Contest by Matthew Reilly (Matthew Reilly thread) (2 Viewers)

[Bookie]

Out today? Really?

 

[Raginsheep]

I just got it today. Should be studying for my HSC but its more interesting. Besides, I could always rip it off for the journeys creative piece.

From what I've read so far, it seems more of the same, although perhaps more toned down than Scarecrow.

 

[jeremiahk]

I don't mean to be cynical, but that kid played way too much counterstrike.

All that quoting of the rpm and the guns he used in ice station and whatnot. mmm.

 

[Plebeian]

I bought it this afternoon (the hardcover was $30 from Angus and Robertson, minus a 20% discount to come out at $24, in case anyone's comparing prices) and so far it's enjoyable. Maybe a little heavy on the diagrams and subheadings,

Spoiler

and the plot's not terribly well grounded in reality (iirc, sunspots are cooler than the rest of the Sun, not apocalyptically hotter)

but I don't care because

Spoiler

Indiana Jones-esque ancient booby traps are always cool. Also, did anyone notice that West's eye-colour changed? At the start he has "laser-sharp brown eyes", then at the meeting of the eight nations he has "ice-blue eyes". Maybe this is explained later.

If you like Matthew Reilly's other books, I'm fairly sure this one won't disappoint you.

 

[Raginsheep]

I don't mean to be cynical, but that kid played way too much counterstrike.

All that quoting of the rpm and the guns he used in ice station and whatnot. mmm.

Its his style of writing-fast paced hollywood action. If you don't like it, then don't read it.

Borders has it at $24.95 but techie, how'd u get the 20% discount? I couldn't even find the book at A&R yesterday.

 

[insert-username]

I've just gotten it. Sitting down to read it soon.


I_F

 

[Plebeian]

Borders has it at $24.95 but techie, how'd u get the 20% discount? I couldn't even find the book at A&R yesterday.

It was at Hurstville, maybe it was just that store (20% off all books).

 

[PerfectByNature]

oooh! i wants it! i hope i can get it soon... i love his writing.

 

[PerfectByNature]

O_0
im reading 7 Ancient Wonders right now and ive found mistakes! argh! i know some people couldnt care less.... but i could!

Spoiler

on pg 13: "Supremely fit, he had dark hair and lazer-sharp brown eyes..." about Jack West.
pg 91: "His ice-blue eyes scanned the room..." ABOUT JACK AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! grrr!

when Zaeed joins them on pg 254: "'And you, John West Jr. Captain John West Jr.'" thats what Zaeed says.... i thought it might be him being stupid, but nobody in the book picked him up on it so it was MRs mistake.

 

[PerfectByNature]

yeah... i found that out last night. heh. thats really bizarre though... weird.
haha!
i love

Spoiler

that Australians get the power at the end! awesome! it was a good book. i enjoyed it. i do rather the Schofield books but it was still good.

 

[PerfectByNature]

hmmm... true. maybe MR wishes he could do that. i know that when im writing i usually have the characters do things id like to do.

it is an excellent book though, i enjoyed it alot. i like that his books are really easy to read and dont take that long.

 

[PerfectByNature]

i know! its so awesome... i find it impossible to be bored while reading one of his books... even if im not enjoying it all that much, theyre just so exciting and fast paced. i love them...

 

[PerfectByNature]

Yeah, i know. that is the annoying thing about them. they are just so fast paced that you can read them really quickly.
oh well, there are other books to read while your waiting

 

[PerfectByNature]

hahahah. good stuff.
es, Argonaut, you do have too much time on your hands. waaay too much

 

[Nashie]

It was a fantastic book... but where was the elevator scene! It's an MR trademark...

Spoiler

In Contest, it involves Bellos near the end, in A7 there are quite a few and in Scarecrow there is the unforgetable canary wharf tower one!

 

[Plebeian]

And also, have you noticed every character of MR's (save Jason and Steve) have swung on something? Scarecrow has the Maghook, Will Race used the grappling hook on the M16, and now Jack does it. But then, as the man himself said (this is paraphrased, mind) "A hero has to swing. Luke Skywalker, Indiana Jones, James Bond, they all swing on something."

There are many more similarities between the books than that.

Spoiler

One example is that each book features a rapid chase between fleets of vehicles: Ice Station = Hovercraft, Temple = Riverboats, Area 7 = Jetskis + helicopters, Scarecrow = cars (in France & Afghanistan), 7AW = Swamprunners. I haven't read Hover Car Racer but the whole premise seems to be chases.

There are more, I had a whole mental list once but I haven't read the Schofield books in ages so I can't remember them.

 

[whitneyfaith]

A hero better than Shane Schofield? I haven't read it, but can anyone who has agree?

I've read all but Hover Car, and Seven Ancient Wonders (It's purchased and sitting in the back of my cupboard until exams are over) I am part-way through Scarecrow, but stopped because I am a pussy and don't want to read THAT part. Devestated, I swear.

I would have to say Temple is a favorite, as well as Ice Station.

But my favorite moment ever is when in Area 7 (i think?) Scarecrow runs over when he's found Gant tied up and slides on his knees and kisses her. ahhh I cheered out loud. Then got all jealous that I couldn't have a sliding kissing marine boyfriend. Oh well.

 

[PerfectByNature]

Why? i like her lots.
i cant believe the evilness of MR...

 

[walrusbear]

Matthew Reilly Thread

i heard this matthew reilly guy is a decent writer
anyone know where to start??

i saw one of his books in the shop. i think its name was.. da vinci's secrets??
i need guidance!

 

[Plebeian]

You might have the missed the flagrantly large Matthew Reilly thread right below the one you posted.

None of his books have Da Vinci in the title, it's possible you saw "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, which is one of the highest-selling books in Australian history, so if you trust public opinion, you'd have to say it was decent.