Sleeping Giants

By: Sylvain Neuvel

Narrated by: full cast

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

An inventive debut in the tradition of World War Z and The Martian, told in interviews, journal entries, transcripts, and news articles, Sleeping Giants is a literary thriller fueled by a quest for truth - and a fight for control of earthshaking power.

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 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 - its origins, architects, and purpose unknown. Its 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 provenance of relic. What's clear is that Rose and her compatriots are on the edge of unraveling history's most perplexing discovery - and figuring out what it portends for humanity. But once the pieces of the puzzle are in place, will the result prove to be an instrument of lasting peace or a weapon of mass destruction?

©2016 Sylvain Neuvel (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"This stellar debut novel...masterfully blends together elements of sci-fi, political thriller and apocalyptic fiction...." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Excellent Audiobook, Unique writing style

Any additional comments?

Sleeping Giants was an amazing audiobook. The whole book is written as a case file, so it’s interviews and journal entries performed by a full cast audio (Audible version). It took about an hour for me to understand what exactly was happening in the story, but then I was hooked. Pieces of a giant metal robot have been found on Earth, and they’re suspected to be the remains of aliens on Earth thousands (or maybe millions) of years ago. The main players in the story are the lead scientist, a mathematician, and a couple of military pilots. And the un-named interviewer. It’s so interesting!

I don’t read a lot of science fiction, but this book was amazing. It was more focused on how humans would act in the face of the known existence of aliens instead of being a sci-fi alien story. I like to call this type of science fiction “near science fiction,” meaning that it could happen right now today. It’s not focused on a futuristic world or space travel. It’s similar to The Martian or Dark Matter where it takes present day society and then introduces a sci-fi element to it.

My favorite character in this book was Kara, one of the pilots. She’s spunky and disrespectful of authority. She does what she wants and she mouths off. The actress who played her was perfect. She reminded me of Julia Styles in all of her mid-90s movies (think 10 Things I Hate About You). I got a kick out of listening to her, and I was routing for her the whole way.

I read this book back in March right before the sequel was released, so it was perfect timing. I didn’t have to wait long to learn what happened next. Even still, there isn’t a huge cliffhanger at the end, so if you don’t get to the sequel right away, it’s not too terrible. Mostly, I just wanted more of the characters once I finished this book, and I was happy that I got that right away.

Blog: Opinionated Book Lover

odd, even offer ending.

story odd, but narrator excellent. just when I decided who he really was. a twist in the storyline changed that. happened twice. interesting for the right audience.

Rip off of geek culture

I do like this book. The story kept me entertained. However, some books pay homage to geek culture, pop culture, etc. this book has sooo many lame attempts that just fall flat on their face for me. Some of the characters are direct rip offs from the Martian or Battlestar Galactica. Inserting one liners about Star Wars that doesn’t help your story out in anyway comes off as cheap. I got so angry at this book because the story was good enough on its own and didn’t need that stuff. Vincent Hachour is a direct ripoff of Venket Kapoor from the Martian. (Later named Vincent in the movie)...Kara was a direct ripoff of Kara Trace from BSG. It’s not homage when you rip it off entirely.

Did not satisfy my itch for giant robots

It begins with an interesting idea. There is a good setup however it falters midway through. Unsatisfying ending.

It Was Just Okay

It had a good start but the characters and situations didn't develop at an enjoyable speed. It was too slow and it seemed like the author left a lot unanswered.

I want more...

I absolutely enjoyed this book. The premise, the development of the characters and the artful delivery of the story itself was very engaging. The voice actors and the way the kept me wanting more was awesome. There better be a freakin' second book lol. I def want this story to continue. Much props.

what a Great listen!!

I really enjoyed the story AND the narration! This story was a break from my usual type of book but certainly not a disappointment! Looking forward to the sequel.

Fantastic book!

I loved this book! phenomenal and well-developed characters (though some characters' voice acting was 3.5/5 stars), compelling story and plot line and clever twists. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially those who love action and mystery. Well done, very well done!

Exciting Beginning to New Series

I don't understand the negative reviews. Sleeping Gisnts is a gripping action packed mysterious first chapter of an exciting new series. I won't summarize the story as its been done already but I will say I enjoyed the method of telling the story via journal entries and recorded interviews. This leaves the reader/listener with a lot of unanswered questions. Guess what? I'm totally fine with that. My only problem is the tortuous wait for the next installment.

A quick comment on the performances - normally I don't enjoy these full cast type narrations but it works and is essential for Sleeping Giants. IMO It would be difficult to keep up with the different storytelling devices without the separate narrators. Also the different voices gives the story more of a journalist/interview/documentary feel.

In short I loved it and can't wait for part 2

excellent start to a new series

If you have read my other reviews you know I'm an asimov fan. This series might just fill the void in my heart that the foundation series left.