Contest - by Matthew Reilly (Paperback)

About the Book

From the "New York Times" bestselling author of "Scarecrow" comes an action-packed novel about a doctor and his daughter trapped in New York's Public Library by a contest with a fatal outcome. Martin's Press.

Book Synopsis

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.

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 bestselling career, is vintage Reilly at his explosive best.

From the Back Cover

New York Times" bestselling author Matthew Reilly's thrillers have tantalized readers with their unique storylines and explosive suspense. Now in "Contest," Matthew Reilly raises the bar once again in his most clever and remarkable novel yet..."
THE CONTEST: YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE COME TRUEDr. Stephen Swain has found himself locked in the after-hours darkness of the New York Public Library. It isn't a mistake. He's been entombed in the historic sanctuary for a reason--as the guest of an unknown host, chosen for a night of fun and games. He's unprepared. He's afraid. And he's not alone.
THE RULE:
KILL ANYTHING THAT MOVES
Six other contestants roam the black halls, room by room, floor by floor, in the dead silence. Each strapped with an explosive set to detonate should they escape before the night is over. The terms are simple: seven players enter--only one will leave.
THE REWARD:
YOUR LIFE
Now Swain must navigate the labyrinth to outwit the unknown moves of his mysterious opponents, and to outlast the unimaginable dangers that await him. Against insurmountable odds the contest has begun. Should he win, the greatest, most unfathomable terror lies at the night's end: the very reason behind the game...
"Reilly hurls readers into an adrenaline-drenched thrill ride...impossible to put down."
--"Orlando"" Sentinel"
""
"Swain is clever, resourceful, and quick. The action is non-stop...this slam-bang story is great, good fun, and thoroughly entertaining."
--"Tulsa"" World"

Review Quotes

" Reilly hurls readers into an adrenaline-drenched thrill ride... impossible to put down."
-- "Orlando Sentinel"
""
" Swain is clever, resourceful, and quick. The action is non-stop... this slam-bang story is great, good fun, and thoroughly entertaining."
--"Tulsa World""" "Reilly...can inspire awe. Speed demons, take note. "
--"Publishers Weekly"
"Compared to Matthew Reilly's "Temple" and his intrepid academic hero, Professor William Race, Indiana Jones is a wimp and The Raiders of The Lost Ark a snooze fest. Reilly's book has adrenaline in super-sized quantities."
--"The Orlando Sentinel" on "Temple"

"Reilly hurls readers into an adrenaline-drenched thrill ride...impossible to put down."
--"Orlando Sentinel"
""
"Swain is clever, resourceful, and quick. The action is non-stop...this slam-bang story is great, good fun, and thoroughly entertaining."
--"Tulsa World""" "Reilly...can inspire awe. Speed demons, take note. "
--"Publishers Weekly"
"Compared to Matthew Reilly's "Temple" and his intrepid academic hero, Professor William Race, Indiana Jones is a wimp and The Raiders of The Lost Ark a snooze fest. Reilly's book has adrenaline in super-sized quantities."
--"The Orlando Sentinel" on "Temple"

About the Author

Matthew Reilly is the bestselling author of Ice Station, Temple, Scarecrow, Contest, Hell Island, Seven Ancient Wonders, Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors and Hover Car Racer. More than 3.5 million copies of his thrillers have been sold around the world, and he has also written several screenplays and published several magazine articles. Reilly was born in 1974 and studied law at the University of New South Wales. He lives in Sydney, Australia.