Contest

Synopsis:

New York State Library.
A silent sanctuary of knowledge; a 100-year-old
labyrinth of towering bookcases, narrow aisles
and spiralling staircases.

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 for not.

The rules are simple:
Seven contestants will enter, only one will leave.

With his daughter in arms, Stephen Swain is
plunged into a terrifying flight for survival.
The stakes are high, the odds are 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.

About the Novel:

Contest is the first book written by Matthew Reilly, and it has become one of the most sought-after books of all time. Since its original self-published print run of 1000 copies in 1996, Contest has been updated with 17 extra pages of new content for the Pan Macmillan Australian release in 2000, and revisited again in 2003 for US readers - adapted to incorporate the real-world New York Public Library architecture.

Set in a firm Science Fiction realm, Contest is the result of an interstellar gladiatorial conflict between seven sentient races. This time, Earth has been chosen to host the event, and Stephen Swain, with his daughter in tow, has been chosen to represent us in the arena. Although Earth may be participating, it is not participating of its own free will.

The ultimate blood sport has begun, and survival is only part of the problem.

Praise for Contest:

"An electrifying ... novel for the X-files
generation." Jessica Adams, Cleo

"Matthew Reilly is our Michael Crichton." Daily Telegraph

"If it is action you want then young Australian
author Matthew Reilly is your man." Adelaide Advertiser

"...a publishing phenomenon." West Australian