Book Review: Contest

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Contest     Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada HC
Matthew Reilly
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Dunne, Mar 2003, $24.95, 336 pp.

Radiologist Dr. Stephen Swain and his elementary school aged daughter Holly are in their Long Island home relaxing after a day at the hospital and school respectfully. However, aliens feel the widower will make a good participant in their cross species death contest based on Stephen’s efforts that ended a violent problem. The ETs teleport Stephen and Holly to the New York 42nd Street Public Library to play in a deadly game of survivor.

The rules are simple win or die. Seven species will compete until only one is left standing to confront the Karandon, a killing machine who has carved up the library security guard. Escape is impossible as a deadly electrical field encloses the building and immovable wrist band will incinerate any of the contestants. Let the games begin.

The reader needs to move past technologically advanced aliens hosting deadly games sort of like an intergalactic Roman Forum (and several other questionable actions). If the reader can pass that critical go, the story line packs quite a wallop as the taut action leads to the audience rooting for the home team. Somewhat mindful of a Kirk Star Trek show (see "The Gamesters of Triskelion" episode), readers who relish action to the nth degree will join the ultimate survivor CONTEST, but with a galaxy of skepticism along for the ride.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner