Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel

Sleeping Giants
Themis Files: Book One
Written by Sylvain Neuvel
Science Fiction, Adult, Thriller
Published April 26, 2016 by Del Ray
ARC obtained through Netgalley
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
A girl named Rose is riding her new bike near her home in Deadwood, South Dakota, when she falls through the earth. She wakes up at the bottom of a square-shaped hole, its walls glowing with intricate carvings. But the firemen who come to save her peer down upon something even stranger: a little girl in the palm of a giant metal hand.

Seventeen years later, the mystery of the bizarre artifact remains unsolved—the object’s origins, architects, and purpose unknown. Carbon dating defies belief; military reports are redacted; theories are floated, then rejected.

But some can never stop searching for answers.

Rose Franklin is now a highly trained physicist leading a top-secret team to crack the hand’s code. And along with her colleagues, she is being interviewed by a nameless interrogator whose power and purview are as enigmatic as the relic they seek. What’s clear is that Rose and her compatriots are on the edge of unraveling history’s most perplexing discovery—and finally figuring out what it portends for humanity. But once the pieces of the puzzle are in place, will the result be an instrument of lasting peace or a weapon of mass destruction?

The day a young girl falls through a hole in South Dakota is the day the world changes forever. Years later, that same girl who first fell into the mysterious giant hand is back. She is now the lead physicist on a project dedicated to recovering and reassembling the pieces of what is believed to be a metal giant.

An unknown figure invested in the project is behind the screen, questioning the main characters as the story is told in interview segments. Following the projects lead participants: Rose, Kara, Vincent and Ryan is an exciting ride as together they slowly reassemble an ancient old artifact. However, they may be in over their heads as what they soon discover is that this is not a man made machine.

kynndra's thoughts

Sleeping Giants is quite honestly something I've never read before. I went into it knowing relatively nothing. You see, I've been going through a phase where the idea of extraterrestrial existence is not only intriguing but exciting. So when I saw this beauty on Netgalley I was quick to request it. I'm happy that I did, for it's one of my favorites this year. The novel is told in a unique interview/files format between a mysterious figure and those involved with recovering the Giants pieces. This worked better than I originally thought it would as it makes you feel like you're in on this highly classified job.

The story flowed really quickly, I think part of that is due to how it's written. Neuvel made sure the interviews were to the point - there's no beating around the bush here which is something I really appreciated. However, it also was a page turner because of how thrilling it was. As a reader, just like the characters, you're both so obsessed with finding out what exactly it is that they've stumbled upon and what this obscurely large artifact is doing buried across the globe.

"I'm just saying, these things are buried in the dirt. The reason for that might be slightly less romantic than what we're all hoping for..."

As for the characters, they too were a treat. All involved with the reassemblage of the Giant were dedicated to their mission while also remaining unique in their own way. They each had their motives and their own voice. The interviewer had to be my absolute favorite. He's an asshole, but is someone I found to be cheeky and appealing. I'm happy that that the Themis files will be a series as I need to find out who the hell he is.

In the beginning I kept envisioning something similar to Transformers - you know when the man falls through the ice and discovers the robot in the Arctic? And BOOM they all come to life and start wrecking havoc? No, nothing to that magnitude, but let me assure you it's still very exciting. The entire time I was transfixed, waiting for the next big discovery. Sylvain Neuvel certainly has a knack for capturing and holding his audiences attention. I have a feeling that this series will become something HUGE. It has the qualities a book needs to have to be made into a big budget movie or even a television series.

I realize I'm being very vague.. but as I'm writing this review, I realize I can't say much partially because this book is about the discovery and it just wouldn't be the same if I emphasized more on what happens during the course of the plot. Sleeping Giants doesn't come out for nearly half a year, although I hope when it does you'll all pick it up - or rush to Netgalley and request a copy ASAP!

in conclusion

Sleeping Giants was an absolute thrill ride that leaves the reader wanting more. You'll be flipping through the pages with a frantic need to know EVERYTHING. Sylvain has created something believable and brilliant here. The story was unpredictable, and even more important - something exciting. It makes you wonder what hides beneath our home planets soil, and just maybe - we're not alone, maybe we never have been. Sure to be a hit amongst all who enjoy exploring the unknown.

KYnndra is currently reading The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon, binge watching The X-Files and pondering the possibility of aliens.


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38 comments

  1. a fav you say? oh wow now I am so super excited, I was looking at this one too :D

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    1. An absolute top favorite! Definitely worth being excited over. Ahh! Look harder, it's worth it :D

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  2. I love a good page turner. I think the interview format sounds awesome and intriguing. I love it when authors switch it up a bit. I'm all for a decent adult fiction thriller so I'm definitely putting this on my list. Great Review!

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    1. It certainly is a page turner. It'll make you go "Oh hell, what?!" *reads 50 more pages*. The interview format was executed well, it really was unique. In all honesty, despite it being adult fiction, I'm sure YA lovers would enjoy it just as much. Thank you!

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  3. I hadn't heard of this one, so thanks for putting it on my radar. It sounds really interesting. I like the set up of the book too - I'm a big fan of unconventional means of telling stories.

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    1. You're welcome. I'm glad I can introduce this debut novel to those who haven't heard of it. It genuinely is a very interesting book. If you like unconventional tellings you'll be sure to enjoy Sleeping Giants ^^

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  4. This is such an interesting premise! Kind of reminds me of The Iron Giant, which I loved as a kid. I might have to check this one out!

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    1. Gah! I'd forgotten about The Iron Giant, I loved that movie when I was a child - still do c:

      You definitely should check this one out, it's well worth it.

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  5. This is one of my most anticipated reads! I was veryyy tempted to just get it off netgalley, but girl, Sleeping Giants is one of those books that you need in physical form lol. I remember when I first heard about it a couple of months ago, it just screamed me, so I'm glad to see reviews rolling in which such high praises!

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    1. You're absolutely right there, Martika. I wish I had the patience you do - but I just had to have it as soon as I could. When it releases I'll be the first in like to buy a hard copy. Let me tell you, it's worthy of such high praise! I cannot wait until you and the general public get to read it in April.

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  6. A book that has you enticed throughout the whole thing? YES! I hadn't heard of this one before, but I'm glad I have no because it is now on my TBR. Super excited to get my hands on it :)

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    1. Yes, 100% enticed. Glad to hear you've added it to your TBR c:

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  7. Oh man, I love a unique cast of characters and these all sounds like they have their own personality traits! This book sounds so fascinating. I'm going to have to give it a shot very soon! Thanks for sharing, girl :)

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    1. They really are unique, Sarah. I absolutely adored the difference between all characters involved in the store. It's a very fascinating story c: No problem! It was my pleasure.

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  8. This one sounds very interesting indeed :) I'll definitely have to pick up a copy in April! Thanks for putting it on my radar Kynndra :)

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    1. You definitely should pick it up! It's well worth it ^^ No problem, bub!

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  9. Alright, I SERIOUSLY need to read this book. No joke, it will be mine! :D

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    1. You SERIOUSLY do need to read this book, Christy. Can't wait until you do! c:

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  10. Damn girl, you're making me so excited for this one! I have a copy of the eARC and I think I'll start reading it today because of your review! I just love sci-fi and anything with conspiracy theories that could blow the world's mind away :D

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. You absolutely should be excited, Faye ^^ Gah! Yes, please do start it ASAP. I genuinely look forward to seeing what you think about this one. It has all those qualities, especially the sci-fi aspect. Hope you enjoy it!

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  11. This sounds very interesting, quite different from anything else I've seen. I like it. Haha I'm definitely adding this to my TBR, thank you for sharing!

    ~Noor
    a little bit of sunshine

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    1. If it's anything, it's different AND interesting! No problem, it's my pleasure c;

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  12. Sci-Fi is not my usual genre, but you definitely made me intrigued. I love books where the author keeps me on my toes and I have to guess until the end. Great review!

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    1. Even if sci-fi isn't your typical genre (I used to detest it , but now it's one of my favorites) it's still incredibly enjoyable. Sleeping Giants for sure keeps the reader on their toes! Thank you very much, Ksenia c:

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  13. Thank you for bringing this to my attention Kynndra! I'm due for some sci-fi and this one sounds delightful. Awesome review, thank you for keeping the mystery! Heading now to Netgalley to beg for it. Lol :)

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    1. You're quite welcome, Ana! Sleeping Giants is quite delightful. Hah! You're welcome, I wouldn't dare spoil the magic and wonder of the mystery. Thank you very much, I appreciate it. I hope you get approved c;

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  14. Uhhh. THIS SOUNDS AMAZING. Which is weird because I did not see this on Netgalley, though then again I haven't been on there in awhile. But this also kind of reminds me of the Iron Giant movie, even though I'm guessing the stone giant never comes to life. OR DOES IT? Guess I'll have to read about the discovery :)

    Awesome review Kynndra!

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    1. Val! IT IS AMAZING, I PROMISE. It's on Netgalley, front page of the sci-fi and fantasy section. It definitely has a little tug towards the Iron Giant - which I absolutely adore. Bah! I shall say nothing, you have to read about the discovery to appreciate it to its fullest ^^

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  15. Oh my goodness this book sounds amazing, not to mention I adore the striking cover designs. It sounds like a perfect scifi, I adore the ones that makes you question your current reality. I will have to request it on NG and have my fingers tightly crossed!

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    1. DO IT AENTEE. I NEED TO KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS AND YOU'D MAKE BEAUTIFUL GRAPHICS FOR IT. I hope you get approved on NG, you'll have to let me know if you like it. The cover is gorgeous.

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  16. I'd have to say that I am liking it so far. I am still reading the book, and I love the fact that it gets me excited to read chapter after chapter.

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    1. I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying it Dre. I hope you enjoy it the entire way through. It's definitely an exciting book c:

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  17. Oh wow this sounds good!

    PS love your blog header!!

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    1. It's really good!

      The header is Kelly's doing, but thank you :D I'll pass it along.

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  18. I haven't heard of this one, but seeing the blurb and halfway reading your reviews, it seems to have Transformers vibe! I'm glad you like it, and it's one of your favorites. I never read any books similar to this before. Really curious, might be reading it soon :)

    Tasya @ The Literary Huntress

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    1. It does have the Transformers vibe, but it's actually quite different! I can garentee there's nothing similar to this! I hope you do read it Tasya c:

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  19. I've seen this book about but wasn't sure what it was about, and it definitely sounds intriguing! My ears perked up when you said transformers lol. I'll have to put this on my list!

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    1. It really is intriguing, Jeann. Ha! Yeah, the Transformers bit in the book really hooked me. Not quite like that, but it has an essence there that reminds me of the movies! Can't wait to see your thoughts if you read it :D

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