Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr., Bk 1) on + 1229 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
The book was full of non-stop action, but it was short on character development and long on outlandish plot devices. The narrative of the action sequences was like reading a video game - going from one booby-trapped room/passage to the next. Very Indiana Jones inspired. The whole premise of the book was very preposterous. I know this is a fictional action adventure; however, everything about the plot was totally unbelievable. The idea of having to gather pieces of the capstone of the Great Pyramid in order to avoid a world-wide catastrophe and to a enable a country to have world domination for a thousand years is straight out of the pulp fiction from the 30s or a comic book. Then there were the childish nicknames given to the team by the young girl, Lily - such as "Pooh Bear", "Big Ears", etc. On top of this, there was the excessive use of exclamation points and italics. All of this detracted from the story to me. I will admit that I did get more into the story towards the second half of the novel. But overall, I much prefer Cussler and Rollins - at least their storylines are somewhat plausible!
Helpful Score: 3
Marvelous. I am keeping this one. James Rollins, Clive Custler, Wilbur Smith, George R.R. Martin these are great writers with excellent reads. I love the interplay of history into a modern setting of a Clancy like today. Modern weapons and technology, spying, contient hopping, puzzle figuring greatness. "And I even like the color." -- prince in Indiana Jones, Last Crusade
Jud H. (trekie70) -
Helpful Score: 2
Tartarusâ¦â¦the sunspot that lines up with the earth roughly once every 4500 years is about to appear again. According to legend it will bring catastrophic destruction upon the Earth unless a golden capstone, lost to antiquity, is placed back where it belongs on top the Great Pyramid at Giza. It is said that whoever has the capstone on the day of Tartarus will make his country invincible. According to legend, Alexander the Great broke apart the capstone and hid it within the seven wonders of the ancient world. A document known as the Callimachus Text details the locations and how to beat the traps. Now, three groups of nations are competing with one another to find the pieces and assemble the capstone on the day that the Tartarus Rotation takes place. The Americans form one team, the European Union the second and supersoldier Jack West, Jr., in possession of the Callimachus text, leads the third. West must beat the odds and lead his team across the ancient world to find the pieces and prevent the possible annihilation of the Earth.
Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly is without a doubt one of the best action novels of recent years-think Indiana Jones on steroids. The novel is one heck of a roller coaster ride from beginning to end, starting with a daring rescue and ending with a last-second, Hail-Mary save. Reilly has done an amazing job with the details of each mission, intricately describing each location in detail. The book appears to be historically accurate with regard to the identity and location of each of the ancient wonders. Reilly has sprinkled in the odd trivia throughout the novel, such as the Washington Monument and the Great Pyramid at Giza being at the same height above sea level. All in all, I learned a lot from this novel and could hardly put it down once I started to read it.
Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly is without a doubt one of the best action novels of recent years-think Indiana Jones on steroids. The novel is one heck of a roller coaster ride from beginning to end, starting with a daring rescue and ending with a last-second, Hail-Mary save. Reilly has done an amazing job with the details of each mission, intricately describing each location in detail. The book appears to be historically accurate with regard to the identity and location of each of the ancient wonders. Reilly has sprinkled in the odd trivia throughout the novel, such as the Washington Monument and the Great Pyramid at Giza being at the same height above sea level. All in all, I learned a lot from this novel and could hardly put it down once I started to read it.
Helpful Score: 2
An excellent read, it's a typical Reilly adventure, super hero (Jack West Jr.) and all.
Once you start reading this one you'll not want to put it down. If you like action and adventure, I recommend this novel.
Once you start reading this one you'll not want to put it down. If you like action and adventure, I recommend this novel.
Stephanie P. (nursestephi) reviewed Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr., Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This author's writing was a bit choppy at first, but it quickly pulls you into the story, and then it's hard to put down.
Great book - fast paced adventure! If you like James Rollins you'll like this.
Katie R. (readingismylilbreak) reviewed Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr., Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book, it really keeps you on your toes. I think I found a new favorite author!
Mindy E. (cardsbymindy) reviewed Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr., Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great, fast paced book!
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't put this book down - a fast-paced, fun read. I hated for it to end.
Helpful Score: 1
ACTION ACTION ACTION
Helpful Score: 1
Outstanding Reilly!
Helpful Score: 1
I've read other Reilly books and liked them a lot but I just couldn't stick with this one, it seemed just too much confusion, too many names to keep track of, too many pages way too many pages, maybe a shorter book with easier names and places but this one lost me early on.
Helpful Score: 1
Once again, Matthew Reilly gives a fast paced story with some punch. Starts a bit slow, but hang in there!
Helpful Score: 1
A fun read as most of M. Reilly's are. You just can not take anything too seriously about the storyline.
Bryan L. (bjlowe) -
Helpful Score: 1
I had a ball reading this non stop thriller. Matthew Reilly gives us a dose of some of his best writing.
Although this appears to be a techno thriller at first, Reilly has added a healthy dose of not-too-speculative fantasy along with a well written, exciting story.
Additionally, he didn't get carried away with trying to make the historical connections historical. He just lets it flow and grow a life of its own.
The characters are great and the family dynamic they develop is believable. I particularly enjoyed the call signs the little girl gives the warriors.
Great book... read it.
Although this appears to be a techno thriller at first, Reilly has added a healthy dose of not-too-speculative fantasy along with a well written, exciting story.
Additionally, he didn't get carried away with trying to make the historical connections historical. He just lets it flow and grow a life of its own.
The characters are great and the family dynamic they develop is believable. I particularly enjoyed the call signs the little girl gives the warriors.
Great book... read it.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very well written and entertaining adventure. I don't normally read thrillers but I was drawn in from the very first word and finished it quickly. I'm looking forward to reading more from this genre and am eagerly awaiting the next saga in the life of Jack West Jr and others from Mr. Reilly.
A pounding, throbbing adventure that is only the beginning of the series. Not to be put down! A must read.
First one of his books that I have read. Can't wait to read more. Lots of action and adventure.
Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
I really enjoyed the Scarecrow series, but this first entry in the Jack West series had me confused. The reader is immediately dropped into an action scene with very little background. I did not know who the people were nor what was going on. Fortunately, the latter chapters do introduce the characters and give some background on their mission.
I will keep reading in hopes that this series gets better.
I will keep reading in hopes that this series gets better.
INTENSE, ACTION-PACKED, AND OVER THE TOP. Hairs-breadth escapes abound! The characters are constantly out of the frying pan and into the fire. Very cinematic story-telling but a little more character development wouldn't have hurt.
Lauren M. (lauren4521) reviewed Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr., Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
A fast if not at times, corny read. Davinci Code on speed, perhaps? Some characters are developed, not others but you can't argue with the good guys/bad guys storyline that keeps you carried along.
Marci and Duane S. (flame60) reviewed Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr., Bk 1) on + 200 more book reviews
A global search to uncover ancient wonders in modern times to prevent an apocalypse.
Katie B. (katiem63116) reviewed Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr., Bk 1) on + 136 more book reviews
Very exciting and action packed; like an Indiana Jones movie
Well-plotted, but the author has a juvenile habit of trying to add excitement through italicized phrases and exclamation marks. If you've seen Indiana Jones movies, you won't find the plot points original, but it's a decent read for a snowy day nonetheless.
matthew reilly always leaves u wanting a new novel once you've finished one.....he is a master storyteller.....his stories are beelievable and this one is different...a new main character and a great one at that....
