![[By Matthew Reilly] The Four Legendary Kingdoms (Jack West Junior 4) (Hardcover)【2016】by Matthew Reilly (Author) [1857]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WynKjI09L._SY445_SX342_.jpg)
I am SO happy I discovered Matthew Reilly in 2002, shortly after the release of his novel, "Temple". I found "Ice Station" and after reading about it, I decided to take a gamble on a new author I had never heard of before--something I rarely do without doing a bit of research first. It was much more different than I expected it to be. But one thing stood out: the action was seriously off the charts...as in leaps & bounds more than any other author I had ever read before. Sure, the action borders on almost comical at times for how outrageous it can get, definitely stretching the limits of credibility and then some--but as I read, I got the distinct impression that Matthew does it on purpose. His books aren't intended to be hyper realistic. If you need that, read Tom Clancy. For a long time now I've come to refer to novels such as this as fine brain candy, because that is truly what it is.
I quickly soaked up everything I could, even trying to track down a copy of his self-published Contest (before it was re-published). Loved the Scarecrow novels, and the high adventure and shockingly non-stop action that Matthew injected into each of his novels. Then came the 7 Ancient/Deadly Wonders (title depended on where you got your copy) and he gave us Jack West Jr. He reminded me a lot of Shane Schofield. But Jack was a family man, and so was I, and in that I had something in common with this super hero. I loved that book. It reminded me of the Da Vinci Code meets Indiana Jones meets the X-Files. Phenomenally entertaining. The ending lead me to believe that was just about it--but then came the 2 sequels. Loved them both as well. So you can imagine how thrilled I was knowing a 4th book was coming. It pained me especially knowing it would be released just about everywhere before coming to America. So after I found out that I could get a copy from England shipped here, I went that route.
Loved the speed with which the story is catapulted into action--leave it to Reilly to find a way to hit the ground running on the very first page--literally. Jack wakes up somewhere strange, and instantly finds himself in peril. It's all so fantastic that he isn't quite sure if what he's seeing is real, or if he's just inside a bizarre dream. Before long, the details begin to slowly unfold to discover that similar to the previous books, the world is frighteningly close to ending and an odd ceremony is necessary in order to prove man's worthiness to live. In a way, it reminded me a little of his book, Contest. In the Four Legendary Kingdoms, the competition is more than just kill or be killed--the very future of humanity hangs in the balance.
I loved this book for several reasons: 1. It brought back Jack and his closest friends and family. 2. The creativity which Reilly comes up with to test his characters is nothing short of astonishing to me. The term Creative doesn't do him justice. The next was how he tied in a few characters from earlier books which came as a very pleasant surprise. At least he isn't adding himself to his books as one of his own characters like Cussler has been doing now for several years. Sorry but I found that to be ridiculously narcissistic, and I happen to love Dirk Pitt. Thankfully, the way Reilly handles it was not only welcome, but incredibly entertaining. All in all, I felt like the book was familiar, and yet original at the same time (hope that makes sense).
Not only am I still a fan, but even more so than I was before. Kudos to Matthew. Great story, great novel, great entertainment. TOTALLY worth it!
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Top reviews from other countries
William Gabriel-Lawton
good adventure story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2024Jocelyn Dunn
It is part of a series so dont forgetbto read the others
Reviewed in Canada on February 6, 2021