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March of the Stone Men - The Stone Man, Book Four: A Science Fiction Thriller
March of the Stone Men – The Stone Man, Book Four
The return of the Stone Men reaches its dramatic conclusion…
The internationally bestselling Stone Man series returns! The five battered survivors of the Fifth Arrival have reached the Isle of Skye, only to face an impossible destroy the Barrier that has trapped the country and stop the ever-growing army of Stone Men. The survival of humanity itself hangs in the balance, and though they’ve been given their greatest weapon yet, our heroes must first learn how to wield it... before time runs out.
But these are ordinary, frightened, and exhausted people. Their journey will take them from the rugged coast of Scotland to the heart of England, crossing the land on foot. As secrets come to light and tensions rise, conflicting personal objectives threaten the fragile balance essential for harnessing their powers as a unit. To stand a chance, our heroes must master their unity or face annihilation.
The March of the Stone Men has begun.
Concluding the epic arc that began in The Empty Men and continued through The Stone Giant, the fourth installment of The Stone Man series promises to thrill, terrify, and captivate readers once more—twelve years in the making.
PRAISE FOR 'THE STONE MAN':
"THE STONE MAN is a novel that intrigues, enthralls, horrifies, thrills, and hits the reader with an emotional resonance as only the best stories can."
-Ain't It Cool News
"Tagged as both science fiction and a thriller, this is a book that has it strong characterization, moral quandaries, mystery, and a whole lot of tense moments all presented through the narration of a fallible, all too human protagonist that you can't help but root for. Reading the final sentence of the The Stone Man was truly a bittersweet moment."
- SFsignal, Hugo award-winning website
The return of the Stone Men reaches its dramatic conclusion…
The internationally bestselling Stone Man series returns! The five battered survivors of the Fifth Arrival have reached the Isle of Skye, only to face an impossible destroy the Barrier that has trapped the country and stop the ever-growing army of Stone Men. The survival of humanity itself hangs in the balance, and though they’ve been given their greatest weapon yet, our heroes must first learn how to wield it... before time runs out.
But these are ordinary, frightened, and exhausted people. Their journey will take them from the rugged coast of Scotland to the heart of England, crossing the land on foot. As secrets come to light and tensions rise, conflicting personal objectives threaten the fragile balance essential for harnessing their powers as a unit. To stand a chance, our heroes must master their unity or face annihilation.
The March of the Stone Men has begun.
Concluding the epic arc that began in The Empty Men and continued through The Stone Giant, the fourth installment of The Stone Man series promises to thrill, terrify, and captivate readers once more—twelve years in the making.
PRAISE FOR 'THE STONE MAN':
"THE STONE MAN is a novel that intrigues, enthralls, horrifies, thrills, and hits the reader with an emotional resonance as only the best stories can."
-Ain't It Cool News
"Tagged as both science fiction and a thriller, this is a book that has it strong characterization, moral quandaries, mystery, and a whole lot of tense moments all presented through the narration of a fallible, all too human protagonist that you can't help but root for. Reading the final sentence of the The Stone Man was truly a bittersweet moment."
- SFsignal, Hugo award-winning website
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
33 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Luke Smitherd
32 books593 followersLuke 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
www.lukesmitherd.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 23, 2024
An interesting ending to an interesting saga.
A thankfully more linear, and in someways more focused tale than the prior entry.
Has a lot of promising ideas, but also a lot of exploration of the nebulous ideas.
In fact it spends an awfully large amount of time in abstract inner worlds
Which make sense but feel like we're losing s grip on the inherent reality's of the book.
The visceral real impact of early books being lost in the "threads" as it were
Well realised characters with some hasty arcs.
And larger answers hinted at. But little actually resolved .
I enjoyed it. It's worth reading if how got this far.
I started this review at 4 stars, and dropped it to three when I was writing..maybe retuning one day will bump it back up
A thankfully more linear, and in someways more focused tale than the prior entry.
Has a lot of promising ideas, but also a lot of exploration of the nebulous ideas.
In fact it spends an awfully large amount of time in abstract inner worlds
Which make sense but feel like we're losing s grip on the inherent reality's of the book.
The visceral real impact of early books being lost in the "threads" as it were
Well realised characters with some hasty arcs.
And larger answers hinted at. But little actually resolved .
I enjoyed it. It's worth reading if how got this far.
I started this review at 4 stars, and dropped it to three when I was writing..maybe retuning one day will bump it back up
October 26, 2024
March of the Stone Men is the fourth and final book in Smitherd's tetralogy.
There's a lot to say about it, but nearly everything I could say might spoil the read for the millions of readers who've waiting a decade for its release. Because of this, I'll keep my thoughts forward and concise:
I meant to spend the week reading this novel. I blew through it in a single night.
Smitherd manages to wrap up nearly every single one of his storylines, leaving only a few dangling threads for what we might assume [hope?] will be a sequel series sometime in the future. The characters are impeccably written, and the book is perhaps the most action-packed in the series, which is saying something if you've read book two [The Empty Men]. What sets this one apart is the emotional core, though. It's moving. And it's sad. And it's going to absolutely destroy you in a way no book has. Prepare yourself. You'll feel things.
I read plenty of novels every year; usually close to 150. This is the one I'll be thinking about for quite a while. This series was an adventure. I'm glad to have been a part of it as a reader.
There's a lot to say about it, but nearly everything I could say might spoil the read for the millions of readers who've waiting a decade for its release. Because of this, I'll keep my thoughts forward and concise:
I meant to spend the week reading this novel. I blew through it in a single night.
Smitherd manages to wrap up nearly every single one of his storylines, leaving only a few dangling threads for what we might assume [hope?] will be a sequel series sometime in the future. The characters are impeccably written, and the book is perhaps the most action-packed in the series, which is saying something if you've read book two [The Empty Men]. What sets this one apart is the emotional core, though. It's moving. And it's sad. And it's going to absolutely destroy you in a way no book has. Prepare yourself. You'll feel things.
I read plenty of novels every year; usually close to 150. This is the one I'll be thinking about for quite a while. This series was an adventure. I'm glad to have been a part of it as a reader.
March 10, 2025
Luke is one of my favourite authors. The Stone Man series did not introduce me to Luke's work, and it's not my favourite (The Physics of the Dead, for those interested - check it out), but to have so many people excited about a series 10 years in the making is a testament to how good Luke is.
This book told by Andy through voice notes, is probably my favourite of the series. We see the gang together as they try to get their captured stone man under their control before taking it across the UK for a whistle-stop tour of the sights. Okay, maybe not that last part, but maybe the stone men are just misjudged and would quite like to have a ride on the London Eye before harvesting a few spines.
There are some moments in this book that will have you on the edge of your seat, shouting words of encouragement. There are some moments in this book that, if you are listening to the audiobook, you should not be listening to while driving. Hats off to the narrator, Matt Addis, for getting through this without crying, or shouting at Luke for *certain decisions*.
If you've read any of the Stone Man series, you're likely already going to read this, and my review means very little. If you're here for any other reason, I would recommend heading back to book 1, and we'll see you back here shortly after.
This book told by Andy through voice notes, is probably my favourite of the series. We see the gang together as they try to get their captured stone man under their control before taking it across the UK for a whistle-stop tour of the sights. Okay, maybe not that last part, but maybe the stone men are just misjudged and would quite like to have a ride on the London Eye before harvesting a few spines.
There are some moments in this book that will have you on the edge of your seat, shouting words of encouragement. There are some moments in this book that, if you are listening to the audiobook, you should not be listening to while driving. Hats off to the narrator, Matt Addis, for getting through this without crying, or shouting at Luke for *certain decisions*.
If you've read any of the Stone Man series, you're likely already going to read this, and my review means very little. If you're here for any other reason, I would recommend heading back to book 1, and we'll see you back here shortly after.
May 16, 2025
I can't decide between 3 or 4 stars, I think it's overall a decent ending to the Stone Man story, but this last book in particular is just so messy and meandering which takes away from the entire series unfortunately.
Spoilers:
The majority of the book is spent walking the Stone Man from Scotland to Coventry, which while is a fair walk, but it felt like this section dragged on far too long, with the payoff at the end not being worth it.
I wasn't expecting a complete happy ending and back to normal, especially with what happened to the majority of the people in Britain, but the ending we're given is more of a status quo, and we get no further explanation to the Caterus; why were they here, where are they from, what do they want?
Some closure would have been nice.
The writing is good though, and the characters are likeable and believable, plus the narration for the audiobook is fantastic.
As an Irish person though, the obligatory complaint about "British Isles" being used to include Ireland.
Oh, and the use of the Imperial system is so annoying - I know the author is British, and the book is set in Britain, but for the vast majority of readers, using MPH, feet, yards etc is so confusing.
Spoilers:
The majority of the book is spent walking the Stone Man from Scotland to Coventry, which while is a fair walk, but it felt like this section dragged on far too long, with the payoff at the end not being worth it.
I wasn't expecting a complete happy ending and back to normal, especially with what happened to the majority of the people in Britain, but the ending we're given is more of a status quo, and we get no further explanation to the Caterus; why were they here, where are they from, what do they want?
Some closure would have been nice.
The writing is good though, and the characters are likeable and believable, plus the narration for the audiobook is fantastic.
As an Irish person though, the obligatory complaint about "British Isles" being used to include Ireland.
Oh, and the use of the Imperial system is so annoying - I know the author is British, and the book is set in Britain, but for the vast majority of readers, using MPH, feet, yards etc is so confusing.
August 9, 2025
First thing... The end of the quadrilogy.. beautiful, horror (if you don't like splatter, may I suggest you read it anyway and and just skip the really splattery parts.. it is so worth Reading. The characters, the strength, the anger, the thoughts, the pain, will just stay with you forever they really will. I can just say that Luke Smitherd is a genius, a bit messed up haha to write something like this but a genius he is. If somebody doesn't pick this up and make this into a movie which will absolutely become a blockbuster then they are absolutely crazy. It actually is written like a movie script there is so much action in there so much detail sometimes too much detail but you can really live it. I wonder if someday Luke you will pick up that pen or that PC or whatever you use to write these incredible books and write a fifth book. Let me know beforehand okay I do subscribe to your newsletter and I want to know. I need to prepare myself psychologically. :) folks just by this and read the whole four books. They are an experience.
September 1, 2025
I guess it’s more like three and half stars for this one, but I loved the entire series, and I can’t suggest it enough; only lower for this one because it took a while to get into and the story was becoming a bit mystical and nearly went off the rails for a bit there; it found its way back to the action packed shitstorm I’ve been totally captured by for the last three books. I wanted a TEENY tiny bit more from the ending as well, but I understand why it went the way it did.
The series overall is INCREDIBLY creative and unique; you’ve never read a story like this. I absolutely loved getting so immersed in it, and I struggle to know how I’ll understand whatever I try to read next after pouring so much attention into this smartly built and endlessly interesting four book set. Pretty sad at the prospect of having no more of it to read, I’ve been so attached.
The series overall is INCREDIBLY creative and unique; you’ve never read a story like this. I absolutely loved getting so immersed in it, and I struggle to know how I’ll understand whatever I try to read next after pouring so much attention into this smartly built and endlessly interesting four book set. Pretty sad at the prospect of having no more of it to read, I’ve been so attached.
March 6, 2025
CONTAINS SPOILERS
I first picked up a copy of the Stone Man in car boot sale many years ago. Read it over the next few evenings and really enjoyed it. It was great to read about ordinary people in extraordinary situations in ordinary places.
On the whole I’ve enjoyed the series, it’s been entertaining.
I think this is my least favourite, a bit like transformers at times “robots hitting each other”
Since a short way into the Empty Men I was sure Edgewick would turn out to be the brigadier’s husband. Wrong of course.
I first picked up a copy of the Stone Man in car boot sale many years ago. Read it over the next few evenings and really enjoyed it. It was great to read about ordinary people in extraordinary situations in ordinary places.
On the whole I’ve enjoyed the series, it’s been entertaining.
I think this is my least favourite, a bit like transformers at times “robots hitting each other”
Since a short way into the Empty Men I was sure Edgewick would turn out to be the brigadier’s husband. Wrong of course.
November 14, 2024
Wowza!!!
What an enthralling series! This last book had a good pace. My goodness, what an amazing imagination this author has. Intriguing! The Stone Man series offers a fresh and interesting storyline in science fiction. Incredible. You can tell that Smitherd put his heart and soul into this series. Bravo!
What an enthralling series! This last book had a good pace. My goodness, what an amazing imagination this author has. Intriguing! The Stone Man series offers a fresh and interesting storyline in science fiction. Incredible. You can tell that Smitherd put his heart and soul into this series. Bravo!
August 11, 2025
Unsatisfying end. I really loved the first three books. Each seemed to build on the previous book. Inventive with some interesting ideas. This one, I thought, would answer some questions. Offer some explanations. Nope! Wrong. Nothing is revealed or explained. No conclusion actually, as Smitherd left it wide open.
November 25, 2024
Re-read the entire series over the last week or so (including the newly re-edited TSM 10th anniversary re-release).
Genuine sadness saying goodbye to a lot of these characters - looking forward to whatever comes next.
Genuine sadness saying goodbye to a lot of these characters - looking forward to whatever comes next.
December 13, 2024
perfection
The only thing wrong about this book is that it doesn’t go on forever xx love it the best series I have read in a very long time ,unique and perfectly written . BRAVO. Please just one more book lol
The only thing wrong about this book is that it doesn’t go on forever xx love it the best series I have read in a very long time ,unique and perfectly written . BRAVO. Please just one more book lol
November 20, 2024
Great end to the series.
December 7, 2024
It's all over and I don't know how to feel 😭
August 1, 2025
Mehhh bit disappointed TBH.
August 11, 2025
Smitherd completes the Stone Man series with a compelling story set at a break neck pace. It leaves you breathless and hoping for more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews