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adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
An excellent, well paced action story. Some very interesting species, a wonderfully utilised setting, and high stakes add layers to a rather gladiatorial challenge.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A relentless, adrenaline-charged thriller that hurls readers into a no-holds-barred battle for survival. From the very first page, the novel propels you into a high-stakes contest, where seven contestants from vastly different worlds are trapped inside the New York Public Library, fighting to the death until only one emerges victorious.
“You have been chosen to represent your species in the ultimate contest in the universe. A contest that dates back over six millennia, that bases itself on a principle that goes light years beyond any notion of 'sport' that you could possibly imagine. That is the Presidian. It is a battle. A battle between hunters, athletes, warriors; creatures coming from every corner of the universe, possessed of skill, courage and intelligence, prepared to stake their very lives on their extraordinary talents — talents at hunting, stalking and killing.”
This opening sets the tone for an epic, intergalactic showdown. But as the story unfolds, it felt more like an elaborate "Escape Room" with aliens than the grand cosmic tournament I had envisioned. Still, considering this was Reilly’s debut novel in 1996, it’s impressive in scope and ambition. That said, some elements stretch believability, and the subplot involving the NSA detracted from the main story, dulling the intensity of the actual contest.
Reilly’s writing is brisk and cinematic, with intense action sequences that practically leap off the page. His vivid descriptions make you feel the cold concrete floors, hear the spine-chilling screeches of unseen alien predators lurking in the shadows, and experience the visceral panic of gunfire and explosions reverberating through the vast halls. The novel’s relentless pacing ensures you're constantly on edge, with little time to catch your breath between the next bout of chaos.
What sets “Contest” apart from other survival thrillers is the emotional weight Reilly introduces through the protagonist. Instead of the typical lone-wolf hero, we follow Swain, a father fighting not only for his own life but for his daughter's survival. This dynamic adds an emotional resonance that's rare in the (fight-to-die game) genre, elevating the stakes beyond mere survival. Swain’s everyman heroism makes him likable and relatable, though the alien contestants could have benefited from more development, which would have made the contest itself feel richer and more layered.
One aspect that may throw readers familiar with the real New York Public Library is Reilly’s portrayal of the location. The discrepancies between his description and the actual setting can be jarring. Luckily for me, a foreigner, I initially brushed this off, assuming there were multiple branches or that the building had undergone changes since my last visit. =))
Despite its occasional missteps and odd plot points, “Contest” is pure escapism—an intense, heart-pounding thrill ride from start to finish. I wouldn’t have stumbled upon this hidden gem if it weren't for Thibault’s compelling review, and though it’s not my usual fare, I found myself swept up in the intense ride it provided. As a debut novel, it’s an impressive showcase of Reilly’s knack for cinematic action, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that the "ultimate contest" could’ve been pushed further, given its grand premise. Nonetheless, it’s a solid entry point into the wild worlds Reilly builds, and it left me curious to see how his storytelling evolves from here
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence