SEVEN ANCIENT WONDERS by Matthew Reilly, Review
Seven Ancient Wonders Synopsis:
Also published as Seven Deadly Wonders
Two thousand years ago, it was hidden within the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Now, in the present day, it must be found again…
Captain Jack West Jr – part soldier, part scholar, all hero. The odds are stacked against him and his loyal team: nine brave companions taking on the most powerful countries on earth.
From the pyramids of Egypt to the swamps of Sudan, to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the boulevards of Paris: the desperate race begins for the greatest prize of all: the power to end the world or rule it.
Note, this title published as ‘Seven Deadly Wonders’ in the US.
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BOOK REVIEW
An action-packed adventure ride – Indiana Jones, eat your heart out!
Everything I’ve read from Matthew Reilly to date (Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Hover Car Racer) has just been so enjoyable to read, and Seven Ancient Wonders was no exception.
In this, the first novel in his Jack West Jr. Series, he has created a wonderfully odd bunch of protagonists that you can’t help but barrack for. Reilly certainly doesn’t do anything by halves – this adventure our action heroes find themselves on is colossal. With the quietly confident and courageous Jack West Jr. leading this motley crew, how could they lose?
Reilly himself concedes he doesn’t let grammar or stylistic elements get in the way of a great story. Because of this, his stories are extremely accessible and a fun read for young and old – escapism at it’s greatest. I really like the pictures and diagrams Reilly provides throughout the story, giving the reader a birds-eye view of the traps and mazes our protagonists are facing.
Intensity is maintained throughout the novel with Jack and his crew deciphering clues and navigating traps and mazes at a cracking pace. That is not to say the story doesn’t have heart… he just doesn’t play on the soppy stuff more than required. Reilly’s ability to illustrate the bonds and loyalties of his characters beneath their tough exteriors with a salient observation here and there is his true skill I believe and what really makes us want to follow our favourite characters throughout his series.
If you haven’t read a Reilly, you should – you won’t be disappointed!
BOOK RATING: The Story 4.5 / 5 ; The Writing 3.5 / 5 – Overall 4
Get your copy of Seven Ancient Wonders from:
Booktopia AU Amazon Book Depository
OR listen to the audiobook FREE with Audible’s Trial (check eligibility)
About the Author, Matthew Reilly
Matthew Reilly (born 2 July 1974) is a New York Times bestselling Australian action thriller writer. His novels are noted for their fast pace, twisting plots and intense action. Check out Matthew Reilly’s official website.
Check out other titles by Matthew Reilly featured on Booklover Book Reviews, including: The Great Zoo of China, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves, The Five Greatest Warriors, Hell Island and Seven Ancient Wonders.
* This book counts towards my participation in the Chunkster Reading Challenge (523 pages), Aussie Author Challenge and Finish That Series Challenge.
