Actually in a version of the War of the Titans, Zeus needs to steal an axel or some part of the wheel assembly from Helios' chariot in order for the cyclopes to forge his bolts. So there is some basis for the Master Bolt.
I liked the first book, as I've been a fan of greek mythology almost as long I've been reading for pleasure, though I haven't gotten to the rest of the series. I think the movie was a good adaption, sure it left out things but even LOTR left out cool stuff like the razing of the Shire and minor...