The third evolution of the Stone Man Saga is easily the best, as Smitherd not only takes us on a breathtaking ride, but he also fills in a lot of backstory that we have wanted to hear since the first appearance of the original Stone Man.
At the start of this story, we are introduced to Sophie and her father Trevor, and given a brief introduction to their story when the Empty Men arrived, before we are returned to the unfolding events of Eric and Harry.
The Stone Giant is a fast moving story, there are moments of action, others in which we are taken back in time to previous events and filled in on events that have occurred and taken place during the ‘Stone Man’ timeline, either after the events of the first Stone Man story and before the Empty Men events, or during the events of Empty Men, but that were not told during that book. Each of these events is something that is a key piece of information, something that as readers, we have been wanting to know (I know that I was very much wanting to know it, so I am sure others do!!), but more importantly, it provides important information for events in this book.
Smitherd has been incredibly clever, unfolding this book in such a way that (and I promise, no spoilers here – I wouldn’t dare, he might sic Matt Addis on me), this story unfolds in a very carefully, and intricately told tale, that once you start reading (or listening), you just won’t be able to stop. It is such a multi-faceted story, with so many different key elements, all telling different parts of what is essentially the same story, sometimes on different parts of the timeline to fill in backstory, but essentially, all working towards a single point at what is the culmination of the final few chapters in this book that will leave you with your mouth hanging open in total awe.
I have read and listened to over 50 books already this year, and none have had the impact that the end of ‘The Stone Giant’ had on me.
As with the other books in this series, the Character work has been exceptional, Andy is fascinating in this story, as his somewhat narcissistic and self-centered personality has been tempered by having been ‘joined’ with Sophie in book 2, making him a somewhat more empathetic person, and it is interesting watching him deal with this new version of himself, as well as come to grips with the events as they unfold.
The other really outstanding character in this series is Eric, who continues to grow from book 2, as we see him battle with not only the events that unfolded in book 2, but now those that begin to play out in book 3. Faced with the inevitable loss of his friend, and knowing he has to make it to the Isle of Skye, Eric continues to struggle forward, hoping he can help others. His inner struggles and battles, as well as his just constant perseverance make his character so realistic at times (I have met people like him in my life as a Police Officer), his uncompromising will to go on.
The other character that I found really fascinating in this story was Maria, coming to terms with her new found abilities, as well as the situation she finds herself in, her character is captivating. I don’t want to give too much away or say too much about her.
There are numerous other characters (both new and old), Paul, the Brigadier (Have to love Straub!!), as well as multiple others that make this story as compelling and extraordinary as it is. Smitherd creates these wonderful, gritty and powerful characters that you grow so attached to. Unfortunately, in his books, you don’t get to stay attached to them for long.
The other really great thing about this book is the incredible detail that Smitherd has created in just every aspect of this story, from the Stone Men themselves, to the genetic aspects, to the Military research that has been done (Such as the various levels of ‘Stone Man’ ability that each and every person has – yes, this is all revealed in Stone Giant – in great detail. There is such a complex and in-depth level of information that really provide a whole extra dimension to this story. It really creates this level of realism within the story, adding not only layer of credibility to the story, but giving it this gritty edge when the action heats up.
Overall, this series has been one of the real standouts in recent years, and ‘The Stone Giant’ is perhaps the best book in the Saga yet, not only continuing what is an extraordinary (and I might add, the original of this type of story), but also giving us so much additional backstory and insights that we have been dying for as fans of this series. One of THE books of 2022 to be reading, and one of the must read series in Sci-Fi.