BOOK REVIEW : FOUR LEGENDARY KINGDOMS (JACH WEST JR BOOK #5) MATTHEW REILLY.
Damn, Matthew Reilly You Genius! Huntsman & Co + Scarecrow & Co Finally Together In One Book!
You Just Made All My Fantasy Book Dreams Finally Came True!!!
Jack West Jr, Lily, Alby, Sky Monster, E-147, Pooh Bear, Stretch, Horus, Poodle, Lab, Mae Meriwether Jack’s Kick Arse Book Wise Smart Mother), Scarecrow, Mother F@#ker, Astro, Hades, Vacheron, Zaitan, Iolanthe -Compton Jones , 16 Champions to duel to death with only 1 Champion Standing at the end, The Game of Games, Mortal Combat Trials,
The 12 Labours of Hercules King of the Land, King of the Sea, King of the Sky & King of the Underworld.
I Just Loved, Loved, Loved This Book!
It's taken me 2 years to read due to migraines, but was worth the wait & Now I get to Move On to the New Book, The Three Secret Cities as soon as this Review is Done!
What a way to Spend the Easter Long Weekend 2019, while my pup's recovering from surgery & I'm out of action & injured, all wrapped up in the pages, bodies, minds, blood, sweat & tears of Jack West Jr Aka "The Huntsman" & Shane Schofield Aka "Scarecrow"!
These Men have been The 2 Fantasy Action / Adventure Hero Loves of My Life Since my late Teens, I'm now 45!
Matthew Reilly (Not Only My All Time Favourite Aussie Author, But Favourite All-Time Author) & I are the same age & I've grown up with these 3 Guys! So Thanks Matt You Made My Dreams Come True,
But I Want More, Hopefully There back in action together for The three Secret Cities!
Each time I read A Jack West Jr Book I'm "Team Jack" All The Way, but then I read a Scarecrow Book & I'm " Team Scarecrow"! I just couldn't decide, but then why should I, Can't I have my Have my 2 Beefcakes’ & Eat Them Too? Damn Straight I can. I love them both & I refuse too choose!
But the one with Red Dirt under his Boots is an Aussie Too! But then there’s those Scares, Oh My!
I was a bit disappointed at first, as I love the action and adventure of a Jack West novel & being a history buff I love the historical tie in’s, (who has an Imagination like this? No one that’s who)!
But for me there was 1 thing missing : The Reillyesc signature booby traps which we have grown to love & depend on, as seen in each previous incarnation, but then I realised the booby traps weren’t just mechanized contraptions this time they were actual characters in Mephisto, Fear, Chaos & Hydra! Matt’s Always ramping it up, inventing, upping the anti, always improving what a great move turning booby traps into physical characters we can love or hate, rather than some device built into the structure! So clever!
My Favourite of the 4 Booby Traps is such a devious devilish character in Mephisto & talk about ugly, not too mention Bat-Shit Crazy & set out 4 revenge! Oh & those teeth!
He reminds me of some far removed cannibal tribe hiding from civilisation in the depths of remote jungles somewhere with his horrid pointy vicious teeth & voice that runs right through the body & mind. A complete horror show in one tiny, tiny crazy character who made a huge impact of this fan!
Boy Did I love to Hate this little Bastard & couldn’t wait 4 see how his demise would occur or would he be back in the next book? I prayed he die screaming slowly! But he’s not the only one I want to see die screaming slowly in this book! There’s so many arsehats in this book that need a good beating by Jack, Shane & Co!
Matt's characters have a life & fan base all of their own, they are written in such a way that makes them extraordinary but ordinary at the same time. Most are flawed to one degree or another & seem like everyday people just like you & me, bit with some extraordinary skill sets. They (usually) have high morale’s values & standards. They are likeable, loveable or you just damn well love to hate some. With the main characters You’re behind them all the way rooting for them & cheering them on some with secondary or third party characters waiting with baited breath for a spectacular demise that’s so richly deserved. So much passion behind each & every character & their dialogue!
Unfortunately for me there’s one character, who although has evolved in age & wisdom throughout the series, but not so much in stature is young Lily!
I’d love too see her more involved in the physical side of things. After being with Jack & Co from birth & Jack's adopted daughter, you'd think she’d be more schooled in martial arts, combat & weapons. I'd love to see Lily have a major adventure all of her own or combat quest.
Maybe She’ll become a female version of Jack to take over once he's too old to gallivant all over the world, series II The Lily West & Alby Calvin Adventures!
Gotta say I love seeing Alby evolve in this story, he is showing he’s more than just a brain coming Into his own & handy a few times at just the right moment.
Now we come to the world building of this genius: His books are written in a way that sweeps you up & envelopes you right in the middle of the action & adventure, it’s as if your playing the title role yourself & sometimes even the supporting role’s too. I love the ability to ‘Skin Walk’ in Matt's Character’s shoes. I feel as though I’m a major part of the character’s, the action & can not turn the pages fast enough too keep up with my eyes.
Every time I read a Matthew Reilly book it’s gone within a day or two which is amazing, but as your hearing the end it’s so depressing when you come to realise it’s almost the end of the book, unless you’ve got the next book waiting which this time I actually do this time! It usually takes about a week or so for a Matthew Reilly book to get out of my head!
While Reilly’s books are set in modern day and time they’re also set in ancient history. They take you back to an ancient world unbeknown to most.
A long lost city, its people / species or forgotten civilisation, dialect or spoken or written language!
These places have that nagging sensation that seems familiar with tie in's from this or that period’s, culture, God’s, historian or famous character we all know so well making Mr Reilly’s work all the more believable historically or unbelievable that they escaped the inescapable or death trap by using knowledge rather than braun. This is one of the major differences between the 2 different Matthew Reilly Series, Scarecrow & Jack West Jr & why both are so loved by the fans.
With a Scarecrow book it’s harder, tougher, faster paced usually over a short period of time with harder / tougher characters too & all around the same age.
Whereas a Jack West Jr Book has more emotion, is slightly softer, more caring characters with a diverse range in age & culture & nationality plus all the action & history u want & them some.
As an avid student & fan of history this is the classic defying aspect of Matthew’s books that continually bring me back hungry 4 more.
The fast & frantic pace of action the incredibly detailed & in-depth fully researched everything but especially with hardware, guns & ammo to the complete & complex vehicles & machines of war!
I love the way Riley’s mind works, it always gives us something different in every book & only thing missing of these books is their being turn into Blockbuster movies the fans have craved it for so long, C’mon Hollywood get your Shining Act together, The Fans have been craving this longer than a combo book!
I won this ebook from another author through a competition. I did feel guilty I choose Matt's book rather than one of her own, but she did say any book u want & I was hanging out to read this book desperately. I also borrowed the hardback from my local Library Len Beadell & this is my fair, honest & impartial review of this book.
I Rate The Four Legendary Kingdoms by Matthew Reilly 5⭐ OUT OF 5 ⭐!
I only wish I could rate it higher!

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The Four Legendary Kingdoms: 4 Audio CD – Unabridged, 18 October 2016
by
Matthew Reilly
(Author),
Sean Mangan
(Reader)
Matthew Reilly (Author) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
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A RUTHLESS KIDNAPPING Jack West Jr and his family are living happily on their remote farm when Jack is brutally kidnapped and awakes in an underground cell to find a masked attacker with a knife charging at him. THE GREAT GAMES Jack, it seems, has been chosen – along with a dozen other elite soldiers – to compete in a series of deadly challenges designed to fulfil an ancient ritual. With the fate of the Earth at stake, he will have to traverse diabolical mazes, fight cruel assassins and face unimaginable horrors that will test him like he has never been tested before. TO HELL AND BACK In the process, he will discover the mysterious and powerful group of individuals behind it all: the four legendary kingdoms.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBolinda audio
- Publication date18 October 2016
- Dimensions14.6 x 2.8 x 13.4 cm
- ISBN-101489362711
- ISBN-13978-1489362711
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Product description
Review
'Matthew Reilly novels should come with health warnings on the cover. [T]he non-stop life-threatening action from enemies using guns, missiles, poisons, machetes and martial arts against Reilly's heroes is not for the faint-hearted. It's a wild ride.' -- The Daily Telegraph
'Nobody writes action like Matthew Reilly.' -- Vince Flynn, New York Times bestselling author
'Exciting and Entertaining.' -- Chicago Sun-Times
'Nobody writes action like Matthew Reilly.' -- Vince Flynn, New York Times bestselling author
'Exciting and Entertaining.' -- Chicago Sun-Times
Book Description
The thrilling new Jack West adventure from the bestselling author of The Great Zoo of China and The Five Greatest Warriors.
About the Author
Matthew Reilly was born in Sydney in 1974 and studied law at the University of New South Wales. Matthew self-published his first novel Contest at age 19 and went on to secure a contract. His first industry-produced novel, Ice Station, was a runaway success. His achievements in Australia have now been repeated internationally with his novels becoming bestsellers in fourteen countries and nine languages. He has written both screenplays and magazine articles and has also directed three short films.
Sean Mangan was born in England, raised in Canada and brought to Australia by accident. He is a singer, musician, songwriter and author. Books narrated for Bolinda audio include John Birmingham's Dave Hooper Trilogy, Greig Beck’s The Void and The Abyss as well as many of Matthew Reilly's blockbuster titles, such as Area 7, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and The Great Zoo of China. He has narrated close to 100 audiobooks and brings intensity and excitement to his readings.
Sean Mangan was born in England, raised in Canada and brought to Australia by accident. He is a singer, musician, songwriter and author. Books narrated for Bolinda audio include John Birmingham's Dave Hooper Trilogy, Greig Beck’s The Void and The Abyss as well as many of Matthew Reilly's blockbuster titles, such as Area 7, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and The Great Zoo of China. He has narrated close to 100 audiobooks and brings intensity and excitement to his readings.
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Product details
- Publisher : Bolinda audio; Simultaneous Release edition (18 October 2016)
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 1489362711
- ISBN-13 : 978-1489362711
- Dimensions : 14.6 x 2.8 x 13.4 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 300,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 7,194 in Crime Action & Adventure
- Customer Reviews:
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Matthew Reilly is the international bestselling author of eight novels: The 6 Sacred Stones, 7 Deadly Wonders, Ice Station, Temple, Contest, Area 7, Scarecrow, and the children's book Hover Car Racer, and one novella, Hell Island. His books are published in more than eighteen languages in twenty countries, and he has sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,561 global ratings
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5.0 out of 5 stars
DAMN, Matthew Reilly You Genius U Just Made All My Fantasy Book Dreams Finally Came True!!!
Reviewed in Australia on 20 April 2019Verified Purchase
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Reviewed in Australia on 24 October 2016
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I don't know how Matthew Reilly keeps on doing it every new book he writes is bigger, better and more thrilling then the last... and this one will not disappoint! I would recommend this one to anyone who lives and breaths... but be warned you won't be able to put it down this book and the jack west series is more addictive then Pringles! Thank you Matthew Reilly for plunging me into jacks world again even it was only for a few day!
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 2 December 2018
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Unlike the previous two novels, this is books is more self-contained.
The entire story is set in one location, and does not directly feature elements from preceding novels in the series.
However, it is a chapter in the overall Jack West series, and should be treated as such.
Also recommended to read the Shane Schofield Scarecrow series beforehand.
The entire story is set in one location, and does not directly feature elements from preceding novels in the series.
However, it is a chapter in the overall Jack West series, and should be treated as such.
Also recommended to read the Shane Schofield Scarecrow series beforehand.
Reviewed in Australia on 17 November 2016
Verified Purchase
Another worthwhile wait for an engrossing read. Matthew Reilly has done himself proud, not only by having Jack West meet another earth saving challenge. Through his vivid use of imagination and history, interspersed with bringing the Scarecrow and Mother into the mix, he has done himself and his readers proud. My only complaint (if that is the right term) is that I devoured it in one sitting and have had to go back again to pick up the subtleties within the story, not that that is a bad thing.
Reviewed in Australia on 19 October 2016
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This is the best book I have ever read even taken a sick day to finish it. Anyone who has read previous jack west jr and scarecrow book will love it lots of hidden messengers.
Lot of hints for the future can't wait
Lot of hints for the future can't wait
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 8 August 2021
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Same as the last 3 novels I couldn’t put it down. Love the characters and the plots are what I have come to expect from a brilliant “Aussie” writer. Showcasing our beautiful country is an added bonus.
Ready to start the next in the series.
See ya
Ready to start the next in the series.
See ya
Reviewed in Australia on 22 November 2018
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I have loved all the Jack West series.This one kept me wanting more.
Reviewed in Australia on 28 May 2018
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I think this might be his best yet. Couldn’t put it down. Rollicking pace. Great to see characters from all over the place and meet new ones. Glad too some of them killed off too lol. If you liked the other Jack West books you’ll love this. Wow!
Top reviews from other countries

SpatterjayHooper
2.0 out of 5 stars
Meh
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 February 2019Verified Purchase
I've read all of the Matthew Reilly books and I don't know if it's because this one is particularly unbelievable or I'm just getting old and cynical, but I really didn't enjoy this. What started out as an Indiana Jones type romp in the first Jack West book has become so over-the-top that it's laughable. Yes there are great action scenes but putting Jack in the position of saving the entire universe is ridiculous.
I guess each novel has to top the previous and presumably this series will continue until there's 'One' of something. But I think I'm done with these now. If you're still enjoying them, then good luck!
I guess each novel has to top the previous and presumably this series will continue until there's 'One' of something. But I think I'm done with these now. If you're still enjoying them, then good luck!
3 people found this helpful
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Dogbite Dave
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great continuation to the Jack West series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 October 2020Verified Purchase
I write this review based on my decades of experiences as a long term avid reader
I am a fan of Reilly and am yet to read any of his books that even come close to disappointing.
This is the fourth in the Jack West series. Each book follows into the next just as this folds into the fifth in the series Three Secret Cities.
The book is a fantastic series of events with a super duper kick ass super soldier taking on all comers and doing the business.
The other thought with me is just how, in this day in age, fantastic this would be as a TV series or similar.
Overall, an absolutely brilliant tale with a feel good, what’s next, unbelievable element.
I am a fan of Reilly and am yet to read any of his books that even come close to disappointing.
This is the fourth in the Jack West series. Each book follows into the next just as this folds into the fifth in the series Three Secret Cities.
The book is a fantastic series of events with a super duper kick ass super soldier taking on all comers and doing the business.
The other thought with me is just how, in this day in age, fantastic this would be as a TV series or similar.
Overall, an absolutely brilliant tale with a feel good, what’s next, unbelievable element.

JP
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 November 2016Verified Purchase
I counted down the days till this book was released... It was electrifying... will constantly check for news on the Huntsmans next adventure. I will just need to read all Matthew Reillys books again. I reread Contest, Temple, Ice station, Area 7, The Tournament, Great Zoo of China, Troll Mountain, Hover car racer and of course Seven Ancient Wonders, Six Sacred Stone, Fifth Greatest Warrior just to refresh my memory for this book. They were gripping all over again. Going to start Scarecrow and then Scarecrow and the Army of thieves just because Matthew Reillys books are such a joy. Thank you Mr Reilly.
3 people found this helpful
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Trudi Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars
He's back!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2017Verified Purchase
Oh thank goodness. Jack West Jr is back and better than ever. My only complaint is that I wish I had bought it in hardback instead of for my kindle because it is very difficult to see the maps on the kindle! Storyline was excellent and Scarecrow appeared in it too. I really loved it. Thank goodness Matthew Reilly has got his mojo back. I read the China Zoo and Queen Elizabeth books and hated them both, so it was wonderful to get a proper Matthew Reilly again. Welcome back. Now when is the next one due?
7 people found this helpful
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Blueyorky
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just absolutely amazing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 June 2021Verified Purchase
What an amazing book. Mathew Reilly done it again with a roller coaster of action on a Mega scale. Jack West Jr just incredible with his companions always in a life and death situations. Spoiler alert. One of my favourite heroes in the world of Mathew Reilly is present. Yes Scarecrow. Both of the greatest warriors are there trying to survive the challenges. So a must read.