Matthew Reilly

Matthew Reilly is an Australian action thriller novelist known for his fast-paced military adventure stories and international bestsellers. His works frequently feature elite military personnel, ancient mysteries, and high-stakes missions, combining historical elements with modern warfare technology. Born in Sydney in 1974, Reilly began his writing career at age 19 with his self-published novel "Contest." After initially being rejected by major publishers, he went on to gain international recognition with subsequent works including "Ice Station," "Temple," and the "Scarecrow" series. His novels are characterized by detailed research, intricate military hardware descriptions, and complex action sequences. Reilly's work has been published in over 20 languages, with his most successful series including the Shane Schofield (Scarecrow) books and the Jack West Jr. series. The author's distinctive writing style incorporates short chapters, technical diagrams, and maps to enhance the reader's engagement with the plot. His background in law from the University of New South Wales has influenced his attention to detail and procedural elements in his storytelling.

Readers describe Reilly's books as fast-paced action thrillers with cinematic scenes and non-stop momentum. Many compare his writing style to action movies, with one reviewer noting "reading his books feels like watching Die Hard." Readers appreciate: - Quick pacing that keeps pages turning - Creative action sequences - Short chapters that build tension - Detailed research into military hardware and locations - Clear, straightforward writing style Common criticisms: - Characters lack depth and development - Plots stretch believability - Overuse of exclamation points and italics - Repetitive story formulas - Technical details sometimes overshadow story Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Most books 3.9-4.2/5 stars Amazon: Average 4.3/5 stars LibraryThing: 3.8/5 stars One frequent comment: "Turn off your brain and enjoy the ride." Multiple readers note these books work best when approached as pure entertainment rather than serious literature.

Contest - A radiologist becomes an unwilling participant in an alien-orchestrated gladiatorial tournament inside the New York State Library.

Hover Car Racer - A teenage hover car racing prodigy competes in high-stakes international competitions while facing both personal and professional challenges.

Temple - A professor and an ex-soldier race against mercenaries to locate an ancient Incan idol with devastating powers.

The Great Zoo of China - A reptile expert discovers China's secret plan to surpass all other zoos by showcasing living dragons.

The Tournament - A young Elizabeth I accompanies her teacher Roger Ascham to a chess tournament in Constantinople, where they encounter murder and intrigue.

Ice Station - Marine reconnaissance unit leader Shane Schofield battles multiple forces at an Antarctic research station after a mysterious discovery.

Area 7 - Schofield must protect the U.S. President in an underground facility while facing a rogue Air Force unit.

Scarecrow - Schofield becomes the target of international bounty hunters while trying to prevent a military catastrophe.

Hell Island - Schofield leads a team investigating a research facility on a remote island in the South Pacific.

Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves - Schofield and his team race to stop a terrorist group from unleashing a weapon that could destroy the Northern Hemisphere.

Seven Ancient Wonders - Jack West Jr. leads an international team to collect pieces of an ancient artifact before a deadline that could affect Earth's fate.

The Six Sacred Stones - West continues his mission to prevent global catastrophe by locating six sacred stones and performing their rituals.

The Five Greatest Warriors - West faces the final challenges in his quest while confronting historical figures and ancient prophecies.

The Four Legendary Kingdoms - West is forced to compete in a series of deadly challenges orchestrated by a secret organization.

Clive Cussler Created the Dirk Pitt series featuring military operations and historical mysteries tied to modern-day threats. His works combine detailed technical descriptions with globe-spanning adventures and ancient secrets.

James Rollins Writes the Sigma Force series about a covert military unit investigating scientific mysteries and historical puzzles. His background as a veterinarian brings scientific authenticity to plots mixing ancient history with cutting-edge technology.

Andy McDermott Authors the Nina Wilde/Eddie Chase series about an archaeologist and ex-SAS operative searching for legendary artifacts. His books feature non-stop action sequences and military combat mixed with historical discoveries.

Steve Berry Writes the Cotton Malone series about a former Justice Department operative involved in historical conspiracies. His plots combine detailed research of historical events with modern military and intelligence operations.

Chris Kuzneski Created the Payne and Jones series featuring former Special Forces operators solving historical mysteries. His books incorporate military expertise with archaeological discoveries and international conspiracies.