Matthew Reilly

Matthew Reilly is an Australian author renowned for his fast-paced, cinematic action-adventure novels. His work, characterized by intricate plots and relentless pacing, has achieved significant international commercial success, particularly with series featuring protagonists like Scarecrow and Jack West Jr. Reilly's journey from self-publishing his debut to becoming a bestseller is a notable story in modern publishing.

Biography

Born in Sydney, Reilly developed a passion for storytelling and film while studying at St Aloysius' College. He later attended the University of New South Wales, graduating with a degree in Law. While there, he wrote his first novel, Contest, which was initially rejected by every major publisher in Australia. Undeterred, he self-published the book in 1996, financing the print run himself. The novel's success in a local competition caught the attention of Pan Macmillan Australia, which offered him a publishing contract. This launched his professional career, leading to the breakthrough success of his second novel, Ice Station, which introduced the character of Captain Shane Schofield. He has since become a fixture on bestseller lists in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Writing style and themes

Reilly's writing is defined by its breakneck pace, elaborate action sequences, and complex, puzzle-like plots often involving historical mysteries and advanced technology. His narrative style is frequently described as cinematic, drawing clear inspiration from blockbuster films and employing short chapters and cliffhangers to propel the story. Common themes include the exploration of ancient secrets, as seen in the Jack West Jr series which delves into ancient wonders and global mythology, and high-stakes military or scientific scenarios. His novels often feature extensive research into areas like archaeology, military technology, and world history, weaving factual elements into fantastical scenarios. The tone is consistently heroic, with protagonists facing overwhelming odds in races against time to prevent global catastrophes.

Bibliography

Reilly's bibliography is dominated by two primary series and several standalone novels. His first major series follows United States Marine Corps officer Shane Schofield, call-sign Scarecrow, and includes titles such as Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, and Hell Island. His second major series centers on Australian soldier-archaeologist Jack West Jr, beginning with Seven Ancient Wonders (published as 7 Deadly Wonders in the U.S.) and continuing through several sequels including The Six Sacred Stones and The Four Legendary Kingdoms. Notable standalone works include the aforementioned Contest, Temple, and The Great Zoo of China. His novels are consistently published by Pan Macmillan in Australia and Simon & Schuster in other territories.

Adaptations

The cinematic quality of Reilly's work has led to ongoing interest from the film industry, though a major feature adaptation has yet to be released. The film rights to several of his novels, including Ice Station and Contest, have been optioned by various Hollywood studios and production companies over the years. In 2020, it was announced that a television series adaptation of his Jack West Jr series was in development. His novel The Great Zoo of China has also been reported as being in development for a potential film adaptation.

Awards and recognition

While his primary recognition comes from robust sales figures and popular acclaim, Reilly has received specific awards honoring his contribution to literature and literacy. In 2007, he was awarded the Australian Book Industry Award for General Fiction Book of the Year for The Six Sacred Stones. He has also been recognized for promoting reading, receiving the Lloyd O'Neil Award for service to the Australian book industry. His books frequently debut at number one on bestseller lists compiled by The Australian and other national publications, cementing his status as one of Australia's most successful contemporary authors.

Category:Australian novelists Category:1974 births Category:Living people Category:Writers from Sydney Category:Action thriller writers