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The Giant Smugglers
When thirteen year old Charlie Lawson discovers a giant (yes, a real GIANT) hiding in an abandoned warehouse, he's finds himself smack in the middle of a doctor's evil plot to capture these harmless, gentle creatures and harvest their growth hormones.
On the other side of this fight, a small secret group of humans try to help the giants-Bruce, in particular--from being exposed. Charlie joins them to fight for what is right, but more than that, he just wants his friend Bruce to be free of being anyone's guinea pig.
On the other side of this fight, a small secret group of humans try to help the giants-Bruce, in particular--from being exposed. Charlie joins them to fight for what is right, but more than that, he just wants his friend Bruce to be free of being anyone's guinea pig.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2016
3 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Matt Solomon
3 books37 followersCo-author of The Giant Smugglers and Deck Z The Titanic Unsinkable. Undead. with Chris Pauls. Contributor to the Onion and other fine publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 26, 2016
Amazing book, great story. Full review to follow closer to publication.
...
I was privileged to read a review copy of this book months before it was released. From the first glimpse of the cover, through reading the description of the book I was very keen on reading it. It did not disappoint. This was the first book I have read by either Pauls or Solomon and I really hope there will be more. I must warn you this is a highly addictive read. If you find at times you have a hard time putting down books, this will be one of those reads. If you repeatedly say one more page or one more chapters you will definitely find yourself doing that with this read.
This book is a wonderful story, it is the story of friendship, the story about doing what is right. It is also in part a story about family. And it is a great adventure. This is the story of Charlie Lawson, a young man who is currently at odds with the world. He is 13 years old, great at racing games, does not like is mom's boyfriend and is angry with his brother who left a year earlier to travel with the fair. But his life changes by a meeting with someone different than himself, very different. For Charlie meets a giant a real live GIANT who is hiding in an abandoned warehouse across from Charlies flat. Soon Charlie is stuck with a lot of responsibility for his young shoulders, there is an evil organization trying to capture the Giants and use them as a source or new enhancement drugs, a group helping smuggle the giants across the country, and his loyalty to his new friend.
Charlie and Bruce develop an immediate friendship. And soon Charlie is showing Bruce kung fu movies and sharing laughs. But those who would put Bruce in a lab are really close and getting closer every second. This story includes some great chases, a few surprises and some amazing places to hide a giant.
Last year I read 177 books and this one was #6 on my top ten list for the fiction books for the year. I really hope it ends up being the first in a series because it was such a wonderful read. So pick it up and give it a read I am sure you will be entertained.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
...
I was privileged to read a review copy of this book months before it was released. From the first glimpse of the cover, through reading the description of the book I was very keen on reading it. It did not disappoint. This was the first book I have read by either Pauls or Solomon and I really hope there will be more. I must warn you this is a highly addictive read. If you find at times you have a hard time putting down books, this will be one of those reads. If you repeatedly say one more page or one more chapters you will definitely find yourself doing that with this read.
This book is a wonderful story, it is the story of friendship, the story about doing what is right. It is also in part a story about family. And it is a great adventure. This is the story of Charlie Lawson, a young man who is currently at odds with the world. He is 13 years old, great at racing games, does not like is mom's boyfriend and is angry with his brother who left a year earlier to travel with the fair. But his life changes by a meeting with someone different than himself, very different. For Charlie meets a giant a real live GIANT who is hiding in an abandoned warehouse across from Charlies flat. Soon Charlie is stuck with a lot of responsibility for his young shoulders, there is an evil organization trying to capture the Giants and use them as a source or new enhancement drugs, a group helping smuggle the giants across the country, and his loyalty to his new friend.
Charlie and Bruce develop an immediate friendship. And soon Charlie is showing Bruce kung fu movies and sharing laughs. But those who would put Bruce in a lab are really close and getting closer every second. This story includes some great chases, a few surprises and some amazing places to hide a giant.
Last year I read 177 books and this one was #6 on my top ten list for the fiction books for the year. I really hope it ends up being the first in a series because it was such a wonderful read. So pick it up and give it a read I am sure you will be entertained.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
April 11, 2022
“You stay away from phones. If someone sees you or snaps a decent picture, we’re finished. You’re a secret. You have to stay that way. We’ve been through this before.”
*3.5/5
This doesn’t read like a middle-grade novel. No offense. I wouldn’t pick this up if ever I don’t catch up on some random scientific terms. Since I’m into the sci-fi genre, going into it wasn’t a problem for me.
But it’s another problem if the main character had only been written like every other normal character.
The first half of the book feels promising and addicting because not only does it focus on Charlie Lawson but the different perspective of an ambitious scientist seems like an interesting approach to what his organized thoughts and plans were.
Some characters felt like they were only there to fill in the gap of the story. You may notice that the second half anti-climatic scene will always be used in every children’s adventure movie.
If the rest of them and its origins and connections had been introduced earlier, it would’ve been more action-adventure packed and thrilling the whole entire time.
*3.5/5
This doesn’t read like a middle-grade novel. No offense. I wouldn’t pick this up if ever I don’t catch up on some random scientific terms. Since I’m into the sci-fi genre, going into it wasn’t a problem for me.
But it’s another problem if the main character had only been written like every other normal character.
The first half of the book feels promising and addicting because not only does it focus on Charlie Lawson but the different perspective of an ambitious scientist seems like an interesting approach to what his organized thoughts and plans were.
Some characters felt like they were only there to fill in the gap of the story. You may notice that the second half anti-climatic scene will always be used in every children’s adventure movie.
If the rest of them and its origins and connections had been introduced earlier, it would’ve been more action-adventure packed and thrilling the whole entire time.
October 14, 2021
I read this to my son, and he gave it 5 stars. He loved the detail and said it was heartwarming.
August 16, 2016
4.5 stars I found this novel’s cover intriguing so I had to read it. Inside, I found a story about a simple giant who was trying to make his way home via a network of smugglers and Charlie, a young boy who befriends the giant and together they have quite a journey. Charlie loved on-line video games, he was a champ, life was good until he met Jamie and then Charlie decided it was best if he tried to keep out of Jamie’s line of vision. Jamie was out to get Charlie. Charlie immediately felt a connection to the giant when he discovered him and he decided that he didn’t want to share him with anyone. This bond grows and deepens throughout the novel and I enjoyed how they depended on one another. They are like brothers and the inexperience of the giant to the size and ability of the giant’s greatness has these two depending on each other in different circumstances throughout the novel. Charlie becomes the giant’s teacher, teaching him simple every day things and also important lessons about life. Charlie calls him Bruce after a movie Charlie shares with him and looking at the cover, I think the name fits him. Bruce teaches him many things, mature things and they both learn about family as their friendship grows.
People are looking for Bruce, he’s a giant and to have one at their disposal would be spectacular. They’ve been hunting them down but haven’t gotten close to one yet. They’re trying to perfect their growth serum; a giant would make their life easier. Jamie discovers Bruce and he is angry at his father for Jamie’s father is one of the individual’s who are chasing after Bruce and Jamie believes that Bruce is a product of his father’s research. At the lab, Jamie confronts his father. A researcher brings in another test sample of the growth serum they are working on, a sample for the lab rats, but Jamie reaches for the serum and stabs himself with it. No! It’s too late, Jamie begins to grow, his anger along with him. It becomes a journey, a race, an adventure as the giants each run for their destination and Charlie tries to protect his best friend. I loved the ending, it was magical and adventurous. This was a great fantasy, adventure book with a boy leading the way.
People are looking for Bruce, he’s a giant and to have one at their disposal would be spectacular. They’ve been hunting them down but haven’t gotten close to one yet. They’re trying to perfect their growth serum; a giant would make their life easier. Jamie discovers Bruce and he is angry at his father for Jamie’s father is one of the individual’s who are chasing after Bruce and Jamie believes that Bruce is a product of his father’s research. At the lab, Jamie confronts his father. A researcher brings in another test sample of the growth serum they are working on, a sample for the lab rats, but Jamie reaches for the serum and stabs himself with it. No! It’s too late, Jamie begins to grow, his anger along with him. It becomes a journey, a race, an adventure as the giants each run for their destination and Charlie tries to protect his best friend. I loved the ending, it was magical and adventurous. This was a great fantasy, adventure book with a boy leading the way.
December 8, 2016
Charlie's biggest thrill lately has been being the reigning champ of Total Turbo, an online driving game. His biggest annoyance is D.J., his mom's new boyfriend, who tries too hard to be his friend. And his biggest adversary has been the school bully, Fitz.
When Charlie decides to explore a seemingly abandoned warehouse across the street from his apartment, he is in for the biggest surprise of his teenage existence so far. Bigger than when his brother ran off to join the circus! Charlie comes face to face with a GIANT! He can't believe his luck! This giant is surely a cure for his boredom and his ticket to big time fun!
Charlie isn't the only one hoping to capitalize on the giant. He soon finds out a secret branch of a corporation is searching for the giant to use him for growth hormone experiments. But giant smugglers, one step ahead of them so far, will do anything to prevent this and get the giant safely to his homeland…and earn a little giant’s gold in the process.
I strongly recommend this book to any readers who like fast-paced adventure fantasy stories. Definitely lots of humor and antics with danger around every corner. Could be a stand-alone but sets up for possible sequel. Grades 5 and up.
When Charlie decides to explore a seemingly abandoned warehouse across the street from his apartment, he is in for the biggest surprise of his teenage existence so far. Bigger than when his brother ran off to join the circus! Charlie comes face to face with a GIANT! He can't believe his luck! This giant is surely a cure for his boredom and his ticket to big time fun!
Charlie isn't the only one hoping to capitalize on the giant. He soon finds out a secret branch of a corporation is searching for the giant to use him for growth hormone experiments. But giant smugglers, one step ahead of them so far, will do anything to prevent this and get the giant safely to his homeland…and earn a little giant’s gold in the process.
I strongly recommend this book to any readers who like fast-paced adventure fantasy stories. Definitely lots of humor and antics with danger around every corner. Could be a stand-alone but sets up for possible sequel. Grades 5 and up.
June 22, 2016
Disclaimer: I have known one of the authors(Matt Solomon) for more than 20 years. There's a chance I'm biased, but only a very small chance.
The Giant Smugglers reminds me a lot of the books I read when I was younger, with a lot of action and just a touch of the supernatural.
I would describe it as a cross between Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and the X-Files. A young boy is stoked when he discovers a 25 foot giant in a warehouse across from his apartment in Richland Center, Wisconsin. He has no idea that soon he will be fighting lots of bad guys to protect his friend!
It's a fun read--whether you're in the target audience of middle-schoolers, or a little bit older, like me.
The Giant Smugglers reminds me a lot of the books I read when I was younger, with a lot of action and just a touch of the supernatural.
I would describe it as a cross between Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and the X-Files. A young boy is stoked when he discovers a 25 foot giant in a warehouse across from his apartment in Richland Center, Wisconsin. He has no idea that soon he will be fighting lots of bad guys to protect his friend!
It's a fun read--whether you're in the target audience of middle-schoolers, or a little bit older, like me.
September 30, 2016
The first half is pretty solid and interesting. However after the one dimensional bully becomes a giant, everything quickly falls apart. The main friendship of the giant and boy were nicely developed. However alot of the characters were unlikeable. It then turns into a typical action movie with tons of out of nowhere twists that have no emotional impact or meaning. It became difficult to guage how strong or how the giants fit into the world around. There also seemed like either the authors had a huge disagreement as to how to end the book or else the second author wanted to have everything. It is a page turner though despite the crowded ending.
February 19, 2017
This novel has a lot of action and a decent premise, but is weak on characterization of ANY characters. It feels like the characters were just put in place to do a certain job in the story, and who cares what it really means to them, to us, to larger world.
July 12, 2017
Did not finish. The characterization in this novel was unfortunately weak. I found it a bit like a novelization of an action movie. The characters are put in place to serve a particular purpose in the story and thus were not developed in a way that I found meaningful.
May 17, 2022
Look, I adored this book and was intrigued throughout the entire story.
However, I do have a few questions.
(MAJOR SPOILER WARNING)
With Jamie “Fitz” Fitzgibbons, we were left on a cliffhanger. With him, Giant sized, being dragged away in a helicopter with The Stick. After that event, I was curious to find out what was going to happen next with him. Could they have used his Giant hormones to produce more of GGH? The question continued to linger in my mind. And by the time I finished the book, I realized that Fitz had not been included in the story since then.
With Fitz being an exaggerated, larger than life character, I wish we had gotten more of him in the novel. The focus of the second half was mainly Bruce and Charlie Lawson heading for safety and meeting more of Tim’s carnival pals. (With some being not all that Charlie had expected them to be). The goal of the second half was to take down the Giant, Bruce. Nothing more. No more information on the Giant Growth Hormones. Just an easy kill and out. As that was how the scientists were aiming to export the hormones into a substance, they didn’t seem to mention it during the continuous fights and obstacles.
But to sum it up, I truly loved this book, and adored the best friend dynamic between Charlie and Bruce. I just wish it could’ve been a bit longer to squeeze in a few more events to respond to the unanswered questions!
However, I do have a few questions.
(MAJOR SPOILER WARNING)
With Jamie “Fitz” Fitzgibbons, we were left on a cliffhanger. With him, Giant sized, being dragged away in a helicopter with The Stick. After that event, I was curious to find out what was going to happen next with him. Could they have used his Giant hormones to produce more of GGH? The question continued to linger in my mind. And by the time I finished the book, I realized that Fitz had not been included in the story since then.
With Fitz being an exaggerated, larger than life character, I wish we had gotten more of him in the novel. The focus of the second half was mainly Bruce and Charlie Lawson heading for safety and meeting more of Tim’s carnival pals. (With some being not all that Charlie had expected them to be). The goal of the second half was to take down the Giant, Bruce. Nothing more. No more information on the Giant Growth Hormones. Just an easy kill and out. As that was how the scientists were aiming to export the hormones into a substance, they didn’t seem to mention it during the continuous fights and obstacles.
But to sum it up, I truly loved this book, and adored the best friend dynamic between Charlie and Bruce. I just wish it could’ve been a bit longer to squeeze in a few more events to respond to the unanswered questions!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2018
While I liked the idea of the story and I feel it has promise as a series, the abrupt ending of this book left me with much the same feeling as the Merlin Series ending; it was too quick, it was too jarring, and it left way too many unanswered questions. For instance, what happens to bruce?; are DJ and Charlie's Mom angry at him?; what happens to Wertzie and what about the other smugglers?, What about Fitz?; His Father?; What happened to Barton?; The experiments?. I could go on. The only reason I gave 2 stars instead of one is because I think it has some promise as story lines go. I just don't think that this book handled it in the best possible way.
September 22, 2017
I misunderstood this one, thinking it was giants doing smuggling (like really big pirates); but instead it's about a boy who finds a giant that is being hunted for his extraordinary DNA by evil scientists...and he has to smuggle the giant to safety and also the kids have to defeat the evil scientists. This is a cute adventure that will definitely appeal to younger tweens and teens....a fun, fast read.
March 27, 2022
I wouldn’t recommend this book for younger kids. There are quite a few deaths and some gore. Middle school is probably a good age, but it was good. There were surprising twists and fun adventures. It was good.
October 11, 2024
Misfit kid stumbles on a hiding giant and becomes friends as he tries to protect him against the team of scientists wanting to harvest his DNA. Pretty predictable.
Read to review for Mady's school library.
Read to review for Mady's school library.
September 13, 2019
This was a really good story. I really liked it, and I am sure my kids will too. I received this book from GoodReads.
Want to read
April 17, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 8, 2022
DNF 15%
October 13, 2025
There should be a movie!
December 8, 2016
Charlie's biggest thrill lately has been being the reigning champ of Total Turbo, an online driving game. His biggest annoyance is D.J., his mom's new boyfriend, who tries too hard to be his friend. And his biggest adversary has been the school bully, Fitz.
When Charlie decides to explore a seemingly abandoned warehouse across the street from his apartment, he is in for the biggest surprise of his teenage existence so far. Bigger than when his brother ran off to join the circus! Charlie comes face to face with a GIANT! He can't believe his luck! This giant is surely a cure for his boredom and his ticket to big time fun!
Charlie isn't the only one hoping to capitalize on the giant. He soon finds out a secret branch of a corporation is searching for the giant to use him for growth hormone experiments. But giant smugglers, one step ahead of them so far, will do anything to prevent this and get the giant safely to his homeland…and earn a little giant’s gold in the process.
I strongly recommend this book to any readers who like fast-paced adventure fantasy stories. Definitely lots of humor and antics with danger around every corner. Could be a stand-alone but sets up for possible sequel. Grades 5 and up.
When Charlie decides to explore a seemingly abandoned warehouse across the street from his apartment, he is in for the biggest surprise of his teenage existence so far. Bigger than when his brother ran off to join the circus! Charlie comes face to face with a GIANT! He can't believe his luck! This giant is surely a cure for his boredom and his ticket to big time fun!
Charlie isn't the only one hoping to capitalize on the giant. He soon finds out a secret branch of a corporation is searching for the giant to use him for growth hormone experiments. But giant smugglers, one step ahead of them so far, will do anything to prevent this and get the giant safely to his homeland…and earn a little giant’s gold in the process.
I strongly recommend this book to any readers who like fast-paced adventure fantasy stories. Definitely lots of humor and antics with danger around every corner. Could be a stand-alone but sets up for possible sequel. Grades 5 and up.
April 16, 2016
THE GIANT SMUGGLERS was a fast-paced and exciting adventure story. Charlie, who loves playing video games, is surprised to meet a giant hidden in the abandoned warehouse next to his apartment building. The two become fast friends. After watching some old Bruce Lee movies and watching the giant duplicate Lee's moves, he names the formerly nameless giant Bruce.
Charlie and Bruce both have enemies. Charlie is on the run from the new kid in school who has a fierce temper. Fitz has just come to the area with his scientist father who is researching human growth hormone and who is chasing rumors of giants. He is also injecting his son with a serum he has created which is making Fitz stronger but also prone to rages. Bruce is on the run from those who want to exploit him. Fitz's father is being pressured by the corporation funding his research to produce a real dragon or lose funding. He has hired a mercenary named Stick who comes with a wide variety of superhero gear to capture the giant.
Charlie and Bruce take off on a wild adventure to get Bruce to safety.
Middle grade fans of action and adventure will enjoy this story.
Charlie and Bruce both have enemies. Charlie is on the run from the new kid in school who has a fierce temper. Fitz has just come to the area with his scientist father who is researching human growth hormone and who is chasing rumors of giants. He is also injecting his son with a serum he has created which is making Fitz stronger but also prone to rages. Bruce is on the run from those who want to exploit him. Fitz's father is being pressured by the corporation funding his research to produce a real dragon or lose funding. He has hired a mercenary named Stick who comes with a wide variety of superhero gear to capture the giant.
Charlie and Bruce take off on a wild adventure to get Bruce to safety.
Middle grade fans of action and adventure will enjoy this story.
March 17, 2017
A new fresh story on Dahls BFG. If you have seen Disney's "Iron Giant," this is very similar. The first half was very intruguing with excellent character development. The last half was jammed with fast paced excitement. While YA readers will find this book hard to put down, the writing at times is under explicit: I found myself reading the same sentences over and over not understanding what was happening. Becuase of this the last half of the book feels disappointingly crammed together. Still, an exciting read.
February 5, 2017
Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Recommended
Level: Middle School
"The Giant Smugglers" by Chris Pauls and Matt Solomon is a character driven story that sets the story up well in at the start, and leads to a fast paced second half. Readers who enjoyed Dahl's BFG will find a readalike in this tale. Ultimately, the writing is held back by some confusing sentences in the middle and end. Otherwise, worth picking up!
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Recommended
Level: Middle School
"The Giant Smugglers" by Chris Pauls and Matt Solomon is a character driven story that sets the story up well in at the start, and leads to a fast paced second half. Readers who enjoyed Dahl's BFG will find a readalike in this tale. Ultimately, the writing is held back by some confusing sentences in the middle and end. Otherwise, worth picking up!
August 17, 2016
Fast paced fantasy adventure, with friendship as the central theme. Charlie, and his mom, live in a generic small town, and the highlight of his day is to log on to his favorite online video game. That changes when he discovers a young giant hiding in an abandoned warehouse across from his apartment building.
This book will especially appeal to boys - I know of a few who will want to read it!
This book will especially appeal to boys - I know of a few who will want to read it!
September 5, 2016
This is a children's book geared toward middle grade readers, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. This book was a very fast paced adventure with no dull moments. I would highly recommend this book.
January 5, 2017
I didn't realize that The Giant Smugglers was a young adult book until after I started to read it. No matter. It is fast paced, full of adventure, easy to read, a great story, and original. A perfect book for a tween and any adult who sometimes still feels like one
Want to read
October 7, 2016I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2017
What kid doesn't like a fun adventure about giants? Great story.
July 25, 2016
An exciting adventure for older children and teens!
Read
June 9, 2016My review for this book will be published in School Library Journal.
September 30, 2016
I thought the writing was uneven.....but the basic story was good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews