Contest

By: Matthew Reilly

Narrated by: Sean Mangan

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

Readers all over the world have been cheering about Matthew Reilly's lightning fast adventure thrillers.

Contest, the action-packed extravaganza that launched this international best-selling career, is vintage Reilly at his explosive best.

The New York Public Library. A silent sanctuary of knowledge; a 100-year-old labyrinth of towering bookcases, narrow aisles and long marble hallways. For Doctor Stephen Swain and his daughter, Holly, it is the site of a nightmare. Because for one night this historic building is to be the venue for a contest. A contest in which Swain is to compete - whether he likes it or not.The rules are simple: Seven contestants will enter, only one will leave. With his daughter in his arms, Stephen Swain is plunged into a terrifying fight for survival. The stakes are high, the odds brutal. He can choose to run, to hide or to fight - but if he wants to live, he has to win. For in this contest, unless you leave as the victor, you do not leave at all.

©2005 Matthew Reilly (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Offers constant, nail-biting action" - ( Publishers Weekly)

Never a dull moment

This book is for those who like faced paced, action, sci-fi. I like survival stories, competitions and alien interaction. This one ticks all the boxes. Nicely written, very well performed. Great story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hard to put down. The story introduces impossible scenarios and then produces exciting explanations of the hero's way out. This is the first of the Matthew Reilly best sellers, and I'm glad I started with this one first. Have added the rest of his books to my wish list and look forward to reading them all. Makes me proud to be an Aussie like the author.
Great stuff.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Riellys First and still his Best!!

Loved this book, very cool and conceptual. Entertaining too the last and engagin on any number of levels. Mangans Narration is quite good as well.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Full of action, massive amount of suspense and thrilling fight scenes!

I enjoyed this book as I do all of Matthew Reilly's books but because of the suspense, the thrill and the exciting intense action content of the book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fantastic book

A very compelling story unique and riveting Looking forward to others by this author. A must read if you like sci fi

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Monster Aliens!

If you could sum up Contest in three words, what would they be?

Monster aliens, Action

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephen Swain was my favourite just for his never say die attitude and the way he protected his daughter.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Jurassic Park, Alien and Predator all rolled into one.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

another non stop action thriller - riveting

If you could sum up Contest in three words, what would they be?

fast furious brilliant

What was one of the most memorable moments of Contest?

the beginning

What about Sean Mangan’s performance did you like?

love him reading matthew reilly's books

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

the ultimate contest not only a physical test but one of endurance and mental flexibility

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A cartoon plot; mindless drivel!

Well, this was a precious credit, and about ten hours, thrown away. The kind of first-person shooter plots you would see in one of those made-for-TV movies on the Sci-Fi channel. The author basically made a whole story out of an ancient Roman gladiator fight in the Colliseum. Complete with a monster to eat the survivor, unless the unseen emperors give him a thumbs-up. (I kept visualizing that amorphous orange furry monster that was always chasing Bugs Bunny every time "The Karanadan" appeared.) One of the fighters even has a breastplate supposedly taken from an ancient Roman. Two "contestants" are shape-shifters, supposedly so they can take human form to open door handles (really now, someone with three arms could not?). A couple are bug-like (of course). Throw in a reptile and and an ape, and - voila! - what an original cast. Of course, the hero, who is a doctor that never exerted himself in his life, is able to out-smart and out-fight the best of the universe. Most improbably, he seems to fall right into participating in this "contest" with hardly an objection. Then there's the obligatory oh-so-cute young daughter and the short little alien helpers (think of the Martian in the Bugs Bunny cartoons). It's got everything (except a decent sotry). Glad it's over. I should have known better.

6 of 10 people found this review helpful

Never a dull moment!

Another action packed story full of monstrous beasts and good people using their knowledge and bravery to prevail!

Easy listening

I'd say if you like action books, this is a safe bet. Not a very demanding story, but quite entertaining.

You can tell this is a first effort ...

What would have made Contest better?

More story & less procedural. More dialog & less description of the action.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I am currently listening to another Matthew Reilly,

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Did not help drive any suspense.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

All of the above, the senselessness of the

Any additional comments?

Matthew Reilly is a good action/adventure author. You can tell this was an early effort of his. I'd advise to try later books.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

brilliant

From the moment moment I listened I could not stop. the story was so gripping, a beautiful piece of storytelling.

Loved the book. Loved the audio book

Where does Contest rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best, but that might be because I've read the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Contest?

The fight scenes between the main character and Belios

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Didn't have one that stood out

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

At the end when they are just sitting on the train. Filthy,tired and being completely ignored. No one knew what they had just been through.

Any additional comments?

This narrator is one of my favourites and he didn't let me down this time. If you're a fan of Matthew Reilly its a no brainer