do not hold up today, and the book is more dated than Riordan imagined. It’s not a glaring problem, and it doesn’t take the reader out of the story. However, it makes a good case for using more neutral language and staying away from the cycle of language trends when writing.

2005 is almost twenty years ago today, and The way young readers talk to each other has changed significantly Since then Riordan may have been on the pulse of how middle schoolers talked back then, but today, Percy Jackson Surprisingly dated, it’s refreshing that phones and social media aren’t an issue in the series, as the internet was just taking over at this point, but it creates some distance between Percy’s experience and the reader.

3 Absence of LGBTQ+ stories

Although romance isn’t a major theme in the books, it still comes into play

The most notable LGBTQ+ character in the series, Nico D’Angelo, is one of the most complex characters in the original five books. however, Not until it Heroes of Olympus That Nico comes out as gay and reveals to Percy that he had a crush on her during the incident Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Although there are hints about the nature of Nico’s feelings and other strange relationships hinted at in the story, such as the emotional friendship between Clarice and Silena, nothing is explicitly stated.

just don’t Percy Jackson Sexuality fails to account for many aspects, however Diversity of gender identity is also neglected in the novel. This was common for books in the early 2000s, as LGBTQ+ stories had only recently been accepted into popular culture. In addition, the first year Percy Jackson Focusing on such young characters, the question of romance didn’t come up until then Maze Battle. Even then, there were more important issues facing the characters, like saving the world.

2 Each book follows a similar formula

Although they include unique elements, Percy’s quests unfold in similar ways

The five books in the series see Percy go on a dangerous quest, almost always accompanied by Annabeth, Which leads him deeper into the overarching plot of the fight against Cronus. Although additions are added and new characters are introduced in each novel, there are familiar story beats that can be found in each installment. The book begins with Percy at a new boarding school, and he travels to Camp Half-Blood, receives a quest, and then returns to New York at the end of the story to end the summer with a new clay ball. and a fire.

Of course, there are plenty of deviations from this formula, but The general outline remains the same and makes the books somewhat predictable. For a middle-grade book, there’s nothing wrong with predictability, as it makes novels a safe place to explore new themes and ideas, as well as emotional situations. However, as Riordan progressed through the novel, he began to push himself more and more into changing the script of the story, which can be seen in Heroes of Olympus.

1 Percy and his friends don’t have many flaws

Although they discuss their fatal flaws, they are more like strengths

Each god inherits certain traits from their pious parents, making them smarter, stronger, faster and more talented than everyone else. Although Percy faces a lot of doubt and makes mistakes like a regular kid, he and his friends are undeniably good and always do the right thing, no matter what. There is a scene in between monster sea When Annabeth explains what his fatal flaw is And that every god has one. Although she says her hubris, it reads more like confidence in the context of the book.

In addition, Percy’s flawed loyalty to his friends and loved ones sets him apart from everyone else in the series and drives him to do good, no matter the cost. Of course, the characters in a book Percy Jackson and the Olympians Should be ambitious and include selfless and kind characters, but it would add more depth if there were more moral dilemmas that the characters had to wrestle with. In the end, there is no doubt that Percy and his allies will save the day and sacrifice themselves to save the world.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

A young god named Percy Jackson learns of his divine heritage and must navigate a world where Greek mythology intersects with modern life. Alongside his friends at Camp Half-Blood, he encounters mythical creatures, uncovers family secrets, and goes on dangerous quests to thwart ancient prophecies. The series intricately weaves classical mythology with contemporary challenges, exploring themes of bravery, loyalty and self-discovery, captivating audiences with its rich blend of adventure and timeless legends.

created by

Rick Riordan

First movie

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

First episode air date

December 19, 2023

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