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'Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters': Your catch-up guide to the book series and movies

Wondering why your child is begging to go to the multiplex to learn about Greek gods? Here's a guide to the "Percy Jackson" book series by Rick Riordan and its movie adaptations.

2. Percy Jackson

20th Century Fox/AP

  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Percy Jackson is a 12-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD and lives in New York with his mother and stepfather. After a strange series of events, including being attacked by a creature known as a Fury as well as a minotaur and finding out his best friend is a satyr, Percy learns he is actually the son of Poseidon. Throughout the series, Percy finds out who stole Zeus's lightning bolt, recovers the Golden Fleece, and engages in battle with the forces of Kronos, the ruler of the Titans.

Throughout his adventures, Percy is joined by various friends, including his satyr friend Grover and Annabeth, who is the daughter of goddess Athena. Later Zeus's daughter, Thalia, Percy's half-brother Tyson, Ares' daughter Clarisse, and Hermes' son, Luke, also help Percy on his adventures.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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