These books are not what one would call literary masterpieces. However, they are engaging stories that keep you involved and are quite entertaining. I highly recommend them.

I bought the 3-book set because the first two books in the series were being passed around by my students so much, they were getting pretty dog-eared--and (verbal) fights were breaking out about who got what book next. (These are high school kids.) As a teacher whose heart goes out to learning-challenged kids, I have to appreciate the fact that Percy Jackson, the protagonist, has ADHD and dyslexia--issues that only enhance his heroics, not detract from them. The books are easy and engrossing, with plenty of sword brandishing and sarcasm, so they keep teens reading. There are, of course, mini lessons on Greek mythology throughout the books (often as the ever-valiant heroes are being attached once again by another fury or hydra or what-have-you), so I appreciate that, too.

I stop just short of a five-star rating here as I have read as far as Book Four and I would have liked to see Riordan be a bit more creative with his plot devices. The fourth book opens with Percy beginning school at yet another new school and this time it's the cheerleaders who are not what they seem to be, but that's only slightly different from how the other books open. Some situations have been used so repeatedly that I've begun to predict how our heroes will be backed into a corner with no way out this time--and who will save them.

Overall, though, I think this is a great series for young folks.

Purchased for use in a classroom--Popular series with the children. If you or you child loves this genre, you can't go wrong!!

These books are fun and easy to read. It's easy to get caught up in this world of present times with Greek/Roman gods

My son is 9 and in 4th grade. He opened the first book and read the entire thing in three days. He loves this series. Just to set the record straight he is not a Harry Potter fan. He usually reads only Star Wars books.But something about this has him glued. He is actually on his way to Baseball training and took the second book with him to read in the car.

I bought these books for my 4th grader and my high schooler and college age child wanted them too! After some squabbling over who got to read them first, they all read them together. These books are awesome! Even Harry Potter didn't get the attention of all my kids at the same time!

When I asked my kids why, they told me the books were "Extremely interesting", "Fun to read", "I'm hooked", "You can't read just one page.", "Exciting"

THis set would also make a great gift for any age child - or adult!

A page turner because of the imaginative scope. I like imaginative and this one takes the cake for coming up with non-standard action that sucks you in, and there is crack up (humor) from every sector. Set in our world while reading except through Percy's eyes. And seriously, it's not too intense in any serious emotional way, but has a ton of challenges, so you get no drag whatsoever.

Again, I read 125+ books a year so I know it when I read it, and this IT, is it.

And lastly, this is well written and young readers will not have trouble with readability... Kids of all ages love it.

even as i am a 26 year old married mother of a 5 year old, I love this series. This is definitely one that is not just for teens and pre-teens.

I bought the 5 book series as a birthday gift for my 10 year old sone. His birthday is in January and I was hoping he'd have most of them read by the release of the movie mid-February. He loves them so much, that he's actually going to have all 5 books (and the guide book) read in 1 month for the release of the movie. He loves to read but I've never seen him read 100 pages in a sitting.

Let's face it, anything we can do as parents to get our kids reading is a big win. What chance does a book have with the Internet, video games, TiVo, iPods, and a million other technological innovations designed to have the same effect on young brains that hi-fructose corn syrup has on young bodies?

My 8 year old son read all three in a week. It isn't "The Iliad", but it sure is a lot closer than YouTube.

Percy Jackson is an ordinary 12-year-old except for dyslexia, ADHD, and his propensity for getting expelled from private schools. He is also being attacked by monsters out of Greek mythology. His mother brings him to Camp Half-Blood where he learns that he is the son of a god and a hero who has to go on a quest. Percy, along with his friends Annabeth (daughter of Athena) and Grover (satyr) must battle gods and mythological monsters as they try to bring Zeus his stolen lightning bolt before the solstice in order to stop the gods from going to war. Excellent adventure for middle grade readers.

This series is great for all ages. Action packed. Filled with gods and monsters. Sure, it can be compared to the potter series but still, it is a fun series. Great to get the hesitant readers, especially boys as the main character is male, interested in reading. That said, girls will love it too.

This recent purchase of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3) was a great buy. They came in great condition and has my child the most interested in reading than he's ever been. Thanks Amazon!

This is a great series on the order of Harry Potter. Even if you don't have a good knowledge of greek mythology it is highly enjoyable. After I finished reading these three books, I went out the very same day and bought the last two. I am hoping that more books from the camp half blood series come out.

These are great books for all ages. Especially fans of Harry Potter, Septimus Heap, Artemis Fowl, etc. Plus this is a change from the normal wizard story as it deals with greek gods and demi-gods. Lots of adventure!

I bought these books on a whim. My daughter (10 years old) mentioned that her friend liked them. I bought these for a Christmas present for her and she loves them! She has read all three books and has almost finished the 4th book in this series. I started reading them and they are really good books. I am finishing up the 3rd one myself.

Although these are kids' books, they are still a lot of fun to read. They are fast-paced adventures casting the old Greek gods in a whole new light. Very fun to read.

My son's fifth grade class started reading these in school. He enjoyed the one book and asked if he could buy it along with the second book, then after reading that one he wanted to continue the series so he has the whole collection. That isn't where it ends...he really insisted I HAD to read this book so I started reading them and have to say they are very good. I am truly enjoying them as much as he is. The only disappointment is the last book is hardcover only. I've heard rumor their is a soft cover coming out soon.
There's mystery and excitement in these books. My son is learning about the Greek gods and mythology at the same time while having a great time reading these.

It can be difficult to get my boys to read sometimes, but when they started these books, they didn't want to put them down! My husband likes them as well :) They're very well written and very entertaining. Thank you so much Rick Riordan!!

I never liked Harry Potter. I know, I know, everyone is always shocked when I say that. So, when my husband picked up these books, I figured I would never read them. He was totally entrhalled with them and so I decided, what the heck. Boy am I glad I tried them out! These books have a great storyline without being too long winded, the characters are likeable, you become invested right from begininng! I was also never interested in mythology, but these books have changed that and given my husband and I hours of great conversation as he was always very into the subject! Excellent writing and great for kids and adults alike!

The boys and I have really enjoyed reading this series. We have read all of the Harry Potter books and I am thrilled to find another series that is exciting and enjoyable to read.

the books were delivered faster than expected. I selected super saver shipping and I got my shipment within 3 days of ordering. The books were in the exact condition described, new. As far as the books go, great stories. Well written. Cant wait for the movie! Feb. 12!

Wild adventure with kid protagonists. A hit with my family for whom I purchased this set as gifts. Excellent price.

Great shape, 9 year old very interested in them. Just like the set sold at book stores for $20.

Got these after seeing the movie trailer...love the characters and the stories....keep reading the last book is the best!

I loved these books and think they're the going to be as hot as the "Harry Potter Series".

They devoured them, I was saving the last 2 books for Christmas but they pestered me so much to get them I went ahead let them have them.

These books were OK, but not the best books I've ever read. You have to like mythology to enjoy these books. The characters are not well developed
and seem to do do silly things that don't make sense. Therefore, it's hard to empathize with the characters. The concept is hard to believe because it is about
children fighting gods of greek mythology.

...and all five in the series, because an adult friend was reading them and raved about them. I found them interesting, but with several silly and annoying errors per book, like when Percy jumps out of the Arch and falls into the Mississippi River - instead of going splat on the concrete at its base - as if the Arch straddles the river. And Denver is nestled in the mountains, instead of being able to see them on the horizon...but most kids won't know those are mistakes and won't be annoyed by them. (I DO hope they fix the mistakes in the movie/s.) They are written in a style that will appeal to teenage boys more than to adults, a writing style much like the Maximum Ride books, but that is fine with my two teen age boys. Your kids will love them, even if they don't end up being YOUR favorite books.

My son has been absolutely sucked into these books. He is 10 years old and feels forced to read. While he was off track, one of the rules we had for him was that he had to read 50 pages a day. He finished the first three books during his off track time and is almost done with the fourth. He just can't get enough and he is already sad that there is only one more book in the series.

I would totally recommend this series to anyone who has a boy about the same age!

My granddaughter loves this series. That's saying something, since all her friends can talk about is the Twilight books and movies. I'm giving her the boxed set so we can enjoy them together. She loves Riordan's funny-sentence chapter titles. They get us talking about mythology, and I can't imagine what else would get us into such a cool conversation! Thanks, Rick :)

I bought this set for my 9 yo, he really enjoyed all 3 books, and asked to buy more, "Mom, I want to read all of them"! I wish there were more than just 5 in these series or more different books from the same author for his age range.

Almost as well crafted as the Potter series, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" is full of adventure and suspense, heroic deeds and triumphs. Imagine being a 10-year-old in modern US who suddenly discovers that his life depends on understanding Greek mythology--because all those gods are relatives, and one is your dad. Percy has to fight off monsters and discover some truths about himself along the way.
The books bring a delightful turn to learning the Greek myths, and the premise works. Placing Mount Olympus in Modern New York City (600th floor of the Empire State Building) --and Hades in Los Angeles--sets up a whole new look at American culture from the point of view of a young person just trying to figure life out.
My daughter and I gulped the first three books down in less than 2 weeks. She's discovered the whole new richness of Greek mythology for the first time and I am having great fun remembering it all.
You need to read the first book before the movie comes out! You'll be glad you did.

Along the lines of a Harry Potter or Pendragon, Percy Jackson and the Olypians is a series geared towards our younger contingent. However, as a 27 year old reader of all types of genre books I found the series quite appealing. Don't expect action packed writing or mysterious plots. It is a 'feel good' read that creates a rather good story in your head.

These stories are excellent for a young person. There is just the right amount of fantasy mixed in with current times, which keeps the stories interesting.

can't put the books down once I start reading them! great for people who love Greek Mythology with a modern twist. the author is really humorous. as great as the books are, they are "too much" of an easy read, if that makes sense. can't wait to see the movie!

Percy discovers how and why he has powers when he's 11, similar to the kid-Wizard. I love how they refer back to the old Greek mythology, and relate it to today. Definitely a good series for kids. My grandson recommended these books to me; we've been reading them at the same time. Encouraging kids to read is a good thing.

I have been looking for an adventurous series for my almost 9 year old boy and finally found it. I read the first book first then gave to him to read. The author wrote with such wit and it is interesting to combine mythology in the story. Now I want to go back to look for some mythology books to read. It is truly enjoyable.. my son is not avid reader but yesterday he read this book 1 for 4 hours on our long road trip. He is ready to read book #2. I just finished book #2 so we can discuss... He couldn't put it down because he wanted to know how the story develops..

These books are absolutely fabulous! I can't imagine how an author can do a better job than Rick Riordan has done with these. The stories tie to Greek mythology in a completely modern setting. The characters are completely believable and the stories are action-packed as well as fun.

I picked up this book series hoping it would be "the next Harry Potter". The story has various similarities, but Percy Jackson definitely stands apart. I find Percy to be easily relatable, even if he is a half-blood greek god. Besides being adventurous, these books are absolutely hilarious. I have found myself laughing out loud even during some of the most serious moments in the plot. If I knew anything about Greek mythology, it would probably be even funnier. Although it is marketed towards kids/teens, the series is an easy and enjoyable read for adults as well. I can't wait to read the last two books and find out how it all ends!

I purchased this set after seeing an interview w/ the author for my nephew's 10th birthday. He hadn't heard of the series but after starting the first book he called and thanked me repeatedly. His mom said he couldn't put them down and was sneaking to read after lights out at bedtime. They went on to purchase the remainder of the books, which he promptly finished, and he's now started the series over again.

It is almost impossible anymore not to "compare" such newer book series to Harry Potter, and there are certain similarities, none of which interfere with the enjoyment of this far more amusing adventure series.
While anyone with a good knowledge of Greek mythology will instantly recognize in advance the situation/s into which hero Percy Jackson is heading, oft-times that could be just as fun as being unaware of what dangers he and his friends face.
As of this entry, I have acquired the first four books of the five-book series, as the fifth book, as of this entry, has not been released in paperback as has the first four titles, though in bookstores I am reading it when I can (and even once read I will purchase it when it is released in the same-style paperback).
I came across the series after seeing the teaser for the first movie, "The Lightning Thief," set for February 2010 release (a good friend of mine playing the disguised Mrs. Dodds [the Fury] was also a factor); I bought the boxed set and book four right away and sped quickly through them.
Written in the first person, the story and characters are engaging, the first-person editorial comments and observations invariably amusing, and the adventure/s exciting.
The series never really gets *as* dark (or convoluted) as the Harry Potter books, but Percy does have to make some very strong decisions to accomplish his goal of defending the Olympian gods and Olympus, the latter of which now rests hidden above New York city.

I enjoyed how Riordan brings you into a world that is so magical! The adventure of the characters were fun to imagine and the battles they faced kept me reading for more action!

Its and excelent start of a saga if you aré missing the kaind of books that make you smile this will do the trick, the only "but" that i have its that they aré so small. They need to have twice as Many pages for the hungry readers jejejej

I was hoping to find something that my 3rd grader would read and enjoy. Instead, I have been reading them these stories outloud as a bedtime story all summer. We are all loving them. It has certainly given them the notion that books contain really cool stories and that reading is worth the trouble. Probably more suitable for a 5th grader to read to himself. I love that the main character has ADHD - and that it proves very useful when on the lava climbing wall! I also love the integration of the Greek myths. My son has now been researching mythical beasts online (and reading all about them - ahhh, my plot has worked, after all!)

Percy Jackson finds out the Greek/Roman myths about Zeus, Athena, Poseiden, etc are true stories, and not only that, but his father is one of those gods, making him half god, half human. The books follow Percy on fast paced adventures escaping monsters, completing quests, and learning about himself and the mythical world. The series is written for the middle school age boy or girl. I'm an adult and read it anyway and I enjoyed it. The books are fast reads and kept me entertained.

I found this series to be very entertaining as did my children. Not as good as the FableHaven series, but still good.

It took me very little time to finish this set. The books hook you right from the start and keep you hooked. The books are hard to put down. Each book makes you want to start the next book right away.

I purchased this series for my 12 year old son, for summer reading and I could not put them down !! the writer makes the images come to life. I have just ordered book 5 and Im so dissapointed that it is the final book in this series. I liked them more than Harry Potter..

I recived these three books in a box set that if they had ever been read they was very well taken care of. I am really happy with the service that I recieved and I had the books in about 3 or 4 days fast service also. Nice job.

Jeff