Reading a Matthew Reilly thriller is like playing a video game - non-stop action with minimal plot to string the action sequences together. It can be the perfect diversion. That's the case with The Four Legendary Kingdoms (#688), following up on the quest to save humanity begun in the first book of this series Seven Ancient Wonders.
With a nod to the mythologies of the ancient world, especially Hercules, Jack West, Jr. regains consciousness to find himself being attacked by a minotaur armed with a knife. The pace doesn't slow down much from there as he gradually learns that he has been kidnapped to participate in the Hydra Games against other challengers. The object is to retrieve nine Golden Spheres to be used in an ancient ritual to save mankind. Each round of challenges is an elimination round with deadly consequences not only for the warrior, but for those who are held as hostages on his behalf. The ultimate prize will be awarded to the sponsor of the successful warrior - the King of one of the Four Legendary Kingdoms, the shadow powers pulling the actual strings of government.
It's a fast read with diagrams to help the reader visualize the set-up of each challenge arena with returning characters and some fiendish new villains. It was the perfect distraction for the post-hurricane period, but you don't need the excuse of a natural disaster to spend some time in Jack West Jr.'s world. Since we know there are three more books in this series, no matter how bad things look for Jack, we know he'll find a way to win through against impossible odds. What could be better?
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