Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
My younger brother recommended this to me so I asked for it for Christmas. I read it and now you're reading my review. Weird, right? Anyways, it was pretty good, but nothing groundbreaking. I really enjoyed most of the story elements and the way Greek culture/gods and such were integrated into the modern world.
My biggest problem was with the writing. I was more annoyed in the beginning and by the end Riordan seemed to be better at not being so damned corny. I guess it fits with a first person 10 year old character, but I still didn't really like some of the attempts at humor. I'm looking forward to the other four books to see if this goes away or develops or whatever. It's no The Giver or His Dark Materials, that's for sure.
I don't want to be too negative, though, because I really liked reading this story. It's a quick read and flows quite well. It's got a bunch of action which is well told. And it's pretty clever.
B.