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Seven Kingdoms Tales #5

Ruth and the King of the Giants

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The King of the Giants has met his match…

When her brother goes missing, Ruth Hallbrook follows the only lead that she has – a story told to her by a strange woman she meets in town. Armed with a ‘magical’ shell that will supposedly guide her, all she has to do is repeat the words she hears when she puts it to her ear. That would have been fine if she could have understood what it was saying! One wrong word lands her in a kingdom filled with giants, including one very large, irritating one who thinks she belongs in his gilded cage – fat chance of that!

An opportunity to escape for a little peace and quiet turns into a disaster when Koorgan, the King of the Giants, finds himself stuck in an old well. Unable to climb out, he is sure his only hope of rescue is the search party eventually finding him. The last thing he expects is his rescuer to be barely larger than his hand.

Afraid that something might happen to the tiny creature, he feels duty bound to help her find her missing brother and return her to her world. The trouble is, the more time he spends with her, the less he wants to let her go.

Life is dangerous on the Isle of Giants for the diminutive Ruth. It will take every skill this King of the Giants possesses to protect her. Guided by the legend of a mythical plant said to have created the giants, Koorgan will not rest until he finds a way to keep Ruth by his side. Find out if love can overcome the barrier created by a misspoken spell!

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

171 people are currently reading
317 people want to read

About the author

S.E. Smith

261 books2,583 followers
S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.

Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5

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5 stars
270 (53%)
4 stars
136 (26%)
3 stars
83 (16%)
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15 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,076 reviews171 followers
December 30, 2019
When her brother goes missing, Ruth Hallbrook follows the only lead that she has – a story told to her by a strange woman she meets in town. Armed with a ‘magical’ shell that will supposedly guide her, all she has to do is repeat the words she hears when she puts it to her ear. One wrong world and she finds herself having being reduced in size, and landing in the Kingdom of Giants. When she comes across Koorgan, the King of the Giants, who has gotten stuck in a old well, old habits die hard, and she finds herself unable to walk away, and determines to help. The last thing Koorgan expects is his rescuer to be barely larger than his hand, entranced he is determined to keep her safe.

Ack another book that didn't exactly have me bouncing in my seat in delight and amusement. Some small moments where I smiled and found myself amused. So overall 3 ok-ish stars for what is a one time read.

99p on amazon - December 2019.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews153 followers
September 11, 2019
Ruth and the King of the Giants : A Seven Kingdoms Tale 5
The Seven Kingdoms series
S.E. Smith
https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5/
Release date 9/11/2019
Publisher Montana Publishing

Blurb :

The King of the Giants has met his match…

When her brother goes missing, Ruth Hallbrook follows the only lead that she has – a story told to her by a strange woman she meets in town. Armed with a ‘magical’ shell that will supposedly guide her, all she has to do is repeat the words she hears when she puts it to her ear. That would have been fine if she could have understood what it was saying! One wrong word lands her in a kingdom filled with giants, including one very large, irritating one who thinks she belongs in his gilded cage – fat chance of that!

An opportunity to escape for a little peace and quiet turns into a disaster when Koorgan, the King of the Giants, finds himself stuck in an old well. Unable to climb out, he is sure his only hope of rescue is the search party eventually finding him. The last thing he expects is his rescuer to be barely larger than his hand.

Afraid that something might happen to the tiny creature, he feels duty bound to help her find her missing brother and return her to her world. The trouble is, the more time he spends with her, the less he wants to let her go.

Life is dangerous on the Isle of Giants for the diminutive Ruth. It will take every skill this King of the Giants possesses to protect her. Guided by the legend of a mythical plant said to have created the giants, Koorgan will not rest until he finds a way to keep Ruth by his side. Find out if love can overcome the barrier created by a misspoken spell!

My review :

When Gulliver meets Alice, how a woman the size of a thumb can save a king and his kingdom.

I am sold to any new release by Mrs Smith, I discovered her universes some years ago and since I have read everyone of her released work, and one of my all favorite books so far was written by her, Choosing Riley.

This series is quite different from her others, it is more like walking in a world of fairytales with all the various beings known in our classical folktales, giants, monsters, mermaids, witches, pirates, dragons and Lilliputians....
So it conveyed a different read, more cheerful, less dark than the usual, with some witty banters.

One quote from this book sum up the general atmosphere:

« Could it be that they actually have magical food like in Alice’s Wonderland? Just how many authors from my world got their ideas from the Seven Kingdoms? Maybe everyone who smokes hallucinogens ends up here, she thought incredulously. »

I loved Ruth, she is snarky with dry humor, she lets nobody walk on her and gives as much as she receives.
Despite her Thumbelina adventure, she still has the will of a giant and the repartee of a sniper.
Koorgan is a good guy, caring but overwhelming when anxious. Immediately he proclaimed himself as Ruth’s knight even if she was the one to rescue him. When she is endangered, he moves to his alpha side, quite singleminded, threatening everyone around him of the worst inimaginable possible death while he is a big softy if she is safe next to him.

In all it was a cute read with a touch of steam, plenty of quips and wits and many interesting characters.
4 stars

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Profile Image for Wonda.
1,146 reviews9 followers
December 2, 2021
Story definitely outmatched smut, which was an improvement, BUT the story seemed sporadic...jumping from the main story to future characters...just a ton of build up, left me wanting more substance!
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,358 reviews46 followers
March 20, 2020
Loved this extended version.
Though we get more sexy times with Koorgan and Ruth we also get a more rounded story as well.
I did read it when I first bought it but review is not posted for some reason. No hardship to reread though before going on to the next book.
Enjoyable how Ms Smith has managed to weave and interlock the timelines in things happening to more than one character.
Great fun read and I did enjoy having Magna, Kane and Gabe play their part, though it was sad how they were treated.
I need and want Magda to get the recognition she deserves for sacrificing herself for so long to do what she did.
I dislike reporters anyway but the fact Tonya is lying by omission to Ruth, just reinforces my dislike of them and her.
Sad to say she is going to be the mate of one of the most interesting characters in this series which is spoiling my enjoyment of this book.
Profile Image for Vivien.
780 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2021
Good book. I didn't like the beginning when Ruth was searching for her brother & her thoughts of Magna; she really shouldn't judge people before she knows the truth even if the truth is rather bizarre. Close-minded people pisses me off.
I liked Gant in the beginning but the way he treated Magna was awful. He KNOWS Magna is not responsible for all the evil that the evil creature made her do & yet he still blames her for it. What as asshole!!! Every misfortune he gets he deserves it for the way he treated Magna.
Profile Image for Tiblu.
1,255 reviews49 followers
November 10, 2019
If had been just about Ruth and Koorgan,I’d have loved this story.

If had been just about Ruth and Koorgan,I’d have loved this story....
Sadly it was not. Have read the other books in this series ? No, no I haven’t ,but before you want to bash me over this I’ll just say, my complaint that I couldn’t follow along or was I confused about the story at any time. No, what I didn’t enjoy was a) How long it took foe the H and h to even meet. Seven long chapters where Ruth comes off as bit of a arrogant bossy,and just a tad self absorbed and very very b itchy,honestly until Ruth Mets Koorgan I wasn’t liking her very much.
And while Yes, its a series , it’s a different couple in every book and while NOT a stand alone you should be able to enjoy that couple as just themselves if you want and not feel like your wading thru a 60/40 set up for other book or couples or theories in the series or having to rehash other couples problems and or insecurities. ( i.e. Gabe,Magna ( which btw feels way too much like Magma and felt confusing at times) and Kane )
Side note: Good thing I wasn’t reading these in order,because if I were,if I’d made it to Gage,Magna and Kane’s book, I’d have stopped there ! Dear gods I HATED Gabe !!!!!! They B needed some real sense knocked into him, then maybe tossing off a cliff,where I’d pray for his death. why ? I’ll get to that.

⚠️ Possible spoilers ahead ⚠️
What I loved : once Ruth and Koorgan got together ,they were amazing together. Funny and sassy,with amazing chemistry, from first contact. Loved them. Koorgan probably could be as rude or as abrasive as Ruth ever dared to be but w/Ruth he was barely ever anything but kind and thoughtful . The lengths he went to from the very beginning to ensure her happiness and comfort were heart warming to say the least . Seriously if the story had been more concentrated on them,getting to know each other abs fighting their foes and her his world together , I’d have had NOTHING but like be foe this book.
Sadly, that’s not how it goes. It’s how it’s described p,but no.
Ok, as I said the first seven chapters are about just setting up the arc I’m guessing for future stories ( FBI and CIA agents) and some woman who might be a witch watching Ruth and following her around . Getting Koorgan in the hole. Gabe being a ginormous horses rear.
Then we get about 11/ or soo wonderful chapters centered mainly around Ruth and Koorgan. Then sadly w/the H and h getting on soo well ,a big shake up needs to occur supposedly to ramp up the tension before the resolve. I get it . That’s what happens but honestly, I say most of it coming a mile off and it wasn’t interesting it was just HIGHLY annoying. Pirates. I saw Ruth being kidnapped a m I l e off! Ok, not the pirate I suspected but still. Ruth starts fluctuating in her size. Breaking her heart and Koorgan ‘s when she shrinks again. Sadly that meant they needed Magna. Which might be ok,if Gabe wasn’t a feral junkyard dog of a man,all teeth and attitude and very little sense. Not I know he was written that way to be a speed bump in the story. Gabe acts like a ginormous horse rear makes everything worse and slows down the story. A story which was turning a huge mess w/pixie sized Ruth stolen by a fool,Gabe making things worse,then Ruth missing , all the while reminded with out her to marry Koorgan not only will his heart be broken but basically not only will the giants disappear but that might a knock effect on other races and kingdoms as well.
Dear lord, it felt heavy-handed and contrived and totally over the top with Gabe seeing how big a jerk he could be every chance he got. I want to pity the idiot, he couldn’t help that he was written just to Rachel up the tension in an already tense and contrived situation but I really hated him.
Honestly I feel like soo many better things could have happened to bring some drama to the story. Something that added depth to both the characters and the story .Ruth was supposedly only there because of Mike but we don’t see one tender moment or even a true conversation between them .
If I could only recommend the parts with Ruth and Koorgan I would in a heartbeat 💗! But unless you LOVE the series the parts before they met is boring and in the chapters the beautiful momentum of the story is lost to cheap theatrics you can see coming a mile away. S?E. Smith is always hit and miss foe me and this is somewhere in between.
Profile Image for Livey.
1,437 reviews
May 24, 2020
This is my favorite. When Ruth goes looking for her brother Mike who has disappeared leaving a letter that he is fine with a magic shell from the Seawitch she finds a magical dimension where she has been reduced to the size of a Barbie doll. She may have stated the spell wrong. The. She rescues the giant King who lives talking to her and appreciates her forensic accounting skills. In come the pirates and a world of trouble comes raining in their heads and the race to save the realm of the giants begins. Nice reunion for Ruth and Mike who witch Magna is pregnant.
Profile Image for Angela Charles.
662 reviews29 followers
February 22, 2021
I love everything that S.E. Smith writes and this was no exception. I enjoyed the fact that Ruth was so sure of herself and I loved the fact that Ruth and Koorgan love was built over time. It was not instant love and they had a whole foundation. I loved the fact that we got to see some of the past characters were great and I cannot to continue this series.
Profile Image for SuzyHD.
1,233 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2020
Fun To Read

I definitely recommend this fun and entertaining adventurous tale. Ruth and Koorgan will have you laughing throughout the story. Most all of the characters are familiar as they have appeared in previous books. This tale as well as the others will have you wanting more of The Seven Kingdoms.
Profile Image for ZJ Book  It And Read .
163 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2019
I truly loved this story, ruth is who I envisioned a lot of woman and the king of gaints is brilliant and very sweet. Worth the wait.
2,205 reviews
September 11, 2019
The Seven Kingdoms is a truly magical place! This was a wonderful, quick adventure to read.
Profile Image for RNDK.
721 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2019
A refreshing funny and fast paced read. Not your usual fairy tale retelling.
Profile Image for Patty☇.
145 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2021
I really had a problem with the "good guy" being involved with putting collars on innocent people that chop off heads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Allison.
914 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2022
I love how these stories can make me giggle one minute and then gets all steamy the next lol.
Profile Image for Vivien.
780 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2019
Good book except the beginning and it was rather short.
There should have been a scene where Ruth is reunited with her brother instead of a brief mention. Also an appearance from Carly and Jenny. That would have made this book better but overall it was ok.

I just discovered there is another version of this book. While the 1st is good & short the 2nd is longer and it has everything the 1st is missing. The only thing I hated was when Gant & Koorgan were threatening Magna & her men. They knew the truth about the alien creature controlling her & yet they treated her like the creature is still inside when in fact it is death which they were both a witness to. All they had to do was ASK for her help instead of threatening her & her men, but that is the problem with men they don't know how to ASK for help. They are not different to the creature that inhabited her.
Ruth should have given Koorgan & Gant hell for their mistreatment of them until they have truly learnt their lesson but she didn't, which is a disappointment. For a strong personality, she cannot stand up for the weak & mistreated.
Another thing I hated was that reporter; all she cares about is exposing the truth about Carly, Jenny & Mike's "disappearance", not caring that other people will be in danger if she releases the truth. I hate reporters who only care about the story and not the people they might hurt in the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
149 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2019
Magic rules

I love these books really want 6 now merfolk dragons witches giants humans what's not to like throw in a magic portal to another world and some hot sexy romance brilliantly done
6 reviews
November 3, 2019
Fir fun reading of the 5 books of the Seven Kingdoms.

I really enjoyed reading of the adventures of the tales of the seven kingdoms. However, I am curious is there going to be stories on the characters, Ross Galloway, Asahi Tanaka, Tonya Maitland.
Profile Image for niki_reads_romance.
883 reviews9 followers
September 13, 2019
Sexy, smart, and entertaining

I can’t get enough of this series and wish the author could write in her sleep (so that I could get the next one faster haha). Ruth was hilarious and witty, while Koorgan is attentive, inventive, and clearly falls quickly for Ruth. I think what I loved the most about this story was that the characters themselves weren’t creating unnecessary obstacles for each other, but their circumstances were the troubles that needed overcoming. It was great to read about a couple that didn’t fight against the attraction, but who worked together to overcome their issues to be together.
Profile Image for E.M. Reders.
Author 14 books88 followers
October 5, 2019
Fab as always

I wondered where we would go next in this series, what with the alien evil gotten rid of and Magna now living her happily ever after in our world. Loved Ruth's journey to the seven kingdoms and her witty comebacks.
Now the search is on for the Giant king's parents and the elusive isle of the elementals. Hope we see more of a certain magical and mysterious pirate king very soon. I cant wait for his book, though i have a feeling his story might be on hold for the end of the series (knowing my luck at least).
587 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2019
The Seven Kingdoms (5)

This book I enjoyed the most. It was longer and had a good storyline. There was still a long list of the author's books at the end, but because it hasn't happened yet, there wasn't also the first chapter of the next book.
Sue P
1,429 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2019
The Well!

A lovely fairytale story that humsn Ruth falls into the Land of Giants when she finds one had fallen in a well. Once rescued the King takes Ruth home to his castle and has his tradsmen make a replica of his Castle into a Dollhouse for her. Naturally they fall in love. Now I need to read more about all of the characters.
Profile Image for Trescina Bell.
568 reviews7 followers
September 16, 2019
Love this series!

Awesome read! What and awesome escape to another world. I love these characters. Poor Magna she has been through so much. Ruth was awesome. No matter what size she was she worked it. Loved the giants. They are awesome. If you want a great escape grab this series and hang on for an awesome adventure.
Profile Image for Catriona Bain.
295 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2019
A must read

As always the books sucks you in and you find it hard to get things done, as you can't put the book down.
As I've come to expect from S.E.Smith from all of her books I have read, you'll be hard pushed to find one you don't love. As always this book is a must read and I'm counting down the time to the next one.
52 reviews
September 12, 2019
Good story,somewhat ok

Ruth was a bit annoying, the king sweet. Left a lot of angles in which the future of the stories could be headed. Thanks, love the kingdoms, looking forward to more stories in the future.
418 reviews
September 12, 2019
Wonderful, wonderful book!

I loved this book about Ruth and the King of the Giants. It's funny, sad, exciting and adventurous. I love this whole series and cannot wait for the next one.
688 reviews
September 13, 2019
Ruth's story

Desperate to find her brother, all her searches seem in vain.
Until Ruth encounters a mysterious women, who gives her a shell,
That will find her brother.
Full of action and adventure.
An enjoyable read.
Hope the next one comes out soon.
5 reviews
September 14, 2019
Great fun to read.

Ruth and Koorgan were perfect characters. It was a pleasure to return to the seven kingdoms book series. S.E. Smith out did herself again. I highly recommend this book. It will bring a smile to your heart.
Profile Image for Debra .
1,399 reviews
September 14, 2019
Otherworldly

A fun story about a woman who goes looking for her lost brother only to end up in another world. I enjoyed the variety of characters, especially the pirate king, I would like to see more of him in a future book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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