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The Stone Man #3

The Stone Giant

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The Stone Giant – The Stone Man, Book Three
The bestselling science fiction thriller series continues...
In Coventry, Eric and Harry watch helplessly as they find themselves face to face with the latest Arrival at Ground Zero. Tired and coming to terms with Eric’s devastating injuries, how can two men hope to contain such an indestructible force, let alone escape the impenetrable energy shield that now envelops them and the city?
In the north of the country, Maria and her new friends race towards the Isle of Skye and—hopefully—answers. What is the secret behind Maria’s own connection to the Stone Men? What is the purpose of the mysterious Prism and can it be destroyed? What has been happening at Project Orobouros for the last five years and has it led to anything that can be deployed against this new incarnation? The stakes are about to rise dramatically, so much so that the fate of the country—and humanity itself—hangs in the balance.
Maria, Eric, and the rest of survivors of the Fourth Arrival will need to uncover the truth and band together in a desperate last stand against an unfathomable threat.
But how can mere humans hope to resist the unstoppable power of the Stone Men?
The hotly-anticipated third novel in Luke Smitherd's Stone Man series, the Stone Giant will delight fans of science fiction thrillers and speculative fiction novels alike.

497 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2022

69 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

Luke Smitherd

32 books595 followers
Luke Smitherd is the author of The Stone Man (shortlisted for Audible Book of the Year 2015) and its sequels as well as several other novels. A former singer and guitarist, he now writes full time, hosts the comedy music-discussion show Cracker Juice, and performs around Los Angeles as a stand-up comic. He divides his time between the United States and the United Kingdom.


www.lukesmitherd.com

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5 stars
194 (42%)
4 stars
174 (37%)
3 stars
68 (14%)
2 stars
23 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Jas.
1,032 reviews
March 3, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Lissy.
56 reviews
April 1, 2022
Erm... what happened?

The Stone Man was excellent. The Empty Men was great. The Stone Giant though? What is going on with the flowery prose? Where is the action packed, ripping yarn of the first books?

I did not finish this, I got 8 hours into the audiobook and called it a day and so I don't know what happens in the end, and more to the point, and shockingly for me since I inhaled books 1 and 2, I don't *care* what happens in the end.

Another review mentions a 4th book which is why, I assume, so little actually happens in the present and the sections set in the past felt like filler based around a bad romance novel. Almost as though there is not enough of a present based plot to make an entire book.

Paul is the only truly likeable character. Another character who we met in book 1 is so annoying that I wish he was left there but is portrayed as a hero.

I actually love all of the Cov based surnames in the book but I wish the narrator was told how to properly prnonounce Wyken (it's why-kin and not wick-in).

Did not enjoy. Do not recommend. I'm just going to pretend that this book and any others in this series don't exist. I do still recommend books 1 & 2 though. They were thoroughly enjoyable.
Profile Image for Stuart Mitchell.
2 reviews
April 6, 2022
Worth the wait

I have been on tenterhooks waiting for this book to come out. It certainly didn't disappoint! There's action, shocks, unexpected twists and turns, and enough novelty to keep even the most cynical of readers happy. If you're new to Luke Smitherd, make sure you buy the first two books in the series.

The continuation of the story, the backstory reveals and the sense of panic the writer instills in the reader are very well orchestrated, making this instalment of TSM an unputdownable read - I finished it in three sessions, and I can't wait to see how it all comes out in the next book.

I feel privileged to have discovered Luke's writing - for me, he is without a doubt the most exciting British horror writer for a long time. I heartily recommend reading his other books - You See the Monster is excellent, as is The Physics of the Dead - the first book I read from Luke, and the one that caused me to get all the others.

Now, there's a funny looking statue on my doorstep, made of an old lemonade bottle and some sticks. I'm off to take a look.
Profile Image for Andrew A.
135 reviews
December 12, 2024
An excellent follow on and an improvement to the empty men in some ways as the threats and events feel more clear and understandable.

Some wonderfull filling in the blanks over the time periods between the stone man and now.

While the jumping time lines can be a little jarring, and the Sophie plot perhaps a little trite in places.

A lot of fun and a hell of a cliff hanger.

Let's go book 4
Profile Image for Simon Haine.
42 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2022
Luke is one of my favourite authors right now. I bought this book on the day it was released at the end of March, but due to personal commitments was unable to read it until now (August). While it may be 18 months (probably) since I read The Empty Men, and it took me a while to remember where we left things and where everyone fits into the story, I think it may be a lot less time for me to wait before book 4 is released.

As with the previous books in The Stone Man series, this one is full of death and destruction, love and heartbreak, and indeed action and adventure. It's well written, and is paced just right; enough to keep you wanting "just one more chapter", without giving you a heart attack from the amount of story crammed into each one.

It didn't take me long to get through this instalment; I opted for accompanying the Kindle book with the Audiobook, so it was finished in only a few days. The audiobook is read well, and you certainly get a good feel for the characters that way.

Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I did The Empty Men - and I loved that one. If you're a fan of Luke's work then there's no reason not to read this. If you've not picked up a book by Luke yet (I'd recommend starting with book 1 in this series rather than book 3), then you're in for a treat.
79 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2023
Not sure why but just didn't grip me as it should have.

This was a bit of a chore to complete for some reason. Listened to it on Audible and it took be about 6 months to complete - I never really felt like listening on - although there was nothing wrong with it.

I'm a big fan of Smitherd's stuff and have read everything he has released. The Stone Man was my first and it really pulled me in to the story and the characters. This one did not.

It was nice to see Andy and Paul again and I guess Maria is ok but I think I just don't 'get' or really care about Eric - which I suppose would mean not really caring about 40% of the book. He's just some guy - I couldn't tell you anything about his personality or motivations really even though there's always (probably too much? Introspection from the characters).

There was plenty going on but it didn't feel very fresh or particularly exciting (even though it was objectively exciting events). I found myself thinking often, 'have I already heard this bit?' 'didn't this happen before?' etc. It didn't flow for me...

Grudgingly I think I have to give it a 2.5 stars because as I say I really enjoy most of Luke's stuff.
59 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2022
Coming off the nonstop thrill ride that was The Empty Men, The Stone Giant continues to barrel forward at a hundred miles an hour, catapulting the cast Smitherd's readers have already fallen in love with through a series of events that are best described as bloody enthralling.

Whereas Empty Men focused on new protagonists, The Stone Giant also takes a step back, reintroducing the reader to certain fan favorites from The Stone Man while providing answers everybody's been looking forward to since the moment we met Andy nearly a decade ago. There are new characters, who are just as well developed as the protagonists we've come to know, action sequences that bleed off the page, and a handful of twists that will have you eagerly awaiting book 4.

Read The Stone Man and The Empty Men if you haven't, then pick this one up. You won't be sorry.
Profile Image for Jaberona B.L..
Author 12 books38 followers
July 10, 2022
The 3rd book in the series. More mystery! More strange stuff happening! More people running around trying to keep up with all the craziness. People displaying different kinds of supernatural abilities. Some genuinely interesting developments, yet we still don't really know anything about the invaders. I'm beginning to fear that in the end people will just somehow defeat them while never meeting them face to face or fully understanding them, and will be, like "I wish we knew who those creatures were and what they wanted" - "We'll never know that, but what's important is they'll never come back!" Personally, I'll buy the next book(s) in the series only if I see a bunch of reviews saying that there was a satisfactory ending that answered all the questions. I still like the author's style, so I hope he has a good ending in store!
762 reviews14 followers
January 19, 2023
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:

Just dragging it out, eh? Another book to read? Probably not.

This book continues the story a bit, but most of it is really just filling in chunks of time from various perspectives that got us to this point. And if you're keeping track, it's the 5th arrival. But since reading it feels like watching a pachinko ball bouncing back and forth through time, it makes the book feel like a series of "oh yeah, this happened too". And it ends with a brief description of the plan for the future.

The first book was such a great idea that it's disappointing that we are three books in and still no answers. There isn't enough substance to warrant three books, let alone four. So, I'm done. No more stone men for me.

Skip it!
659 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2022
Luke Smitherd has done his readers proud once more with yet another tension filled story in his Stone Man series. One thing to note straight away is it is definitely best to have read the previous books in the series. It’s hard to say much about the story without including spoilers other than to say there are some big developments for all the characters involved. Luke Smitherd keeps the pace up with the relentlessness of the Stone Men themselves. This is a really imaginative series and this episode is as good as any that came before it. Great Work as always from Mr Smitherd.
Profile Image for Gary Loewy.
132 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2024
I do think this book had the opportunity to really very good. But in my opinion it wasn't.
The 2 main protagonists where both uninteresting and sad.
I didn't feel any empathy for either.
In fact towards the ending of the book, I kept thinking they need to grow a pair.
There was no real explanation as to why these monsters came to earth.
I know the idea was to harvest human DNA, but if they had all this technology, surely they...who ever they are, could have come up with a better plan.
May it's explained in the other books.
Profile Image for Sarah.
138 reviews
August 31, 2022
That sinking feeling when you r alise there's only an hour left and it definitely isn't wrapping up yet, so you have another book to wait for! Coupled with the pleasing fact that there will be another book to enjoy. Double edged sword! Another great installment, some cruel twists (re. the Afterword Mr Smitherd - and so you should!) and fantastic narration once again. Looking forward to Book 4. You swine.
Profile Image for Lisa Brandl.
91 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2023
Really enjoyed this one out of the whole series. The story itself is so unique. I re-read The Stone Man 10 years after first reading it and then I see there are two others in the series. I was pretty thrilled to find the story continued, because the ending of the first one haunted me for years. This book synthesizes what occurred during “The Empty Men” and answers a lot of questions. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Bianca.
64 reviews
August 9, 2025
Not is scary as the empty men, those were absolute. you see a lot of laughter a lot of friendship a lot of love a lot of pain really it dives deep into the meaning of love you can live in one day the love of your life and it can really really happen was just incredible. there is so much loving these books. I don't really want to say too much because I don't want Luke to be angry with me :).
8 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2022
Can't wait for the next one

Enthralling and brilliant continuing chapters of the Stone Men saga. I thought this was the final book and was delighted to find out there are more chapters come in book 4.
6 reviews
April 25, 2022
On the edge of my seat

These books tend to be slow burn building up character's, information and other before rising to a crescendo and ending before a conclusion. Frustrating but addictive would strongly recommend.
2 reviews
October 19, 2022
Great Read..

Loved it..could barely put it down...so many times I thought pics on housework and just keep reading ..my only disappointment was I thought it was going to teach some kind of finish..and of course the people that I died..can't wait to read the next one ..
6 reviews
May 3, 2023
Booked get better and getter

Book 1 in the series was good, book 2 was better and this book 3 is the best so far. Couldn't put it down, read it one long sitting. Can't wait for the final book in the series. Come on Luke, get it finished and give us all the answers!
643 reviews
August 20, 2023
Highly entertaining. Creative and imaginative, the Stone Man series will keep the reader entertained. However, if you are a reader that likes all loose end tied up neatly, this is not the series for you.
3 reviews
December 15, 2024
The third instalment in the Stoneman series takes us back to the scene of the first arrival and introduces new ideas whilst fleshing out from the earlier books. Can sometimes feel a bit like a slog but worth persevering looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Kelly Rickard.
494 reviews8 followers
May 2, 2022
Back for book 3. The continuing story of the invasion of the U.K from the stone men. A slow burning read.
Profile Image for Becky.
185 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2022
Another banger

Just read em, it's a great series by the #1 author. Roll on book 4, good luck to our circuit!
5 reviews
August 8, 2022
Grear

Great book, read it! Very much the book of Stephen King, but without the bullsh**. What see you waiting for?
Profile Image for David Atkinson.
Author 7 books23 followers
November 29, 2023
excellent

Great story nice characters I love Sophie but poor Sophie too. I won’t say anymore or I’ll spoil it. Read this you’ll love it.
Profile Image for Dave.
6 reviews
August 31, 2024
The author ran out of steam. Totally unsatisfactory.
Profile Image for Angela Kitchen.
1,114 reviews8 followers
May 7, 2025
The men keep on walking, will they be stopped? We will see.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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