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Scarecrow / Seven Ancient Wonders
SCARECROWAs 'Scarecrow' Schofield watches his mission to eliminate a Siberian turn into a bloodbath, he realizes he has been tricked—and now becomes the prey rather than the predator. For a shadowy consortium of staggering power and wealth has included his name on a list of fifteen targets to be eliminated without fail by noon that day. Now every high-powered bounty-hunter on the planet is on his trail, while he must simultaneously track down the perpetrators of a conspiracy about to reduce many of the major cities of the world to ashes.SEVEN ANCIENT WONDERSFour and a half thousand years ago, a magnificent golden capstone sat at the peak of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was a source of immense power, and reputedly capable of bestowing upon its holder absolute global power. But then it was divided into seven pieces and hidden, each piece separately, within the seven greatest structures of the age.Now it's 2006 and the coming of a rare solar even means it's time to locate the seven pieces and rebuild the capstone. Everyone wants in—from the most powerful countries of Earth to gangs of terrorists...and one daring coalition of eight small nations. Led by the mysterious Captain Jack West Jr., this determined group enters a global battlefield filled with booby-trapped mines, crocodile-infested swamps, evil forces and an adventure beyond their imagining.
1067 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
31 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Reilly
68 books6,261 followersBorn in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill A Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world. Following this revelation, Matthew soon began creating stories of his own and set about writing his first novel, Contest, at the age of 19 while still at university studying law.
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 30, 2014
Part 4 in a four-book review of Matthew Reilly's novels
Contest -> Ice Station -> Temple -> Seven Ancient Wonders
<= Temple
... I found a novel which perhaps I might have enjoyed when I was 12 years old. That is the age when I was reading EE Doc Smith so this statement may be true, but I apologise to the "doc" for mentioning his name in the same paragraph as Matthew Reilly. This last novel I picked up by Matthew finally cured me and taught me not ever to read anything from him again. You remember my chat on the scene from Temple? Well, this is like that, but for teenagers.
Need a taster? Well, how's this. Early on in the "novel", our hero, Jack West, sees a child in distress. The child, Lily, finds herself in water with a big crocodile charging towards it. Here's how Jack solves this one: "Running full tilt, he [Jack] just leapt off the edge ... and sailed in a high curving arc through the air towards the croc-lake below. ... The croc growled and roared, before - crrrrack - West brutally twisted its neck, breaking it."
Yea great. Aside from the poor style, ever seen a crocodile in water with prey? I saw this once, in a rangers' park in Florida. Very impressive. The croc ruled. Let us just say, if you find yourself in water with a hungry crocodile, the croc will win. It's better than you.
I stopped reading after this scene. And I stopped reading things written by Matthew after this scene.
Contest -> Ice Station -> Temple -> Seven Ancient Wonders
<= Temple
... I found a novel which perhaps I might have enjoyed when I was 12 years old. That is the age when I was reading EE Doc Smith so this statement may be true, but I apologise to the "doc" for mentioning his name in the same paragraph as Matthew Reilly. This last novel I picked up by Matthew finally cured me and taught me not ever to read anything from him again. You remember my chat on the scene from Temple? Well, this is like that, but for teenagers.
Need a taster? Well, how's this. Early on in the "novel", our hero, Jack West, sees a child in distress. The child, Lily, finds herself in water with a big crocodile charging towards it. Here's how Jack solves this one: "Running full tilt, he [Jack] just leapt off the edge ... and sailed in a high curving arc through the air towards the croc-lake below. ... The croc growled and roared, before - crrrrack - West brutally twisted its neck, breaking it."
Yea great. Aside from the poor style, ever seen a crocodile in water with prey? I saw this once, in a rangers' park in Florida. Very impressive. The croc ruled. Let us just say, if you find yourself in water with a hungry crocodile, the croc will win. It's better than you.
I stopped reading after this scene. And I stopped reading things written by Matthew after this scene.
May 9, 2012
Captain Jack West Junior has lived for ten years with his team and a little girl called Lilly in preparation for a mission that will determine who will rule the world for the next thousand years. The action packed adventure begins on the first page with this small team racing trough swamps, breaking codes, conquering menacing ancient traps and battling armies from the two great powers of the world. Against these immense odds the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World reveal the pieces of the puzzle that grants world domination to the winner - whoever that may be.
Again, Matthew Reilly spins a fast paced action adventure that is equally enjoyable for anyone loving page turning suspense. His descriptions and sketches of the Ancient wonders and their amazing yet simple traps, these enthrall the reader who is breathless with anticipation at each new revelation.
Seven Wonders was originally released in 2006. His writing appeals to men and women, as his ability to add a human interest into the battle worn soldier’s outlook is heartwarming.
A quote on his website: 'To anyone who knows a writer, never underestimate the power of your encouragement.' - Matthew Reilly
Again, Matthew Reilly spins a fast paced action adventure that is equally enjoyable for anyone loving page turning suspense. His descriptions and sketches of the Ancient wonders and their amazing yet simple traps, these enthrall the reader who is breathless with anticipation at each new revelation.
Seven Wonders was originally released in 2006. His writing appeals to men and women, as his ability to add a human interest into the battle worn soldier’s outlook is heartwarming.
A quote on his website: 'To anyone who knows a writer, never underestimate the power of your encouragement.' - Matthew Reilly
August 27, 2020
This is a reread for me, actually I listened to the audio version this time. My thoughts have not changed. Totally over the top and I loved it from start to finish. The characters are amazing but of course my favourite is Jack West Jnr. He is swoon worthy.
January 20, 2024
I only listened to this because it was the only thing I could find that might interest my husband on a road trip.
I give it 3 stars for the research efforts that must of gone into it, it's got like Dan Brown level pseudo history. But beyond that the writing style is atrocious, aimed at ADHD action men.
I give it 3 stars for the research efforts that must of gone into it, it's got like Dan Brown level pseudo history. But beyond that the writing style is atrocious, aimed at ADHD action men.
August 31, 2011
Scarecrow
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
I love it when a completely out-of-the-blue book buy turned into a treasure. That’s what happened with this story for me. From the page one, it grabbed me, sucked me in, and took me with it on a roller-coaster ride, never stopping the intensely woven action until the very end.
A gripping page-turner, intense, chaotic, yet making incredible sense, action-packed, funny at times, incredibly sad at times, dramatic, explosive...and there’s plenty more adjectives I could use to describe this novel.
Unbelievable. Fantastic. Engrossing. A masterpiece in escapism.
I loved it from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read more adventures of the Scarecrow.
Seven Ancient Wonders
Maybe it wasn’t as “exciting” and non-stop action as Scarecrow, but it was still a sneaky page-turner. Sneaky in the sense of the reader turning the pages without being aware of how many there are only to have to do a break and notice the page he/she’s on and wondering just when he/she’s read so much in so little time.
The historical/mythological explanations got a bit tedious overtime, and the double flashback about the past 10 years jarred the pacing quite a bit (it would’ve been best to have that flashback in the beginning, not in the middle of the story), but the action and intensity more than made up for the little hiccups.
Loved it.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
I love it when a completely out-of-the-blue book buy turned into a treasure. That’s what happened with this story for me. From the page one, it grabbed me, sucked me in, and took me with it on a roller-coaster ride, never stopping the intensely woven action until the very end.
A gripping page-turner, intense, chaotic, yet making incredible sense, action-packed, funny at times, incredibly sad at times, dramatic, explosive...and there’s plenty more adjectives I could use to describe this novel.
Unbelievable. Fantastic. Engrossing. A masterpiece in escapism.
I loved it from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read more adventures of the Scarecrow.
Seven Ancient Wonders
Maybe it wasn’t as “exciting” and non-stop action as Scarecrow, but it was still a sneaky page-turner. Sneaky in the sense of the reader turning the pages without being aware of how many there are only to have to do a break and notice the page he/she’s on and wondering just when he/she’s read so much in so little time.
The historical/mythological explanations got a bit tedious overtime, and the double flashback about the past 10 years jarred the pacing quite a bit (it would’ve been best to have that flashback in the beginning, not in the middle of the story), but the action and intensity more than made up for the little hiccups.
Loved it.
April 10, 2022
Tripe. Why do employees of publishing houses bother turning up to work? Maybe Fahrenheit 451 was onto something after all. I expected this to be terrible of course... its been published so it follows that its terrible.
Spoiler Alert btw. A human being speaks on page 13. So I skipped all the boring bits before that of course – blah Pyramids or something blah Egypt blah Colossus of That. An invisible mind reader chattering away about nothing important. Is this narrator after God's job or something?
Well, I’m not invisible. I cannot read minds. I read books to find people with my limited abilities. However, a human spoke on page 13. Yes, spoke? WTF!!! Did they all miss that in the proofs? So, I was into it. And sure enough there was an entire sketch of a novel in that first chapter alone. Aside from the fact that crocodiles are not immortal- they have to eat something and they also eat their babies? Where are the thousands of crocodiles coming from then??? Mmmm? Someday, someone who can write engagingly might nail this story for me. Actually, they probably already have. The words King Solomons Mines ring a bell for some reason.
Why is there nothing to read on this planet....? Remind me, please, why is there a UNESCO?
Spoiler Alert btw. A human being speaks on page 13. So I skipped all the boring bits before that of course – blah Pyramids or something blah Egypt blah Colossus of That. An invisible mind reader chattering away about nothing important. Is this narrator after God's job or something?
Well, I’m not invisible. I cannot read minds. I read books to find people with my limited abilities. However, a human spoke on page 13. Yes, spoke? WTF!!! Did they all miss that in the proofs? So, I was into it. And sure enough there was an entire sketch of a novel in that first chapter alone. Aside from the fact that crocodiles are not immortal- they have to eat something and they also eat their babies? Where are the thousands of crocodiles coming from then??? Mmmm? Someday, someone who can write engagingly might nail this story for me. Actually, they probably already have. The words King Solomons Mines ring a bell for some reason.
Why is there nothing to read on this planet....? Remind me, please, why is there a UNESCO?
April 2, 2015
2 stars are for 7 ancient wonders. Just imagine Indiana Jones on the page instead of on screen. No neither can I. A book that needs lots of diagrams to explain what is going on, should not be a book. It should be a film. Even then, I wouldn't want to watch this one.
February 7, 2019
seven ancient wonders is a book where it is ancient history but not at the same time. there are pieces of a capstone that sat atop the great pyramid hidden in the remnants of the seven ancient wonders. there is a team of nine international crack troops who are being face by two enemy forces. there are many gun battles and trap traversing, plus some unexpected twists to the story. there are many accusations and double crossings. recommended for people who like the idea of action thriller and ancient history but fake ancient history.
October 9, 2019
First of the Jack West Jr books which I am thoroughly enjoying. As an Australian I love that a lot is set in Australia, not in Queensland but WA is close enough. Cant wait to finish reading the series, when he finishes writing them.
August 24, 2021
Look, as downright silly as Matthew Reilly’s books are, I can’t help but love them. The rating for this one would probably be a 4.5 because I found Seven Ancient Wonders to be quite repetitive. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed the final act of the second book in this omnibus edition.
February 20, 2018
Bit slow to get going but amazing and thrilling once you’re into it. Follow/subscribe to http://bookworminglife.com for full review.
August 17, 2018
A disappointing read , it’s a shame as the premise was full of adventure and intrigue but the book didn’t live up to it at all!
October 1, 2018
Love this book!
May 12, 2019
Face palm.
Totally uninteresting.
I literally dragged my eyes till the end of the novel.
RIP Goodreads reviews.
#NotRecommended
Totally uninteresting.
I literally dragged my eyes till the end of the novel.
RIP Goodreads reviews.
#NotRecommended
February 10, 2020
They are books that you read once and turn each page and you can remember the impossible scenes, but the characters don't stay with me.
April 25, 2020
Scarecrow was great fun but Seven Wonders was just plain awful.
Read
December 7, 2021Both great reads and highly recommend
April 10, 2022
A book full of adventures - that in some parts made you think -- is that possible? but hey, it was fun reading it! The diagrams, made it more exciting.. something out of the ordinary.
December 30, 2023
throwback read hsdhdshsd - nostalgia for me 4 sure (read this series as a kid/when i was 10) but honestly lots of the history holds up....
August 3, 2025
Great read. Fast paced. Packed with historical insights & conspiracies. Was swept away.
October 4, 2025
The amount of pictures and schematics was so fun
December 5, 2025
The amount of pictures and schematics was so fun
December 21, 2023
The other day, as I was straying inside bookshop in search of a book that can revive my reading habit which had declined sharply since the last four months, Seven ancient Wonders caught my eye. By looking at the cover itself I knew, it is going to be a gripping novel. A pyramid with an eye chipped at the centre, is good enough to create interest in anyone who loves history and mistery. I grabbed it at once. The book did not disappoint me at all. It has everything which I was looking for, Action, Mystery, Twists, Eleventh-Hour survivals, hero-raising-back-from-almost-dead, what else you need!
Though not exactly electrifying as Da Vinci Code, It has got some kickshaws which will keep up the readers interest. May be I have read too many thrillers, I could easily predict some of the surprises in the plot. But, believe me, Its a damn good book for someone who likes history. All the mystic crypts, Death Traps, ancient treasures, pyramids and all the wonderful stuff from the past will hold a grip with the reader so that he will never put down the book without reluctance. Those who like riveting, thrilling, action filled novels will love this one. The action starts, right from the first chapter and continues till the end.
The book is a perfect blend of truth and imagination. You never know where the author is making up things!!!. The authors description of Hanging Garden of Babylon, was awesome. Another interesting thing is the diagrams provided for the readers aid in almost every chapters, which I don’t see in many thrillers. A globe trotting hero and the mystic background really enriches a normal good-vs-evil and poetic justice plot. Good to read for time pass. Lot of food for thought for a History enthusiastic. At the end of the final chapter, you may feel a little more knowledgeable about the ancient wonders than before. Final verdict – Time pass read when you are bored and need something interesting.
Though not exactly electrifying as Da Vinci Code, It has got some kickshaws which will keep up the readers interest. May be I have read too many thrillers, I could easily predict some of the surprises in the plot. But, believe me, Its a damn good book for someone who likes history. All the mystic crypts, Death Traps, ancient treasures, pyramids and all the wonderful stuff from the past will hold a grip with the reader so that he will never put down the book without reluctance. Those who like riveting, thrilling, action filled novels will love this one. The action starts, right from the first chapter and continues till the end.
The book is a perfect blend of truth and imagination. You never know where the author is making up things!!!. The authors description of Hanging Garden of Babylon, was awesome. Another interesting thing is the diagrams provided for the readers aid in almost every chapters, which I don’t see in many thrillers. A globe trotting hero and the mystic background really enriches a normal good-vs-evil and poetic justice plot. Good to read for time pass. Lot of food for thought for a History enthusiastic. At the end of the final chapter, you may feel a little more knowledgeable about the ancient wonders than before. Final verdict – Time pass read when you are bored and need something interesting.
January 16, 2015
Fandey Christopher
Cory Myers
English 2B
January 15, 2015
The Seven Ancient Wonders
The story takes place in the present day when an event called the Tartarus rotation is almost upon the earth. The Tartarus is a giant sunspot that when it aligns with the Earth, the temperature will dramatically rise causing glaciers to melt and oceans to rise and other havoc. The only way to stop it is to find seven pure gold capstones, one from each of the seven ancient wonders that are guarded by boobytraps, and assemble them on top of the Great Pyramid at Giza. Who ever accomplishes this will have, along with his nation, invincibility for a thousand years. Jack West Jr., a former special forces agent with a robotic arm, whose home country is Australia, and a ten year old girl he named Lily, who has an uncanny gift of deciphering ancient languages, try to prevent a special forces team of Americans and Europeans from finding the Seven Capstones and ruling the world.
I would rate this book a four out of five stars because overall it was a really great book. The story line shows that the author has a really creative mind although the plot is a little bit predictive. The main character, Jack West Jr., had the perfect personality, tough and hard core, yet hiden behind all of that there is a loving and kind heart. The author caught the perfect personality of ten year old Lily, curious, playful, and loving all at once. Even though you could see certain things coming, the author had the perfect mixture of action and the love of a family to make this book great.
Cory Myers
English 2B
January 15, 2015
The Seven Ancient Wonders
The story takes place in the present day when an event called the Tartarus rotation is almost upon the earth. The Tartarus is a giant sunspot that when it aligns with the Earth, the temperature will dramatically rise causing glaciers to melt and oceans to rise and other havoc. The only way to stop it is to find seven pure gold capstones, one from each of the seven ancient wonders that are guarded by boobytraps, and assemble them on top of the Great Pyramid at Giza. Who ever accomplishes this will have, along with his nation, invincibility for a thousand years. Jack West Jr., a former special forces agent with a robotic arm, whose home country is Australia, and a ten year old girl he named Lily, who has an uncanny gift of deciphering ancient languages, try to prevent a special forces team of Americans and Europeans from finding the Seven Capstones and ruling the world.
I would rate this book a four out of five stars because overall it was a really great book. The story line shows that the author has a really creative mind although the plot is a little bit predictive. The main character, Jack West Jr., had the perfect personality, tough and hard core, yet hiden behind all of that there is a loving and kind heart. The author caught the perfect personality of ten year old Lily, curious, playful, and loving all at once. Even though you could see certain things coming, the author had the perfect mixture of action and the love of a family to make this book great.
April 18, 2014
Reilly has chosen good subject. However, there is visible slack at times in any of the 3: story, narration and characters.
Reilly has made wonderful attempt at creating an alternate power center, beside US & UK. Yet, it's bit surprising to miss out few other important players.
The book premise about discovering original 7 wonders is somewhat doubtful, yet I had let it all go for the reasons of delightful exploratory details on the wonders itself.
The history, stories and facts of the wonders makes for wonderful reading.
Good to read if interest is to explore of ancient history.
Reilly has made wonderful attempt at creating an alternate power center, beside US & UK. Yet, it's bit surprising to miss out few other important players.
The book premise about discovering original 7 wonders is somewhat doubtful, yet I had let it all go for the reasons of delightful exploratory details on the wonders itself.
The history, stories and facts of the wonders makes for wonderful reading.
Good to read if interest is to explore of ancient history.
April 10, 2015
In fairness this type of action/thriller is not what I would normally read. On the other hand, I've been reading quite a few things I wouldn't normally read lately and have found most to be a good read in one way or another. But this book has the dubious honour of being the first in a very long time I just couldn't bring myself to keep going with. Not just because I found it too implausible, but because it read like a screenplay with some stage directions I wasn't being given. It just didn't make sense to me.
September 4, 2012
A good story and plenty of action but a low rating as it's not particularly well written - very basic with plenty of exclamation marks to let you know something amazing has just happened. Still I enjoyed it.
April 5, 2013
A fast paced entertaining novel - although as anyone could tell by the writing, is aimed at teenagers. The story was well laid out, make you guess here and there. Although, the way Matthew Reilly writes causes a tendency to skim through the book, instead of taking your time to enjoy it.
April 27, 2013
That was an exciting and fast paced adventure, but I only read one in that omibus; 'Seven Ancient Wonders'. (because my copy didn't have both stories in but I couldn't find an entry for the one story on it's own on here)
June 8, 2013
Wow....this book rocks...Reilly's fast pace thrillers have taken me by shock...both scarecrow and seven ancient wonders are very good and thrilling...if you love suspense then this book is just made for you,,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews