Book Review | The Four Legendary Kingdoms

10:26 PM


synopsis.

A RUTHLESS KIDNAPPING
Jack West Jr and his family are living happily on their remote farm... when Jack is brutally kidnapped and he awakes in an underground cell to find a masked attacker with a knife charging at him.

THE GREAT GAMES
Jack, it seems, has been chosen – along with a dozen other elite soldiers – to compete in a series of deadly challenges designed to fulfill an ancient ritual.

With the fate of the Earth at stake, he will have to traverse diabolical mazes, fight cruel assassins and face unimaginable horrors that will test him like he has never been tested before.

TO HELL AND BACK
In the process, he will discover the mysterious and powerful group of individuals behind it all: The Four Legendary Kingdoms.

He might also discover that he is not the only hero in this place...


my thoughts.

First up, let me say that it was great to have another Jack West Jr. book.

It was as wild and action-packed as any other Matthew Reilly book, with a surprise or two thrown in for good measure (and let me just say, I’m so glad I read the book before I was spoiled for one of them).

The Four Legendary Kingdoms has a different feel to it than previous Jack West novels - the history component felt a little lighter, as well as the main cast. Given the premise of The Great Games, Jack is the main focus. Lily, Alby, Sea Monster, Pooh Bear and Stretch are all there, but they’re definitely in supporting roles, along with some other favourites. Zoe has a cameo, but wasn’t in the main storyline, which was disappointing, but I’m hoping her role will be expanded in future books.

This book takes place roughly ten years after The Five Greatest Warriors, and Jack himself is a little older and wiser. He’s grown up, alongside his family. (Also, points for Jack having a small black poodle!) There’s almost a sense of wariness about him, that quickly fades as he’s determined not to be beaten by The Great Games. I loved the threads of mythology woven into the storyline, as well as the way it connects to the events from all three previous Jack West Jr. novels.

If you’re a fan of Matthew Reilly, this book won’t disappoint. I powered through it, reading it in just a few hours and enjoyed it a lot. I gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

author // Matthew Reilly
publisher // Pan Macmillan Australia
genre // Adventure
publication date // October 18, 2016
format // Hardback



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