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The Thing About Giants
Jacq is destined to hunt fearsome giants to protect her city—but when she meets a sensitive young giant named Corman in the forest, she realizes the world isn’t quite what she’s been taught. A page-turning adventure full of heart.
Thirteen-year-old Jacq Dyer is the daughter of two renowned giant hunters, although she’s never had much stomach for what they do. In a city built from giants’ bones, people rely on hunters to keep them prosperous and safe, and everyone knows that giants are violent, senseless creatures . . . aren’t they? But when an accident leaves Jacq lost and injured in the wilderness, she ends up face-to-face with Corman, a frightened young giant, and Misneach, his overgrown badger. Corman has just lost his dad to hunters, and he and Jacq must learn to trust each other if they’re going to find their ways home. But as they start finding out the truth about giant hunting—and the shadowy Resistance Jacq has grown up hating—they discover there’s more at stake than either of their people know. With captivating world-building and rich characters, debut author Christopher Galvin offers an engrossing and thought-provoking tale.
Thirteen-year-old Jacq Dyer is the daughter of two renowned giant hunters, although she’s never had much stomach for what they do. In a city built from giants’ bones, people rely on hunters to keep them prosperous and safe, and everyone knows that giants are violent, senseless creatures . . . aren’t they? But when an accident leaves Jacq lost and injured in the wilderness, she ends up face-to-face with Corman, a frightened young giant, and Misneach, his overgrown badger. Corman has just lost his dad to hunters, and he and Jacq must learn to trust each other if they’re going to find their ways home. But as they start finding out the truth about giant hunting—and the shadowy Resistance Jacq has grown up hating—they discover there’s more at stake than either of their people know. With captivating world-building and rich characters, debut author Christopher Galvin offers an engrossing and thought-provoking tale.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 24, 2026
Jacq's parents are giant hunters, but she has always thought the practice was barbaric. Despite growing up in a city literally made from giant bones, Jacq is dismayed when she is chosen to be trained as a giant hunter and follow in her parents footsteps. On her first mission outside the city, Jacq is lost in the wilderness where she meets Corman.
Corman is a young giant travelling with his father to find some medicinal herbs when they are attacked by giant hunters, throwing them all into a dangerous adventure and an awkward friendship that could change both their cultures forever.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
I loved this fun adventure! Every chapter is full of action and intrigue and wild ventures into the unknown. There is also quite a bit of mystery as Jacq and Corman discover the dastardly secrets behind the giant hunting craze.
I really loved that the world-building has all this history of ancient giant kings and how giants and humans first started to distrust each other. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a fictional quote from a giant or human about the hundreds of years of conflict between them. It makes it even more meaningful when Jacq and Corman flout all those centuries of strife and grief, and decide to trust each other.
But I had mixed feelings about the world-building including modern technology. I was expecting a kind of medieval fairy tale world, but the humans have helicopters, drones, and cell phones. The giants have no technology. It was a surprise at first, but once I got used to the parameters of this world, I thought it was really interesting and unique, to have half-fantasy world and half-modern world. It definitely gives the humans an edge in their giant hunting, and makes the giants almost helpless!
I really loved Jacq and Corman's characters! They are both very complex and emotional and full of anger and grief, so seeing them heal and be vulnerable with each other was really meaningful in their character development. It was especially beautiful to see Jacq coming to terms with her family's personal history with giant hunting, and discovering that she doesn't have to reject her family heritage to change the human world.
The writing is excellent, and I love that it pulls you into the story and gets you seeing everything right through the character's eyes. However, I did not like that the POV switched so often between Jacq And Corman. There are separate chapters for each of their POVs and they have distinct voices, so the POVs were very well done, but I just think it jumped between them too often. Sometimes in the middle of a scene, it would end the chapter with one piece of dialogue from Jacq, and then break for a chapter to switch to Corman's POV and then have Corman's answering dialogue for the same conversation. It was just too often and too abrupt sometimes! Other than that, I loved the writing though!
This book is so much fun and I loved the imaginative story!
This book has been screened on the Screen It First website. https://screenitfirst.com/book/the-th...
Corman is a young giant travelling with his father to find some medicinal herbs when they are attacked by giant hunters, throwing them all into a dangerous adventure and an awkward friendship that could change both their cultures forever.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
I loved this fun adventure! Every chapter is full of action and intrigue and wild ventures into the unknown. There is also quite a bit of mystery as Jacq and Corman discover the dastardly secrets behind the giant hunting craze.
I really loved that the world-building has all this history of ancient giant kings and how giants and humans first started to distrust each other. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a fictional quote from a giant or human about the hundreds of years of conflict between them. It makes it even more meaningful when Jacq and Corman flout all those centuries of strife and grief, and decide to trust each other.
But I had mixed feelings about the world-building including modern technology. I was expecting a kind of medieval fairy tale world, but the humans have helicopters, drones, and cell phones. The giants have no technology. It was a surprise at first, but once I got used to the parameters of this world, I thought it was really interesting and unique, to have half-fantasy world and half-modern world. It definitely gives the humans an edge in their giant hunting, and makes the giants almost helpless!
I really loved Jacq and Corman's characters! They are both very complex and emotional and full of anger and grief, so seeing them heal and be vulnerable with each other was really meaningful in their character development. It was especially beautiful to see Jacq coming to terms with her family's personal history with giant hunting, and discovering that she doesn't have to reject her family heritage to change the human world.
The writing is excellent, and I love that it pulls you into the story and gets you seeing everything right through the character's eyes. However, I did not like that the POV switched so often between Jacq And Corman. There are separate chapters for each of their POVs and they have distinct voices, so the POVs were very well done, but I just think it jumped between them too often. Sometimes in the middle of a scene, it would end the chapter with one piece of dialogue from Jacq, and then break for a chapter to switch to Corman's POV and then have Corman's answering dialogue for the same conversation. It was just too often and too abrupt sometimes! Other than that, I loved the writing though!
This book is so much fun and I loved the imaginative story!
This book has been screened on the Screen It First website. https://screenitfirst.com/book/the-th...
July 15, 2026
Full review to come. This wasn’t my typical middle grade or YA read, but it’s one I could see myself reading with students or using in class. It’s a solid fantasy with strong themes of accepting differences, friendship, courage, and doing what’s right even when it’s hard. There’s also a lot of anti-war messaging that can be applied to today’s society as well.
June 17, 2026
The Thing About Giants feels like one of those stories destined to be passed from reader to reader for years to come. Christopher Galvin has crafted a fantasy that is both epic in scope and deeply personal, filled with wonder, danger and discoveries, but anchored by an abundance of heart.
At its core, this is a story about questioning the truths we inherit and finding the courage to see the world through someone else's eyes. Galvin explores prejudice, grief and the abuse of power with sensitivity, never talking down to younger readers and trusting them to grapple with difficult ideas alongside his characters.
Corman and Jacq are wonderfully realised protagonists. Corman is gentle, thoughtful and deeply empathetic, carrying a quiet bravery that he rarely recognises in himself. Jacq is restless, determined and struggling with expectations placed upon her by a society built on fear and old certainties. Watching the two slowly dismantle the misconceptions they have been raised with and learn to trust one another is one of the book's greatest joys. And then there is Misneach, whose loyalty, warmth and larger-than-life presence ensure he steals every scene he enters.
Galvin's world feels steeped in history and myth. From the giant communities living in harmony with nature to the unsettling city of Fathach, built from the bones of giants, every location feels lived in and meaningful. The alternating perspectives between Corman and Jacq keep the pace moving and make it impossible not to read just one more chapter.
What stayed with me most, though, was the book's message. The Thing About Giants reminds us that fear is often inherited, prejudice is learned, and understanding begins the moment we dare to question the stories we've always been told. It is a magical, moving and beautifully written adventure filled with hope, compassion and characters I was reluctant to leave behind. I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.
At its core, this is a story about questioning the truths we inherit and finding the courage to see the world through someone else's eyes. Galvin explores prejudice, grief and the abuse of power with sensitivity, never talking down to younger readers and trusting them to grapple with difficult ideas alongside his characters.
Corman and Jacq are wonderfully realised protagonists. Corman is gentle, thoughtful and deeply empathetic, carrying a quiet bravery that he rarely recognises in himself. Jacq is restless, determined and struggling with expectations placed upon her by a society built on fear and old certainties. Watching the two slowly dismantle the misconceptions they have been raised with and learn to trust one another is one of the book's greatest joys. And then there is Misneach, whose loyalty, warmth and larger-than-life presence ensure he steals every scene he enters.
Galvin's world feels steeped in history and myth. From the giant communities living in harmony with nature to the unsettling city of Fathach, built from the bones of giants, every location feels lived in and meaningful. The alternating perspectives between Corman and Jacq keep the pace moving and make it impossible not to read just one more chapter.
What stayed with me most, though, was the book's message. The Thing About Giants reminds us that fear is often inherited, prejudice is learned, and understanding begins the moment we dare to question the stories we've always been told. It is a magical, moving and beautifully written adventure filled with hope, compassion and characters I was reluctant to leave behind. I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.
July 10, 2026
My favourite book of the year so far!
Full of heart and joy whilst also tackling some big issues. This is everything a book should be and adults and children will both get much enjoyment out of it.
I cannot wait to see what Christopher Galvin comes up with next. This is a highly promising debut set in the most compelling world which I already want to dive back into!
Full of heart and joy whilst also tackling some big issues. This is everything a book should be and adults and children will both get much enjoyment out of it.
I cannot wait to see what Christopher Galvin comes up with next. This is a highly promising debut set in the most compelling world which I already want to dive back into!
July 30, 2026
🦴 🌳 The Thing about Giants By Christopher Galvin 🌳🦴
🙌🏽 👏🏼 Mr. Galvin, stand up sir for your ovation! Wow - what a book! I’ve never read a book so slowly, so I could savour every morsel. 👏🏼🙌🏽
🦴 Think of every villainising thing that you’ve heard about giants: they will grind your bones, destroy everything in their path or they will steal you away in the night. I’m sure you can think of many books and movies depicting such things - well Christopher Galvin takes all of this and challenges the lot.
🌳 A truly remarkable and heart-warming tale of hope, friendship, loss, prejudice, corruption, family and love. The humans, in the upside, seek to destroy the giants and use their bones in various ways. The giants, have learned to fear humans and hide away from them.
💚 After an accident, our main characters Jacq and Corman are thrown together. Jacq quickly realises that everything she thought she knew about giants is a lie, while Corman’s understanding of humans is also challenged. This unlikely duo are full of heart and courage and they defy their parents in order to help one another. Their developing friendship is truly beautiful and I am living in hope for a book two.
🦴 What I love about this book is that the humans and giants could represent anything in our world today. How power corrupts, how hate corrupts, how differences can divide us… if we let it. I love that the giants have culture, tradition, colour, loyalty, love, pets, family and at the centre, they are people with feelings. Isn’t that a brilliant way to tackle stereotypes and prejudice with children? They are people. They have feelings. They are important. I love this celebration of humanity and think it is a must read for all.
Also to mention the wonderful excepts at the start of each chapter. I think they are so important in understanding how far back the hatred goes and where they started. From diary extracts and correspondence, they added so much to the narrative.
🌳 My review cannot capture how special this book is, so please, please read it.
🙌🏽 👏🏼 Mr. Galvin, stand up sir for your ovation! Wow - what a book! I’ve never read a book so slowly, so I could savour every morsel. 👏🏼🙌🏽
🦴 Think of every villainising thing that you’ve heard about giants: they will grind your bones, destroy everything in their path or they will steal you away in the night. I’m sure you can think of many books and movies depicting such things - well Christopher Galvin takes all of this and challenges the lot.
🌳 A truly remarkable and heart-warming tale of hope, friendship, loss, prejudice, corruption, family and love. The humans, in the upside, seek to destroy the giants and use their bones in various ways. The giants, have learned to fear humans and hide away from them.
💚 After an accident, our main characters Jacq and Corman are thrown together. Jacq quickly realises that everything she thought she knew about giants is a lie, while Corman’s understanding of humans is also challenged. This unlikely duo are full of heart and courage and they defy their parents in order to help one another. Their developing friendship is truly beautiful and I am living in hope for a book two.
🦴 What I love about this book is that the humans and giants could represent anything in our world today. How power corrupts, how hate corrupts, how differences can divide us… if we let it. I love that the giants have culture, tradition, colour, loyalty, love, pets, family and at the centre, they are people with feelings. Isn’t that a brilliant way to tackle stereotypes and prejudice with children? They are people. They have feelings. They are important. I love this celebration of humanity and think it is a must read for all.
Also to mention the wonderful excepts at the start of each chapter. I think they are so important in understanding how far back the hatred goes and where they started. From diary extracts and correspondence, they added so much to the narrative.
🌳 My review cannot capture how special this book is, so please, please read it.
July 13, 2026
Love this! So cute. I’m always so curious about how authors approach stories about giants and this did not disappoint. Awesome morals about bridging divides and being friends despite differences. Good message about hope and change. Super cool debut novel!
April 5, 2026
The Thing About Giants is a completely captivating, epic fantasy adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, with hope and heart and with friendship and family. Utterly unputdownable!
Young giant Corman and his father are on a dangerous mission from their underground home to the Upside. But, what could possibly cause danger to two giants, danger that makes them fear for their lives?
In the city of Fathach, whose walls and buildings are constructed from the bones of giants, twelve-year-old Jacq Dyer has been chosen to follow in the footsteps of her parents – and become a giant hunter, but what if she wants to choose her own path?
When Corman is separated from his father, he must find a way back home, but instead he finds a young girl who has also been separated from her father. Can the giant and the giant hunter overcome their fear and mistrust of each other and find the courage to change both their lives? What if everything you believed has been built upon the bones of lies? Will discovering the truth have the power to bring two worlds together?
Wow! What an absolutely incredible adventure. I loved the braided narrative structure that gave an insight into both the lives of giants and humans and allowed for some cliffhangers that made this a definite just-one-more-chapter read. In fact, this was a read-in-one-sitting book for me as I was completely drawn into the world and lives of Corman and Jacq and was gripped by their quest, not only to return to their families, but by the breathtaking discoveries they made that led them not only towards life-changing revelations but also towards increasing danger. I am being purposefully vague as to what happens as I really don’t want to reveal any spoilers for this gripping and epic adventure but, suffice to say, that I’m a HUGE fan of fantasy middle-grade and this is one of the best I’ve read – and will definitely be on my books of the year list.
The world-building is superb from the chapter epigraphs which give an insight into the history, politics and beliefs of both giants and those who built, and control, Fathach to the vivid and wonderful descriptions of the natural world outside the city contrasted with the eponymous city built on the bones of giants. I loved that different groups of giants – including river, forest and rock giants – were distinguished by their connection to nature and how they lived in harmony with the world around them. It made it all the more poignant that they were being persecuted by humans intent on their destruction including forcing them to leave their homes and find safe haven in other places. There are some important messages in this story about the abuse of power, manipulation and prejudice, but there is also hope that there are those who are willing to stand against these.
I absolutely adored both Corman and Jacq: kind-hearted, courageous, curious and empathetic – traits that allow them to work together to overcome fears, break down prejudices and bring hope. These are two characters, alongside Misneach (just wait to meet him!), who have found their way into my heart and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there are more adventures for this wonderful trio.
A breath-taking, gigantic treat of an adventure for readers of 9+.
Young giant Corman and his father are on a dangerous mission from their underground home to the Upside. But, what could possibly cause danger to two giants, danger that makes them fear for their lives?
In the city of Fathach, whose walls and buildings are constructed from the bones of giants, twelve-year-old Jacq Dyer has been chosen to follow in the footsteps of her parents – and become a giant hunter, but what if she wants to choose her own path?
When Corman is separated from his father, he must find a way back home, but instead he finds a young girl who has also been separated from her father. Can the giant and the giant hunter overcome their fear and mistrust of each other and find the courage to change both their lives? What if everything you believed has been built upon the bones of lies? Will discovering the truth have the power to bring two worlds together?
Wow! What an absolutely incredible adventure. I loved the braided narrative structure that gave an insight into both the lives of giants and humans and allowed for some cliffhangers that made this a definite just-one-more-chapter read. In fact, this was a read-in-one-sitting book for me as I was completely drawn into the world and lives of Corman and Jacq and was gripped by their quest, not only to return to their families, but by the breathtaking discoveries they made that led them not only towards life-changing revelations but also towards increasing danger. I am being purposefully vague as to what happens as I really don’t want to reveal any spoilers for this gripping and epic adventure but, suffice to say, that I’m a HUGE fan of fantasy middle-grade and this is one of the best I’ve read – and will definitely be on my books of the year list.
The world-building is superb from the chapter epigraphs which give an insight into the history, politics and beliefs of both giants and those who built, and control, Fathach to the vivid and wonderful descriptions of the natural world outside the city contrasted with the eponymous city built on the bones of giants. I loved that different groups of giants – including river, forest and rock giants – were distinguished by their connection to nature and how they lived in harmony with the world around them. It made it all the more poignant that they were being persecuted by humans intent on their destruction including forcing them to leave their homes and find safe haven in other places. There are some important messages in this story about the abuse of power, manipulation and prejudice, but there is also hope that there are those who are willing to stand against these.
I absolutely adored both Corman and Jacq: kind-hearted, courageous, curious and empathetic – traits that allow them to work together to overcome fears, break down prejudices and bring hope. These are two characters, alongside Misneach (just wait to meet him!), who have found their way into my heart and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there are more adventures for this wonderful trio.
A breath-taking, gigantic treat of an adventure for readers of 9+.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
This book has a giant role reversal, pun intended. Readers meet a young giant named Corman as he’s searching for medicinal plants to help his sick sister. It’s his first time above ground, so he’s leery of every new thing he sees, like an owl and a deer. However, the most fearsome things he might meet are humans trained to hunt and kill giants. Readers then meet Jacq, the daughter of the greatest giant hunter who was recently killed by rebels. Giants are slain to harvest their bones, which are used to make buildings, tools, and other things the humans need. However, Jacq has no interest in becoming a giant hunter and thinks the two groups should live in harmony. Her outlook on hunters strongly contrasts with expectations for the daughter of the greatest hunter hero, creating a major conflict.
The innocence and purity of Jacq and Corman will make this book endearing for young readers. Corman’s motivation is to bring healing herbs to his ailing sister. When things get tough, that thought gives him extra energy and determination. Jacq finds herself hunting for giants from a helicopter only because of her father’s orders. Her hope is to be rescued and returned to her home. Corman and Jacq are forced to work together to survive the dangers they encounter. However, their shared experiences allow their characters to grow and understand the enemies they’ve always feared. Giants aren’t emotionless, stupid beasts who want to devour humans. Not all humans are hunters who want to harvest the bones of slain giants.
There are overall themes of understanding others and the evils of greed. Humans and giants have been told horrible stories about each other since they were children, and short statements on the first page of each chapter reinforce them. There are different kinds of giants, and Corman’s people were forced underground seeking safety when humans arrived. Another effect of humans invading these lands is that the different kinds of giants rarely interact with each other anymore. In contrast, many humans are fixated on killing giants for their bones, and it’s an honor for children to be chosen to become giant hunters. Readers will learn later in the story that lies and schemes are being plotted, and Jacq will discover an unknown truth about her mother’s death.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers shouldn’t think too much about the logistics of giants, since an underground city of them is hard to imagine. Hidden passageways are challenging to envision when they’re big enough to fit giants. Also, if human society is developed enough to have helicopters, electronics, and factories, why are they so determined to harvest giants’ bones? Why not build structures utilizing the same metal used to make helicopters?
The final verdict:
This emotional, action-filled adventure shares thoughtful commentary regarding human behavior. Overall, young readers will be touched by the empathy and compassion shown by the main characters, and I recommend you give this book a chance.
This book has a giant role reversal, pun intended. Readers meet a young giant named Corman as he’s searching for medicinal plants to help his sick sister. It’s his first time above ground, so he’s leery of every new thing he sees, like an owl and a deer. However, the most fearsome things he might meet are humans trained to hunt and kill giants. Readers then meet Jacq, the daughter of the greatest giant hunter who was recently killed by rebels. Giants are slain to harvest their bones, which are used to make buildings, tools, and other things the humans need. However, Jacq has no interest in becoming a giant hunter and thinks the two groups should live in harmony. Her outlook on hunters strongly contrasts with expectations for the daughter of the greatest hunter hero, creating a major conflict.
The innocence and purity of Jacq and Corman will make this book endearing for young readers. Corman’s motivation is to bring healing herbs to his ailing sister. When things get tough, that thought gives him extra energy and determination. Jacq finds herself hunting for giants from a helicopter only because of her father’s orders. Her hope is to be rescued and returned to her home. Corman and Jacq are forced to work together to survive the dangers they encounter. However, their shared experiences allow their characters to grow and understand the enemies they’ve always feared. Giants aren’t emotionless, stupid beasts who want to devour humans. Not all humans are hunters who want to harvest the bones of slain giants.
There are overall themes of understanding others and the evils of greed. Humans and giants have been told horrible stories about each other since they were children, and short statements on the first page of each chapter reinforce them. There are different kinds of giants, and Corman’s people were forced underground seeking safety when humans arrived. Another effect of humans invading these lands is that the different kinds of giants rarely interact with each other anymore. In contrast, many humans are fixated on killing giants for their bones, and it’s an honor for children to be chosen to become giant hunters. Readers will learn later in the story that lies and schemes are being plotted, and Jacq will discover an unknown truth about her mother’s death.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers shouldn’t think too much about the logistics of giants, since an underground city of them is hard to imagine. Hidden passageways are challenging to envision when they’re big enough to fit giants. Also, if human society is developed enough to have helicopters, electronics, and factories, why are they so determined to harvest giants’ bones? Why not build structures utilizing the same metal used to make helicopters?
The final verdict:
This emotional, action-filled adventure shares thoughtful commentary regarding human behavior. Overall, young readers will be touched by the empathy and compassion shown by the main characters, and I recommend you give this book a chance.
September 9, 2026
The Thing about Giants by author Christopher Galvin, is a page-turning folklore fantasy adventure and a unique story about Giants.
You expect giants to be big, violent come across very unfriendly, not liking humans. But this story about giants is like no ordinary story.
For the giants Corman and goga, little did they expect, their day becomes heartbreaking.
Giant hunters are heading in Corman’s and his father’s direction. Young giant, Corman is to leave his father at their destination.
On Corman’s adventure all on his own heading home in the wilderness, he will meet the daughter of giant hunters, injured girl Jacq. What will young giant Corman do ? Will he help injured Jacq Dyer?
The Thing about Giants entertained me and I know this story will entertain children and middle grade readers.
You expect giants to be big, violent come across very unfriendly, not liking humans. But this story about giants is like no ordinary story.
For the giants Corman and goga, little did they expect, their day becomes heartbreaking.
Giant hunters are heading in Corman’s and his father’s direction. Young giant, Corman is to leave his father at their destination.
On Corman’s adventure all on his own heading home in the wilderness, he will meet the daughter of giant hunters, injured girl Jacq. What will young giant Corman do ? Will he help injured Jacq Dyer?
The Thing about Giants entertained me and I know this story will entertain children and middle grade readers.
July 8, 2026
It's hopeful, heartfelt, and a subtle mirror to humanity's own atrocities.
We follow a giant named Corman, who has recently been separated from his father and is trying to find his way back home. Along the way, he meets a human girl who is just as lost. Although both have been raised to fear the other's kind, they slowly form an unexpected friendship.
The survival themes and the instinct to protect yourself while still trying to save others weren't lost on me. While this is a middle grade story, it explores some deeply emotional themes, from grieving the loss of a parent to finding your way through unfamiliar paths and standing up against the very people who were meant to protect you. It touches on a lot, but never feels overwhelming.
I think I needed this book. It reminded me that kindness can exist even in the middle of fear, and that sometimes the strongest friendships are the ones that challenge everything we've been taught to believe. This was one of those middle grade stories that feels just as meaningful for adults as it does for younger readers.
We follow a giant named Corman, who has recently been separated from his father and is trying to find his way back home. Along the way, he meets a human girl who is just as lost. Although both have been raised to fear the other's kind, they slowly form an unexpected friendship.
The survival themes and the instinct to protect yourself while still trying to save others weren't lost on me. While this is a middle grade story, it explores some deeply emotional themes, from grieving the loss of a parent to finding your way through unfamiliar paths and standing up against the very people who were meant to protect you. It touches on a lot, but never feels overwhelming.
I think I needed this book. It reminded me that kindness can exist even in the middle of fear, and that sometimes the strongest friendships are the ones that challenge everything we've been taught to believe. This was one of those middle grade stories that feels just as meaningful for adults as it does for younger readers.
March 11, 2026
Jacq is the daughter of giant hunters and is expected to follow in their footsteps, but she has no interest in the hunt. When she unexpectedly finds herself among the giants and meets Corman, she begins to realise they are nothing like she was taught to believe.
This was such a wonderful adventure story — fast-paced, heartfelt, and full of important themes about questioning prejudice, thinking for yourself, and finding courage. I absolutely loved it and flew through it.
This was such a wonderful adventure story — fast-paced, heartfelt, and full of important themes about questioning prejudice, thinking for yourself, and finding courage. I absolutely loved it and flew through it.
June 15, 2026
Prejudice, propaganda and friendship between species, exciting KS2 adventure.
4.5 stars
A city built on giant bones. It doesn't sit well with Jacq, even when her mum was a giant hunter. Gearing up to take her place among the adult occupations in her hillside home, she can't bring herself to fill the same role as her mum.
Outside the city walls, Corman and his dad are above ground hunting themselves, for healing plants for his sister's sickness. But chased by 'metal birds' and humans, cornered, Corman is left alone and not knowing the way to his underground home. An angry fit of pique brings Jacq into Corman's life and the two may be able to help each other. And realise truths about their respective species at the same time.
This was such an enjoyably visual read, I can see this making a fantastic series for young people on TV, or a film. There are some excellent 'baddies' here, a wonderful outdoor setting in the forest and great set pieces at both Jacq's and Corman's homes.
The growing friendship between the two is believable and sweet, with the background quite shocking to readers - giants are killed for their bones, the absolute opposite to fairy stories (no coincidence that the heroine is called 'Jack'), and the stories/myths about each species are included as chapter starters throughout, we see the lies, the shared stories, the PR and messaging and can make up our own minds about the truth.
Exciting moments, some memorable minor characters (I really want to see Corman's badger-like pet on screen!) and a great tale of friendship between species.
Would definitely read another episode in the saga.
For ages 9 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
4.5 stars
A city built on giant bones. It doesn't sit well with Jacq, even when her mum was a giant hunter. Gearing up to take her place among the adult occupations in her hillside home, she can't bring herself to fill the same role as her mum.
Outside the city walls, Corman and his dad are above ground hunting themselves, for healing plants for his sister's sickness. But chased by 'metal birds' and humans, cornered, Corman is left alone and not knowing the way to his underground home. An angry fit of pique brings Jacq into Corman's life and the two may be able to help each other. And realise truths about their respective species at the same time.
This was such an enjoyably visual read, I can see this making a fantastic series for young people on TV, or a film. There are some excellent 'baddies' here, a wonderful outdoor setting in the forest and great set pieces at both Jacq's and Corman's homes.
The growing friendship between the two is believable and sweet, with the background quite shocking to readers - giants are killed for their bones, the absolute opposite to fairy stories (no coincidence that the heroine is called 'Jack'), and the stories/myths about each species are included as chapter starters throughout, we see the lies, the shared stories, the PR and messaging and can make up our own minds about the truth.
Exciting moments, some memorable minor characters (I really want to see Corman's badger-like pet on screen!) and a great tale of friendship between species.
Would definitely read another episode in the saga.
For ages 9 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
July 7, 2026
Loved this book! This is a story of humans and giants that is different than traditional stories. Jacq lives in a city that hunts giants and kills them for their bones. In the story giants are terrified of humans. Corman is a giant who lives underground. Circumstances happen where Corman and Jacq meet and have to decide if they will trust each other. The characters are dynamic and change throughout the story. Their adventures are filled with suspense. The chapters have different snippets at the beginning that give you insight into the history of the giant/human world. I loved the world that the author created and thought he did a good job giving enough information without it being too overwhelming. The emotions are high in this book and I felt very invested in the characters. I read it as an audiobook and the narrator did a great job with the different voices.
Recommended for grades 3-6 for those who like fantasy.
Recommended for grades 3-6 for those who like fantasy.
July 13, 2026
This was such a fun book! I LOVED it. It made me feel like I was in 5th grade again reading Harry Potter.
There were some pretty dark parts but they were well done. I did get emotional at times.
I loved the history of the Giants and how humans felt about that.
The friendships that came from this book were beautiful.
There were some pretty dark parts but they were well done. I did get emotional at times.
I loved the history of the Giants and how humans felt about that.
The friendships that came from this book were beautiful.
June 28, 2026
I Love the reference to Jack, in a book about giant hunters. Humans hunt giants out of fear and greed, and giants hate humans because they have forced them to hide. Jacq (human) and Corman (giant) both save each other, can they help their people overcome their fear of the other race? I love that Jacq discovers so much about herself, humans, and her family in this novel.
Katherine Moran did a great job bringing this story and these characters to life.
Katherine Moran did a great job bringing this story and these characters to life.
June 17, 2026
Fairytales, myths and legends can sometimes be misleading.
As two worlds collide and youngsters from very different cultures become unlikely friends, each learns that what they were told growing up can be different from the world they thought they were living in.
Jacq is a young human girl living in a city constructed from the bones of giants. She is destined to follow in her parents footsteps and become a giant hunter. Yet she hates her culture and wants no part in it.
After an incident out over the deep forest Jacq meets Corman a young giant, he is kind and helps by treating her wounds. In return she offers to help him find his way home to get much needed plant medicine to his sister who is terribly sick.
The pair come across evidence of ancient dwellings of giants before they moved underground. They encounter prejudice along their journey meeting different giants, rock giants and river giants.
They come across the human Resistance and finally encounter evil humans with more power than anyone should possess.
This book had me hooked from the beginning it most definitely is not your regular fairytale. In fact it is rather dark at times so aimed at readers 9+ for certain.
As two worlds collide and youngsters from very different cultures become unlikely friends, each learns that what they were told growing up can be different from the world they thought they were living in.
Jacq is a young human girl living in a city constructed from the bones of giants. She is destined to follow in her parents footsteps and become a giant hunter. Yet she hates her culture and wants no part in it.
After an incident out over the deep forest Jacq meets Corman a young giant, he is kind and helps by treating her wounds. In return she offers to help him find his way home to get much needed plant medicine to his sister who is terribly sick.
The pair come across evidence of ancient dwellings of giants before they moved underground. They encounter prejudice along their journey meeting different giants, rock giants and river giants.
They come across the human Resistance and finally encounter evil humans with more power than anyone should possess.
This book had me hooked from the beginning it most definitely is not your regular fairytale. In fact it is rather dark at times so aimed at readers 9+ for certain.
June 26, 2026
Great fantasy adventure story for age 8+. Giants ostracised and hunted by humans. Giants living in fear of their lives. It only takes one human to cross the line and get to know the truth. Full of empathy, danger, mystery.
June 21, 2026
** I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. **
This is a wonderful book that combines fantasy, friendship and action in an amazing way! It also teaches the importance of judging others based on their actions rather than the way they look or what you have been told by authority figures. And it does that without being preachy! I really loved the characters and the world and would love to read more by this author!
This is a wonderful book that combines fantasy, friendship and action in an amazing way! It also teaches the importance of judging others based on their actions rather than the way they look or what you have been told by authority figures. And it does that without being preachy! I really loved the characters and the world and would love to read more by this author!
September 16, 2026
What is The Thing About Giants about?
Humans and Giants have been enemies for as long as people can remember. Luckily people live in a walled city for security, and trained giant hunters are sent to sort out any giants they find on their hunting missions. Jacq’s mum was a revered giant hunter, but she was in an accident while doing her duty. Now Jacq is to become a hunter – against her wishes.
On her first mission as a hunter, she too is in an accident, but is saved from certain death – by a giant. Time with him in his beautiful world of forests, lush land and hills, shows Jacq the truth about them.
Review
An exciting tale of friendship, misunderstanding, prejudice and lies. A courageous girl and a young giant team up as friends instead of enemies. They’ve been told to fear each other their entire lives, but when finally away from their people they discover the opposite.
It’s an adventure above and below ground, to the home of the giants and back to a walled city of humans, to reveal the truth and to save loved ones. The tension and danger is high as a human girl hides in a giant’s home, and a giant sneaks into a human city. If seen, they know what will happen.
I enjoyed the snippets of Giant or Human History at the beginning of each chapter – even when the human history was filled with much more prejudice.
A rollicking read of action, finding the truth, and bringing families back together.
Book Style
352 Pages / 33 Chapters / Epilogue
FAQ’s
What age is it for?
8+
Where & When is it set?
A fictional land where a walled city of humans is surrounded by lush green forested countryside / Helicopters present, but no screens mentioned
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
Third person / Past Tense
Is there Violence?
Yes
What genre is ?
Middle Grade Fantasy
Themes
Others / Family / Truth / Control / Corruption / Fantasy
Is it part of a series?
No
Humans and Giants have been enemies for as long as people can remember. Luckily people live in a walled city for security, and trained giant hunters are sent to sort out any giants they find on their hunting missions. Jacq’s mum was a revered giant hunter, but she was in an accident while doing her duty. Now Jacq is to become a hunter – against her wishes.
On her first mission as a hunter, she too is in an accident, but is saved from certain death – by a giant. Time with him in his beautiful world of forests, lush land and hills, shows Jacq the truth about them.
Review
An exciting tale of friendship, misunderstanding, prejudice and lies. A courageous girl and a young giant team up as friends instead of enemies. They’ve been told to fear each other their entire lives, but when finally away from their people they discover the opposite.
It’s an adventure above and below ground, to the home of the giants and back to a walled city of humans, to reveal the truth and to save loved ones. The tension and danger is high as a human girl hides in a giant’s home, and a giant sneaks into a human city. If seen, they know what will happen.
I enjoyed the snippets of Giant or Human History at the beginning of each chapter – even when the human history was filled with much more prejudice.
A rollicking read of action, finding the truth, and bringing families back together.
Book Style
352 Pages / 33 Chapters / Epilogue
FAQ’s
What age is it for?
8+
Where & When is it set?
A fictional land where a walled city of humans is surrounded by lush green forested countryside / Helicopters present, but no screens mentioned
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
Third person / Past Tense
Is there Violence?
Yes
What genre is ?
Middle Grade Fantasy
Themes
Others / Family / Truth / Control / Corruption / Fantasy
Is it part of a series?
No
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Walker Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
I was chuffed to get an ARC from Walker Books as I fell in love with their books at a very young age. I think it was Where's My Teddy? that I read back then. :)
Anyway, The Thing About Giants is a middle grade, fairytale-inspired fantasy with a dystopic twist. The worldbuilding is amazing, and I just adore what Christopher Galvin has done with the classic fairytale trope of giants and giant hunters. It is simply magical and I can't tell you enough to read it!
So the story follows Corman and Jacq. Corman is a giant and Jacq is a human. Jacq has blue hair (which I love, because mine is purple) and Corman has an adorable (if smelly) animal companion, Misneach. My favourite character was Awen, the river giant, and my favourite of the main characters was Corman. I loved his honesty and his inherent goodness. I loved how he did the right thing by his friends, and he really valued his companions.
At one point I felt like the book was getting a bit long, but I stuck with it (my anxiety means it's hard to deal with things that are a bit slow lately. Totally a me thing, and not the book's fault), and I was well-rewarded with a fantastic second half of the book! It was just magical, and although the ending wrapped things up nicely, there is a Part 2 coming out one day! Can't wait for that!
You will love this book if you love dystopia that's not as brutal on your emotions, middle grade fantasy, giants, amazing unique worldbuilding, the Edge Chronicles, or Roald Dahl. If you have a young reader that likes books with things that are gross in them, they will love this one!
Overall, 4.5 stars. I loved it!
I was chuffed to get an ARC from Walker Books as I fell in love with their books at a very young age. I think it was Where's My Teddy? that I read back then. :)
Anyway, The Thing About Giants is a middle grade, fairytale-inspired fantasy with a dystopic twist. The worldbuilding is amazing, and I just adore what Christopher Galvin has done with the classic fairytale trope of giants and giant hunters. It is simply magical and I can't tell you enough to read it!
So the story follows Corman and Jacq. Corman is a giant and Jacq is a human. Jacq has blue hair (which I love, because mine is purple) and Corman has an adorable (if smelly) animal companion, Misneach. My favourite character was Awen, the river giant, and my favourite of the main characters was Corman. I loved his honesty and his inherent goodness. I loved how he did the right thing by his friends, and he really valued his companions.
At one point I felt like the book was getting a bit long, but I stuck with it (my anxiety means it's hard to deal with things that are a bit slow lately. Totally a me thing, and not the book's fault), and I was well-rewarded with a fantastic second half of the book! It was just magical, and although the ending wrapped things up nicely, there is a Part 2 coming out one day! Can't wait for that!
You will love this book if you love dystopia that's not as brutal on your emotions, middle grade fantasy, giants, amazing unique worldbuilding, the Edge Chronicles, or Roald Dahl. If you have a young reader that likes books with things that are gross in them, they will love this one!
Overall, 4.5 stars. I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This feels like a book for the ages - for middle grade and adult readers alike. It's beautifully written, with well-drawn characters who have complex, interesting backstories, and it's set in a compelling world. The main characters, Corman and Jacq, are instantly likeable, and as a reader I'm rooting for them from the start. Corman, the giant, is sensitive, empathetic and braver than he will ever know. Jacq is unsettled, energetic and driven. And when their paths cross, their individual strengths become a formidable combination.
The story takes off from chapter one, and the book is written in alternating points of view between Corman and Jacq, which heightens the urge to read 'one more chapter.' Younger readers will enjoy the perilous adventures of both characters. I love that Galvin hasn't shied away from topics like grief, fear, injury, righteous anger and the perils of being part of a dysfunctional society and instead tackles them head-on with great sensitivity and compassion. The antagonists are well-written, and their sinister motives are clear. But despite how dysfunctional the human world is, there is also insight into why that is, and an explanation of how and why malign influences can take hold in society. But equally, it's clear how good ultimately prevails.
Apart from well-written characters, setting, and plot, there is so much heart and hope in this book, with underlying themes for young and adult readers alike.
I highly recommend it, and I can't wait for the next novel in the series.
The story takes off from chapter one, and the book is written in alternating points of view between Corman and Jacq, which heightens the urge to read 'one more chapter.' Younger readers will enjoy the perilous adventures of both characters. I love that Galvin hasn't shied away from topics like grief, fear, injury, righteous anger and the perils of being part of a dysfunctional society and instead tackles them head-on with great sensitivity and compassion. The antagonists are well-written, and their sinister motives are clear. But despite how dysfunctional the human world is, there is also insight into why that is, and an explanation of how and why malign influences can take hold in society. But equally, it's clear how good ultimately prevails.
Apart from well-written characters, setting, and plot, there is so much heart and hope in this book, with underlying themes for young and adult readers alike.
I highly recommend it, and I can't wait for the next novel in the series.
July 19, 2026
DNF at 30%
I enjoyed the overall concept of this book, and I liked the contrast of the modern city and the forest being the homes of our two main characters. Plus, I could see where the messaging of this book was heading, which I thought would work well for a middle grade audience.
However, put simply, I was bored. Our two main characters, Corman and Jacq, were both incredibly two-dimensional, and had no actual personalities. The writing was very bland, and while that's not inherently a negative, combined with the bland characters meant that there was nothing really keeping me hooked.
There were also a lot of core inconsistencies in this story, beyond the point that editing would help - I feel like the author never fully decided how big giants are, because what do you mean that Corman can crush a helicopter with one hand, yet is shorter than the trees and eats bugs... Make it make sense! This also made picturing this world so much harder.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc.
I enjoyed the overall concept of this book, and I liked the contrast of the modern city and the forest being the homes of our two main characters. Plus, I could see where the messaging of this book was heading, which I thought would work well for a middle grade audience.
However, put simply, I was bored. Our two main characters, Corman and Jacq, were both incredibly two-dimensional, and had no actual personalities. The writing was very bland, and while that's not inherently a negative, combined with the bland characters meant that there was nothing really keeping me hooked.
There were also a lot of core inconsistencies in this story, beyond the point that editing would help - I feel like the author never fully decided how big giants are, because what do you mean that Corman can crush a helicopter with one hand, yet is shorter than the trees and eats bugs... Make it make sense! This also made picturing this world so much harder.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc.
June 22, 2026
The Thing About Giants is a captivating fantasy adventure that combines thrilling storytelling with a powerful message about empathy, truth, and challenging assumptions.
Christopher Galvin creates a richly imagined world where ancient conflicts and deeply rooted beliefs shape everyday life. Through Jacq and Corman’s unlikely friendship, readers are invited to question prejudice, explore different perspectives, and discover the value of understanding others beyond fear and stereotypes. The engaging plot, memorable characters, and thoughtful themes make the story both entertaining and emotionally rewarding.
Overall, it’s a valuable read for fans of middle grade fantasy, adventure fiction, coming-of-age stories, friendship-centered narratives, character-driven fantasy, speculative fiction, school and library readers, and anyone who enjoys imaginative stories that explore empathy, courage, identity, and the search for truth.
Christopher Galvin creates a richly imagined world where ancient conflicts and deeply rooted beliefs shape everyday life. Through Jacq and Corman’s unlikely friendship, readers are invited to question prejudice, explore different perspectives, and discover the value of understanding others beyond fear and stereotypes. The engaging plot, memorable characters, and thoughtful themes make the story both entertaining and emotionally rewarding.
Overall, it’s a valuable read for fans of middle grade fantasy, adventure fiction, coming-of-age stories, friendship-centered narratives, character-driven fantasy, speculative fiction, school and library readers, and anyone who enjoys imaginative stories that explore empathy, courage, identity, and the search for truth.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was pleased to review this book after being sent to me by NetGalley
This is about Corman and his father who are giants. They embark on a dangerous expedition from their underground home to the Upside. You would like to think giants would never be in danger but read on.
In Fathach a strange city the walls are made up of the bones of giants! a young girl called Jaq Dyer is following in her parents footsteps - a giant hunter!
Corman is separated fro his father, and needs to sorce his own way home, but find a young girl too separated from her father.- what will happen when both meet each other and can these two change their lives and bring two world together?
A lovely story for children with a good feeling and good morale story.
Due for publication next week-June 4th 2026 Recomended read.
This is about Corman and his father who are giants. They embark on a dangerous expedition from their underground home to the Upside. You would like to think giants would never be in danger but read on.
In Fathach a strange city the walls are made up of the bones of giants! a young girl called Jaq Dyer is following in her parents footsteps - a giant hunter!
Corman is separated fro his father, and needs to sorce his own way home, but find a young girl too separated from her father.- what will happen when both meet each other and can these two change their lives and bring two world together?
A lovely story for children with a good feeling and good morale story.
Due for publication next week-June 4th 2026 Recomended read.
September 3, 2026
Unlike most fantasy books with giants, the humans in this book have cars and helicopters and radios. Unfortunately, humans use giant's bones for building and have a whole system set up for hunting them. What happens when a human child and a giant child end up lost in the forest together? This is definitely more a kid's book than a middle grade book, because the characters are mostly all good/kind/helpful, or all nasty/bad. But the adventure is fast-paced and fun, and it does give thoughtful kids something to think about if a group is labeled as crude, stupid or unfeeling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What happens when the daughter of giant hunters encounters a young giant in the wild at a time when she is lost and vulnerable? Well perhaps some misperceptions on both sides may come a cropper as a result of the unexpected crossing of paths...
This is a charming tale that teaches some important lessons without being obvious about it. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This is a charming tale that teaches some important lessons without being obvious about it. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 28, 2026
While I love horror, I needed a soft break from the amount of horror books I've been reading. And as someone who loved "The BFG" as a little kid, I knew this would be the perfect fit when I stumbled upon it. Even as an adult, sometimes you just need a good yarn, you know? This book is comfort food through and through and the characters are so deeply loveable. It really was a nice, calming reset for my frazzled brain.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Sometimes things are not what it seems and history is written with wrong facts. A human hunter meets a young giant and they both learn about each other's world. Change for a better, peaceful outcome. Loved the main characters, how we could feel the young giant's fear, how brave the young human is. Working together. Satisfying rescue mission.
October 5, 2026
Jacq is a newly appointed dragon slyer, a practice she finds abhorrent, when she meets Corman, a young giant who is mortally afraid of humans. They come together to find the truth about each other and slowly form a trust on a rescue mission to save each other. Great imaginative writing!
@CandlewickPress
@galvin.chris
@CandlewickPress
@galvin.chris
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