Contest

Contest is a fast-paced science fiction thriller set in the New York State Library. The story centers on Dr. Stephen Swain, a radiologist who becomes an unwilling participant in an intergalactic competition called the Presidian. Seven contestants from different alien species are transported into the library and forced to fight to the death. The building becomes a sealed arena where advanced technology prevents escape, and each participant must face both their competitors and the deadly creature known as the Karanadon. Swain must rely on his intelligence and adaptability to survive against experienced warriors from across the galaxy. The library's familiar environment transforms into a battleground where knowledge of human architecture and systems becomes as crucial as combat skills. The novel explores themes of survival and human potential, demonstrating how ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges. Within its action-driven narrative, it raises questions about the nature of competition and the universal drive to overcome seemingly impossible odds.

Readers describe Contest as a fast-paced action thriller that moves quickly from scene to scene with minimal downtime. Many compare it to a video game or action movie in book form. Liked: - Rapid pace and constant tension - Clear, straightforward writing style - Unique alien creatures and setting - Creative use of the New York Public Library location - Short chapters that build momentum Disliked: - Character development feels shallow - Scientific explanations strain credibility - Writing can be repetitive - Plot relies on convenience/coincidence - Dialogue comes across as basic One reader noted: "It reads like Die Hard meets Predator in a library." Another said: "The physics and technology make zero sense, but the action never stops." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (600+ ratings) Most negative reviews still recommend it for pure entertainment value, with criticism focused on writing quality rather than storytelling.

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami Contestants must fight to the death on a remote island using strategy and survival skills, offering the same life-or-death competition dynamics present in Contest.

Maze Runner by James Dashner Participants navigate through a lethal maze while being hunted, featuring the same trapped-in-a-confined-space element central to Contest.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card A regular person faces alien challenges in an enclosed training facility, paralleling Contest's theme of human adaptability in extraordinary circumstances.

Running Man by Stephen King A man enters a deadly game show where he must evade hunters in an urban environment, mirroring Contest's use of modern architecture as a battlefield.

Deathday by William C. Dietz Earth humans compete against alien species in a competition for survival, sharing Contest's premise of interspecies combat.

🌟 Contest was Matthew Reilly's first novel, written when he was just 19 years old. He initially self-published it in 1996 after being rejected by major publishers. 🏃‍♂️ The entire story takes place within a 12-hour timeframe, creating a real-time feel that heightens the tension and urgency of the narrative. 📚 The New York State Library, where the story is set, is a real institution founded in 1818 and houses over 20 million items in its collection. 🎮 The book's structure and premise share similarities with battle royale-style competitions, predating the popularity of this genre in modern entertainment by many years. 🎯 Reilly wrote the novel while studying at the University of New South Wales, drawing inspiration from action movies of the 1980s and his love of fast-paced storytelling.