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Thousands of years ago, a magnificent golden capstone sat atop the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was a source of immense power, capable of bestowing upon its holder absolute global rule for a thousand years...
At a remote ice station in Antarctica, a team of US scientists has made an amazing discovery. They have found something buried deep within a 100-million-year-old layer of ice. Something made of metal. Led by enigmatic Lieutenant Shane Schofield, a team of crack United States Marines is sent to the station to secure this discovery for their country.
Deep in the jungles of Peru, the hunt for a legendary Incan idol is underway - an idol that in the present day could be used as the basis for a terrifying new weapon. Guiding a US Army is Professor William Race, a young linguist who must translate an ancient manuscript which contains the location of the idol.
From global superstar Matthew Reilly comes a gripping historical thriller - a tale of murder, passion and intrigue set in the majestic city of Constantinople. England, 1546. A young Princess Elizabeth is in a dangerous position as her older siblings jostle for the throne. Roger Ascham, Elizabeth's teacher and mentor, is determined to keep her safe.
Former naval doctor Peter Crane is summoned to a remote oil platform in the North Atlantic to help diagnose a bizarre medical condition. But when he arrives, Crane learns that the real trouble lies far below on "Deep Storm", a stunningly advanced science-research facility built two miles beneath the surface on the ocean floor. The top-secret structure has been designed for one purpose: to excavate a recently discovered undersea site that may hold the answers to an ancient mystery.
When a fame-hungry scientist brings an impossible, living specimen of a creature long thought extinct back from the wild jungles of South America he unwittingly brings along a passenger. Something with the potential to destroy every living thing on our planet. The infestation begins, rapidly overtaking medical resources and resisting all treatment.
Thousands of years ago, a magnificent golden capstone sat atop the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was a source of immense power, capable of bestowing upon its holder absolute global rule for a thousand years...
At a remote ice station in Antarctica, a team of US scientists has made an amazing discovery. They have found something buried deep within a 100-million-year-old layer of ice. Something made of metal. Led by enigmatic Lieutenant Shane Schofield, a team of crack United States Marines is sent to the station to secure this discovery for their country.
Deep in the jungles of Peru, the hunt for a legendary Incan idol is underway - an idol that in the present day could be used as the basis for a terrifying new weapon. Guiding a US Army is Professor William Race, a young linguist who must translate an ancient manuscript which contains the location of the idol.
From global superstar Matthew Reilly comes a gripping historical thriller - a tale of murder, passion and intrigue set in the majestic city of Constantinople. England, 1546. A young Princess Elizabeth is in a dangerous position as her older siblings jostle for the throne. Roger Ascham, Elizabeth's teacher and mentor, is determined to keep her safe.
Former naval doctor Peter Crane is summoned to a remote oil platform in the North Atlantic to help diagnose a bizarre medical condition. But when he arrives, Crane learns that the real trouble lies far below on "Deep Storm", a stunningly advanced science-research facility built two miles beneath the surface on the ocean floor. The top-secret structure has been designed for one purpose: to excavate a recently discovered undersea site that may hold the answers to an ancient mystery.
When a fame-hungry scientist brings an impossible, living specimen of a creature long thought extinct back from the wild jungles of South America he unwittingly brings along a passenger. Something with the potential to destroy every living thing on our planet. The infestation begins, rapidly overtaking medical resources and resisting all treatment.
In Fathomless, the greatest predator the world has ever known is coming home in 2016. Carcharodon megalodon. The largest and most fearsome predator to have ever existed on our planet. Rumours of its existence in our modern oceans have persisted for centuries. Now, in a new adventure, the rumours explode into brutal and terrifying reality in Fathomless, by Greig Beck.
When a plane crashes into the Antarctic ice, exposing a massive cave beneath, a rescue and research team is dispatched. Twenty-four hours later, all contact is lost. Captain Alex Hunter and his highly trained squad of commandos are fast tracked to the hot zone to find out what went wrong - and to follow up the detection of a vast underground reservoir.
Deep in the jungle of Peru, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist party whole. FBI agent Mike Rich investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery. Unusual seismic patterns register in an Indian earthquake lab, confounding the scientists there. The Chinese government 'accidentally' drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country. And all of these events are connected.
Join one of the world's greatest adventure writers on a non-stop thrill-ride. A shadow world behind the real world. When Jack West Jr won the Great Games, he threw the four legendary kingdoms into turmoil. A world with its own history, rules and prisons. Now these dark forces are coming after Jack...in ruthless fashion. A world that is reaching into our world...explosively. With the end of all things rapidly approaching, Jack must find the Three Secret Cities, three incredible lost cities of legend.
From the best-selling author of Seven Deadly Wonders and Contest comes a thrilling racing adventure. In the world of the near future, the most popular sport is hover car racing. Superfast and dangerous, its heroes are the racers: part fighter pilot, part race-car driver, all superstar. But to get to the Pro Circuit, you must first pass through the International Race School, a brutal cauldron of wild races on even wilder courses, where only the best of the best will survive.
EarthCore is the company with the technology, the resources, and the guts to go after the mother lode. Young executive Connell Kirkland is the company's driving force, pushing himself and those around him to uncover the massive treasure. But at three miles below the surface, where the rocks are so hot they burn bare skin, something has been waiting for centuries. Waiting...and guarding. Kirkland and EarthCore are about to find out first-hand why this treasure has never been unearthed.
The New York Public Library: a 100-year-old labyrinth of towering bookcases, narrow aisles and long hallways. For one night this building is to be the venue for a contest. The rules are simple: seven contestants will enter, only one will leave. With his daughter in his arms, Stephen Swain is plunged into a fight for survival. In this contest, unless you leave as the victor, you do not leave at all.
Loch Ness holds secrets, ancient and deadly. Does a monster inhabit its depths, or is it just myth? Why, after thousands of reported sightings and dozens of expeditions, is there still no hard evidence? Marine biologist Zachary Wallace knows, but the shock of his near-drowning as a child on Loch Ness have buried all memories of the incident. Now, a near-death experience suffered while on expedition in the Sargasso Sea has caused these long-forgotten memories to resurface.
A dauntless young hero. An army of brutal monsters. An impossible quest. Journey to the mountain ... In an isolated valley, a small tribe of humans is dying from a terrible illness. There are rumours, however, that the trolls of Troll Mountain, the valley’s fearsome overlords, have found a cure for the illness: A fabulous elixir. When his sister is struck down by the disease and his tribal leaders refuse to help him, an intrepid youth named Raf decides to defy his tribe and do the unthinkable.
Soldiers of the Terran Armor Corps wage war across the stars. Wired into mechanized battle suits, they fight the terrifying battles which must be won, no matter the cost. Their deeds are legend, their reputation feared by the enemies of Earth and her allies, but how the Corps forges young men and women into mighty warriors is shrouded by mystery. Roland Shaw lost his parents to war, he volunteers for the Armor Corps to honor their memory and discover just how far he can push himself.
Under 30,000 feet of water, the exploration rig Leaguer has discovered an oil field larger than Saudi Arabia. The oil is so sweet and pure, nations would go to war for the rights to it. As the team starts drilling one exploration well after another in their race to claim the sweet crude, a deep rumbling beneath the ocean floor shakes them all to their core. Something has been living in the oil and it's about to give birth to the greatest threat humanity has ever seen.
A return to Atlantis. The lost city has defined Nina Wilde's life. Her parents' obsession with Atlantis cost them their lives, but finding it brought Nina to her husband, Eddie Chase, and a series of archaeological treasures. A decade later the International Heritage Agency needs their help to locate the Secret Codex, an account of ancient Atlantean explorer Talonor's journeys, thought to be located in the dangerous underwater ruins of Atlantis.
It is a secret the Chinese government has been keeping for 40 years. They have found a species of animal no one believed even existed. It will amaze the world.
Now the Chinese are ready to unveil their astonishing discovery within the greatest zoo ever constructed. A small group of VIPs and journalists has been brought to the zoo deep within China to see its fabulous creatures for the first time. Among them is Dr Cassandra Jane 'CJ' Cameron, a writer for National Geographic and an expert on reptiles.The visitors are assured by their Chinese hosts that they will be struck with wonder at these beasts, that they are perfectly safe, and that nothing can go wrong...
Get ready for action on a gigantic scale!
What made the experience of listening to The Great Zoo of China the most enjoyable?
If possible, this novel has bigger action sequences than any of Reilly's previous novels. The links to 'Jurassic Park' are obvious (Reilly himself admits that comparisons were inevitable in the interview at the end of the audiobook). However, these links do not detract from the novel. Rather, they add to the enjoyment because it's fun to see how Reilly adapted a tale about dinosaurs to one about dragons.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Great Zoo of China?
Perhaps the moment at which the master dragons are freed and then burn some of the other masters. A real sense of rivalry and deadliness between the different dragons.
Have you listened to any of Sean Mangan’s other performances? How does this one compare?
I've listened to lots of Matthew Reilly's books narrated by Mr Mangan and I have to say that he does a superb job of narrating action sequences at just the right pace and intensity.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I loved the moment when CJ discovered that the dragons could speak and that she could communicate with some of them. It was wonderful to see how her relationship developed with the friendly dragon.
Any additional comments?
I know some readers may well be put off by the sheer apparent silliness of the story. I initially felt that way, too. However, give the story a fair chance and you'll be hooked.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Classuc matthew Reilly, almost carried on reading through the night.
Who was your favorite character and why?
CJ, real problem solver.
What does Sean Mangan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
I felt he could have been just that little bit sharper. But then I used to be a very fast reder.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Startling, staggering but what an opportuniy. I look forward to the sequel/
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Would you listen to The Great Zoo of China again? Why?
Yes... a great story and a brillaint adventure
What did you like best about this story?
the action from start to finish
Which scene did you most enjoy?
the escaping from the dragons and helping stopping the dragons escaping
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
a rollor coaster of ride, from the depths of dispar to the hights of love between two people
Any additional comments?
a brillant book by Mathew Reilly cannot wait to read the new CJ book
if you love the ridiculousness of Indians Jones combined with the action of James Bond, then I would definitely recommend this book. Nothing too deep, but a fast paved plot with l twists to keep it exciting.
I like Sean Mangan's reading of this book. Be prepared for the story to be incredibly unrealistic though!
This is a fast moving, can't put it down adventure. It's about dragons who are totally believable.
This is a thriller, a very successful thriller, but not my usual type of book. The whole concept of a huge zoo, in a man made landscape, with mythical creatures brought to life from thousands of years ago, is convincingly developed. Yes, it's reminiscent of 'Jurassic Park', but more ambitious, bigger in vision, with a serious comment on China's amazing growth and appetite, and grounded in detail. I think it would make a striking film, or maybe even better, radio play. The descriptions are well done and while only the character of the main protagonist is explored and given a back story, the others are brought to life by the excellent narration. Yes, it's all hokum, but the plotting, detail and imagination of the author make us suspend disbelief and sit back and enjoy the ride.
The parts that grabbed me most were not the amazing escapes but the accounts of animal biology and psychology... It was fascinating to have a glimpse into the workings of a major predator's way of seeing. I shall certainly listen to it again.
If you like the authors other works you will love this, fast pace, action, imaginative. A dig rent feel to the 2 other series a bit not like contest but love how different it is.
Took me to another world for a bit so I'm happy :)
Great story, great hero, another classic book by Matthew Reilly.
If you've never listened / read any of his books try this one you won't be disappointed at all
Matthew Reilly back on form. None stop action from beginning to end. When I started reading this I couldn't put it down.
Matthew has done it again! What a fast paced book I was not expecting what the story was about (no spoilers) I love Sean Mangan's narration of his books he does them so well.
What a roller coaster of a ride and a new heroine to boot.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the first book I have read from this author, it will not be the last. There is action from go to whoa, I just had to keep listening. From page one I was hooked, and listened far into the night. the action is wild and the timing well done, at times I found myself holding my breath. I noticed that This Narrator is used for all Mathew Reilly's books, which can only make them better, if that is possible. So if you like action and suspense, this is going to be the book to read,.I have since downloaded two more of his books, which I will review when I read them, so go onto the site and start downloading folks.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The narrator gave such an even keeled performance throughout this book that I think I missed most of the action scenes! I usually really enjoy Matthew Reilly, and I this time I may have to read the paper edition myself to give the book the emphasis it deserves.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?
Kids
You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?
None stop action but a done before story
Any additional comments?
Will not put me off Matthew Reilly as I have read others that I have loved
What disappointed you about The Great Zoo of China?
Apart from the blatant lifting of story lines from Crichton's novels, I found the never-ending cliffhangers very tiresome. Reilly used the overly dramatic transitions too liberally. The overall effect was to make me feel exhausted just listening to it. In addition, this novel - minus the odd "motherf***er" and descriptive violence - was more suited to a younger audience.
What was most disappointing about Matthew Reilly’s story?
The lack of originality and over-dependence on cliffhangers made Zoo less memorable for me. I've enjoyed all of his other work.
Which character – as performed by Sean Mangan – was your favorite?
Mangan has a beautiful reading style, but even he couldn't bring life to the trite characterizations. None were appealing to me.
What character would you cut from The Great Zoo of China?
See above.
Any additional comments?
Market this to a younger audience with some editing.
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
A believable story line and some credible characters
What do you think your next listen will be?
Going by this story, anything but a Matthew Reilly novel
Would you listen to another book narrated by Sean Mangan?
Yes...he provided a workman like performance for someone who didn't write the story
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Great Zoo of China?
All of them...an unbelievable story set in an unbelievable location populated by unbelievable characters
Any additional comments?
Bull is doing well....along with the tomatoe and vegetable patch it services
A Action packed listen/book. Easy read and to follow. I enjoy he's work and would recommend this to any one.
All his work is captivating, fast and extremely entertaining. I'd love to see these all as movies, in the meantime I'm happy and always looking forward to the next one..
I had my reservations and was wary about the comparisons to Jurassic Park.
I enjoyed the story, non-stop action from start to finish which is to be expected when picking up a Matthew Reilly book.
The Great Zoo of China is fast, action packed and full of dragons. Big scary dragons that eat people. The storyline is not too good, but the book is an easy fun read. Sean Mangan does a reasonable job with the narration. Probably not Matthew Reilly's best work but enjoyable anyway. Definitely not a fantastic dragon tale for children though.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful