Modern-Day:
* New York City: The story begins in New York City, where Percy Jackson lives with his mother and stepfather. He attends Yancy Academy, a boarding school for troubled kids.
* Camp Half-Blood: This is the central setting of the book. It's a secret camp for demigods (children of gods) located on Long Island, New York.
* Los Angeles: Percy and his friends travel to Los Angeles to investigate the theft of Zeus' lightning bolt. They visit the Getty Center, a museum with a connection to Greek mythology.
* Other Locations: The story also includes locations like the Empire State Building, the Grand Canyon, and the Underworld.
Ancient Greece:
* Mount Olympus: The home of the Greek gods, and the location where the story's conflict unfolds.
* The Underworld: This is the realm of Hades, the god of the dead, which Percy and his friends must journey through to clear Percy's name.
* Other Mythological Locations: The book also references places like Tartarus, the River Styx, and the Fields of Asphodel, all of which are key elements of Greek mythology.
In essence, "The Lightning Thief" blends the familiar world of modern-day America with the fantastical realm of ancient Greece, creating a unique and captivating setting for Percy Jackson's adventures.