Comment on theme

This book would be an average fantasy adventure novel if it didn't carry the theme of Greek mythology. Percy cannot live a "normal" life because he is a demigod. His father is Poseidon, god of the sea. As the reader discovers, a simple orientation day at the school can turn into disaster when monsters attack. Fortunately, Percy can counterattack using his own special weapon. He attends a camp where other teens like himself work together. They each have their own unique power. Since gods are always fighting for power, the world (not to mention the Underworld) is never a restful place. Stories from the past intertwine with offenses of the present, wreaking more havoc. The gods are selfish creatures and even the good ones are out to benefit themselves.